Standing Guard

Vastness of the Rangitaiki Plains in the distance, the Whakatane river winding its way through the township nestled beneath the cliffs and this totem pole standing guard over the town and looking out towards the Pacific Ocean - my home.

Steeped in Maori tradition the site of the town has long been populated. Maori pa sites in the area date back to the first Polynesian settlements, about 1200 CE. According to Maori tradition Toi landed at Whakatane in search of his grandson, Whatonga. Failing to find Whatonga, he decided to settle in the locality and built a pa on the highest point of the headland now called Whakatane Heads overlooking the present town. Some 200 years later the Mataatua waka landed at Whakatane.  

A region rich in forestry and has some of New Zealand's best dairy farms, along with a large dairy processing plant located nearby at Edgecumbe. The fertile soil of the district supports a variety of horticultural activities including market gardens, apple and kiwifruit orchards and flower growing. Bottling water for export is an emerging industry.  

The district in the Bay of Plenty has a strong forestry industry with up to a third of the area planted in exotic forests with an average age of 18 years. The pulp and paper mills at Whakatane and Kawerau are big employers in the region. The close proximity of the Port of Tauranga, less than 100kms away, is an important factor.  

The Whakatane District has long been a popular holiday destination and tourism is an important growth industry. The population in parts of the district trebles in summer. White Island, an active volcano offshore is a world-renowned tourism attraction. Dolphin watching, deep-sea fishing, trout fishing, walking and tramping make the district an attractive destination for domestic and international tourists.

Another view of Whakatane can be seen here

Thanks for following our trip home, Mum and I have had an awesome time with my cousin S and aunt. Tomorrow we fly back to the South Island - we hope to return next year :)

Looking at the year ago thumbnail - my first school, its now been moved and saved, thank goodness, and a university will take its place - so pleased I got this photo last time :)

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