Kakaramea

At the heart of the community is Kākaramea School, a small co-educational primary school catering for Years 1–6, along with the historic Kākaramea Hall, which continues to host community events and activities.

The area has a rich history, including early Māori settlement and the establishment of Cameron’s Redoubt during the conflicts of the 1860s. Kākaramea later developed around farming and dairying, with its own dairy factory once operating in the district.

While amenities within the settlement are limited, Pātea is only a few minutes away, with Hāwera approximately 15–20 minutes by car, providing easy access to shopping, healthcare and other services.

History: The Pakeha history of Kakaramea has strong military roots. It was first settled as a garrison in 1865 by General Duncan Cameron and 150 soldiers during the Taranaki War. The redoubt was situated where the Kakaramea School house now stands on the elevated land opposite the hall. By 1866 the township had been surveyed into military grants sections.

Pariroa Pa on Pariroa Rd at Kakaramea was founded in 1894 by Tutange Waionui, who fought alongside Titokowaru in the Taranaki War. He is believed to have fired the bullet that killed Prussian mercenary Major Gustavus von Tempsky at Te Ngutu o te Manu in 1868.

In 2003, Ngati Ruanui received a government apology and compensation for the loss of lives and land during and after the Taranaki War.