Waimana


Waimana is a rural valley in the Whakatane District and Bay of Plenty Region of New Zealand's North Island. It is located in the northern Urewera. Waimana River, originally known as Tauranga River, runs through the valley, joining the Ohinemataroa River one kilometre south-west of the Tāneatua.

History and culture

European settlement

The Waimana settlement is based around a wide, straight main road, dating back to its heyday before motor vehicles were introduced and goods roads were opened to other towns.
The Waimana-Nukuhou North Memorial Hall was opened on the main road in 1953. A plaque above the fireplace in the hall lists two local men who died in World War I and 17 local men in World War II. A display board near the fireplace names the 12 local men who served in World War I, the 74 local men in served in World War II, and the 36 ex-servicemen who moved to the district after 1945.
A framed bronze plaque was erected at the entrance to the hall in 1964, commemorating "the original pioneers of the Waimana settlement from 2nd Sept 1907 to 28th Sept 1909” with a list of 27 names.
The Waimana Gorge Road was partially closed in early July 2019 after part of the road was blocked by a slip. It was completely closed in early August due to heavy rain. The slip was cleared and the road was fully reopened later that month.

Marae

The valley is the rohe of the Tuhoe people. It has several marae:
Waimana School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students in the main Waimama settlement, with a roll of as of.
Nukuhou North School, another co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students, is located north-east of the settlement, with a roll of.