Karamea - Knowledge (XXG)

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a direct exit from the Karamea River to the sea. From December 2010, the combined opening migrated south. Between 2013 and 2015, the channel moved further south by over 2 kilometres (1.2 mi). In 2016, the channel was 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) south of the most direct route from the river to the sea. This southern location of the channel increases the risk of flooding in some areas of Karamea. A report to the West Coast Regional Council in 2016 recommended mechanical excavation of a breach channel to allow the next major flood to cut a new direct route to the sea, and mitigate the flood risk. Breach channels were constructed at the north end of the spit and a direct path was opened to the sea in 2017. The Regional Council cautioned that further interventions could be required in future to keep the outlet in a northern location.

36: 400:, but in October of that year, around 250 adults arrived in Nelson seeking work, and another shipload of immigrants was on the way. There was insufficient work available to employ all these immigrants, and the province turned again to Special Settlement Areas as a solution. Karamea was chosen as a site for a Special Settlement Area partly because the area was already known from a gold rush 7 years earlier, but also that it had a harbour, and there were steamers passing regularly along the coast. By November 1874, a block of land of 4,000 acres (1,600 ha) had been reserved on the south side of the 647:

Relocation to a new site was proposed. In October 1936 there was a further major flood that entered 40 houses in Karamea and Market Cross. In September 1937, a large flood led to the river breaking through to the sea at the location of the old river mouth, cutting a new channel that greatly reduced the flood risk to the town and enabled the entry of vessels at high tide. Further river protection works were installed between 1938 and 1940, and these successfully defended the township during a heavy flood in the river in February 1940.

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a greatly increased risk of flooding in the townships of Karamea and Market Cross. On 30 December 1929 there was heavy damage in Karamea and Arapito from a sudden flood attributed to the breach of a dam created during the earthquake. In April 1931, floodwaters entered most of the homes around Market Cross, and some in the Karamea township. In August 1931, the settlers were given access to relief funding from the West Coast Earthquake Relief Fund for the damage caused by these floods.

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factory near the site of the 1893 plant. A newly formed Karamea Co-operative Dairy Company was established in 1911, to purchase the Curtin's factory. The new company received its first cream for processing on 20 September 1911. Approximately 40 tonnes was produced in the first year. There was no road out of Karamea at the time, so all the production had to be shipped on vessels that were capable of crossing the Karamea bar.

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the first year after the immigrants arrived. The allotments of land would be between forty and two hundred acres to each head of family, and be open to those already in the Colony, as well as new immigrants. The Nelson Special Settlements Act was passed on 25 October 1872, to allow the scheme to proceed, but there were disputes with central government about allowing the scheme to extend to those already resident.

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on the Karamea Bar, the Westport vicar Rev Dart held services. He suggested locals might like to acquire a memorial, such as an organ, but the people of Karamea organised the construction of a church, taking three months and costing £69. The Holy Trinity Church was dedicated on 24 June 1908, and has stayed an interdenonominational community church ever since.

1201:. There were 381 households, comprising 393 males and 324 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.21 males per female. The median age was 53.3 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 99 people (13.9%) aged under 15 years, 60 (8.4%) aged 15 to 29, 378 (52.9%) aged 30 to 64, and 177 (24.8%) aged 65 or older. 2831: 1424:

Until 1908 there was no church in Karamea; services were conducted in private homes, and a minister would visit from Westport or Mokihinui, often having to take an arduous coastal route along beaches and rocks. After the death by drowning in August 1906 of the crew of the Rangi while taking soundings

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Survey records since 1912 indicate that there have been either single or double openings to the sea from the Ōtūmahana Estuary, and that these openings have migrated over 4.5 kilometres (2.8 mi) of shoreline since records began. Between 2008 and 2010, the two openings merged at a location giving

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The Murchison earthquake on 17 June 1929 led to debris blocking the existing mouth of the Karamea River, and a new outlet to the sea formed from the Ōtūmahana lagoon around 1.6 kilometres (0.99 mi) to the south of the existing outlet. Deposits of silt raised the level of the river bed and led to

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In October 1875, using labour from the settlers, work began on creating an inland track over the hills between Little Wanganui and Mohikinui to bypass the difficult and dangerous coastal track. The road to Karamea over the hilly section (known as the Karamea bluffs) north of Mokihinui, was not opened

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Dairy farming in the area began with the opening of the first Karamea Co-operative Dairy Company in 1893. This company struggled with payouts to farmers less than expectations and the venture was wound up in March 1897. There was no further progress until 1906, when J Curtin & Co opened a butter

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investigated the use of Special Settlement Areas as a way of developing remote parts of the province, and attracting immigrants. The conditions to be offered to immigrants included the offer of land on deferred payment terms, and the opportunity of partial employment by the Provincial Government for

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Of those at least 15 years old, 30 (9.9%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 78 (25.7%) people had no formal qualifications. 27 people (8.9%) earned over $ 70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 114 (37.6%) people were employed full-time,

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in the settlement, and it was necessary for serum to be delivered by air. The earthquake caused the silting up of the harbour and cut the community's road link for about two years. The reconstruction of the road over the hilly section between Mokihinui and Little Wanganui required a workforce up to

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on 17 June 1929 caused severe damage in the Karamea area, with all roads in the district closed and nearly all bridges damaged. Houses were badly damaged, with no chimneys left standing, and some houses burnt down. The wharf and wharf sheds were also badly damaged. The road from Westport to Karamea

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Karamea Area School is a coeducational composite school (years 1–13), with a roll of 87 as of August 2024. The Ministry of Education classifies the school amongst the four most isolated schools in the country. The school celebrated 125 years of settlement and schooling in 2000. A rebuild costing $

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In July 2020, the West Coast Regional council secured funding to support Clean Streams Karamea, a locally based not-for-profit environmental group. The funding will enable the raising and planting of 315,000 trees along 80 kilometres (50 mi) of riparian margins of waterways through farms. The

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There is a history of the river causing flooding in the township. In 1899, a large flood swept away a new bridge across the river and caused damage to settlers homes, farms and crops. Another major flood caused serious damage in January 1915, inundating the main street and the majority of houses.

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There are two main areas of residential accommodation and businesses on the north side of the Karamea River. These are Market Cross and the settlement of Karamea itself. These two locations are around 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) apart. On the south side of the river, and 3 kilometres (1.9 mi)

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Of those at least 15 years old, 54 (8.8%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 165 (26.8%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $ 19,900, compared with $ 31,800 nationally. 48 people (7.8%) earned over $ 70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of

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did not permit mountain biking in National Parks, other than on formed roads. Lobbying activities to allow the return of mountain biking on the Heaphy Track continued through until 2011, when a three-year trial began. The trial permitted mountain biking during the winter season from 1 May to 30

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Over the next few years, stop banks and training walls were constructed on the north side of the river to help mitigate the flood risk to the town. In May 1936 the Karamea School Committee notified the Education Board of their concerns about the damage caused by repeated flooding of the school.

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is the site of an early Māori encampment dating back to perhaps 1380 AD, and there is evidence it was one of the few sites in the northwest South Island occupied by people for extended periods of time. There is significant evidence of stoneworking, including local pounamu as well as

1330:. Prior to the establishment of Kahurangi National Park in 1996, mountain biking was a popular activity on the Heaphy Track. In the final 12 months before the North West Nelson Forest Park became a National Park, around 2,000 mountain bikers completed the route. At the time, the 423:– flat boggy land with infertile, waterlogged soil high up on a terrace to the south of the Karamea River. Better land was found on the Karamea River flats below the terrace, but there were delays before this land was allocated. Women and children arrived in January 1875. 2820: 2342: 440:

was severely damaged by large landslides, and telephone lines were broken completely isolating the town. A party travelled on foot from Karamea to Westport to report the damage. The earthquake disrupted efforts underway at the time to control an outbreak of

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September. The mountain bike trial period ended in 2016 and mountain biking became a permanent option over the colder part of the year. Mountain biking the Heaphy Track is now allowed each year from 1 May to 30 November for groups not exceeding six riders.

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In 1935, the Karamea dairy factory was manufacturing 300 tonnes of butter annually. The industry slowly expanded, and milk powder was manufactured locally from the 1970s. Local processing eventually ceased, and milk is now transported by road tanker to

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Tourists visit Karamea all year round to enjoy the many scenic attractions in the region, including Kahurangi National Park. Tourism is a fast-growing segment of the local economy, and the region has been said to be "New Zealand's best-kept secret".

2795: 1088:. There were 204 households, comprising 195 males and 159 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.23 males per female, with 51 people (14.4%) aged under 15 years, 18 (5.1%) aged 15 to 29, 195 (55.1%) aged 30 to 64, and 99 (28.0%) aged 65 or older. 2331: 1250:

of $ 26.8m, with 199 jobs in 111 businesses. Dairy farming and tourism are the main economic drivers, and the service industry employs approximately a quarter of the workforce. Other former industries in the area include

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indicates that these middens are associated with occupation in the period AD 1400 to AD 1600. The evidence suggests that the site was used by Māori as a temporary stopping place on the route down the coast to collect

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Karamea township offers local services including a general store, supermarket, petrol pumps, information centre, cafe, hotel, camping ground, motels, backpackers, art & craft shop, and a community library.

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estuary with an area of approximately 400 hectares (990 acres). This type of environment is vulnerable and is nationally uncommon. The estuary is an important feeding and breeding area for birds and fish.

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There is a large estuary known as Ōtūmahana, at the mouth of the Karamea River. This estuary is also the mouth of Baker Creek and Granite Creek. The combined river mouths have formed a shallow mudflat and

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The settlers at Karamea were mostly immigrants from four ships that arrived at Nelson between August 1874 and February 1875. The first settlers to arrive in Karamea were landed from the steamer

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In 2020, it was reported that there had been a significant increase in the local population, with increasing demand for housing, and an increase in the roll at Karamea Area School.

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Karamea statistical area covers 3,129.18 km (1,208.18 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 860 as of June 2023, with a population density of 0.27 people per km.

621:, and was unveiled on 22 February 2020. It depicts the ancestor Te Maia who rode an eagle he raised from a chick. It was cast in bronze by Gillie and Marc and is 300 cm high. 1413:

is a small museum opened in 1974. The museum collections include photographs and exhibits on the local industries of sawmilling, dairying, gold mining, flax milling and shipping.

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The Karamea River has a catchment area, including its tributaries, of 1,210 km (470 sq mi), representing around 23% of the entire area of Kahurangi National Park.

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in its Regional Land and Water Plan. A small specially protected area of wetland known as Ōtūmahana Reserve was established at the south-east corner of the estuary in 1983.

404:, and in April 1875 a further 1,667 acres (675 ha) was reserved on the north side of the Karamea River . The planning of the settlement was placed under the control of 273:. The town consists of two small settlements, Market Cross and Karamea proper, located about 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) apart. Up the Karamea River are the farming areas of 3149: 4275: 3317: 3552: 1638: 2949: 3936: 1255:, possum control, fishing, and fine furniture production. Horticultural tomato growers and a plant nursery also provide income. Fruit grown in the area includes 1013:

Karamea town covers 66.08 km (25.51 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 410 as of June 2023, with a population density of 6.2 people per km.

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is a small dairy farming village located 17 kilometres (11 mi) south of Karamea. It has a surfing beach and a river popular for whitebaiting and fishing.

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rooms. It expanded to occupy the whole building in the mid 1990s, and now operates as an entirely volunteer-run library with approximately 50 subscriptions.

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400 men at times. Small coastal vessels were used to transport people and supplies between Westport and the Karamea harbour while the road was rebuilt.

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of New Zealand. It is the northernmost settlement of any real size on the West Coast, and is located 96 kilometres (60 mi) northeast by road from

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or hōkioi was erected in Karamea in 2020. The initiative was a joint undertaking of the Karamea Estuary Enhancement Project and local iwi

3414: 3002: 1435: 519:. Apart from a narrow coastal strip, the town of Karamea and its local area are completely surrounded to the south, east and north by 258:. Apart from a narrow coastal strip, the town of Karamea and its local area are completely surrounded to the south, east and north by 3212: 2457: 1497: 1238:

those at least 15 was that 219 (35.6%) people were employed full-time, 126 (20.5%) were part-time, and 27 (4.4%) were unemployed.

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Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 65.1% had no religion, 21.8% were

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Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 61.9% had no religion, 24.6% were

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Karamea is a gateway to the Kahurangi National Park, and provides a base for visitors coming to walk or mountain bike the

3996: 2279: 2159: 2129: 1668: 1459:(1849–1926), dressmaker, draper and businesswoman, lived in Karamea 1874–1878 and started her dressmaking business there 1391: 2375: 1810: 1370:

flies from Karamea to from Wellington, Takaka and Nelson. There is also a helicopter charter service at the aerodrome.

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via a special purpose road funding category, but the agency signalled that this funding category could end by 2024.

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Prior to 1874, the Nelson Province had not been significantly involved in the immigration schemes organised by the

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and Ngāti Waewae. The hōkioi represents the spiritual guardian of the estuary. The statue is called

580: 1544:"Subnational population estimates (TA, SA2), by age and sex, at 30 June 1996-2023 (2023 boundaries)" 1526:"Subnational population estimates (RC, SA2), by age and sex, at 30 June 1996-2023 (2023 boundaries)" 1378: 4036: 3820: 3795: 3123: 1974: 1307: 594: 4011: 2512: 2301: 1922: 1299: 547: 453: 289: 4167: 4082: 3961: 3744: 3739: 2537: 2482: 1952: 1892: 1862: 341: 3076:

Karamea : the West Coast's 'best kept secret' : gateway to the Kahurangi National Park

2709: 2687: 2627: 2597: 2567: 2069: 2004: 1832: 2731: 2657: 2332:"Regional Land and Water Plan: Schedule 1 and 2: Significant Wetlands of the West Coast Region" 2211: 4223: 4102: 4006: 3956: 3921: 3585: 2044: 1725: 1472: 1416: 1363: 1231: 405: 321: 305: 182: 127: 3410: 2994: 4265: 4157: 3759: 3593: 3441: 2767: 2052: 1785: 1777: 1769: 1401: 1326:

Karamea provides a base for transport and accommodation for visitors coming to the area for

610: 602: 584: 201: 4218: 4192: 4162: 4127: 4122: 3981: 3971: 3926: 3805: 3679: 1471:(1945/46–present) Member of Parliament from 1996 to 2002, former President of New Zealand 1450: 1395: 1327: 1292: 553: 511:, a large bay formed by the curve of coastline for 100 kilometres (62 mi) north from 478: 389: 168: 106: 1434:

11m was underway in 2020. The project won the top award in the Education category in the

1209: 1096: 4137: 4041: 4026: 3876: 1456: 1453:(1943–present), archaeologist, was assistant principal of Karamea Area School 1968–1970 1367: 1348: 1288: 4259: 4177: 4072: 4031: 3976: 3966: 3911: 3861: 3856: 1468: 1315: 630: 512: 508: 500: 483: 401: 301: 266: 1597: 4182: 4097: 4087: 4046: 3946: 3941: 3916: 3719: 3395:

McNabb, Dulcie (25 August 2008). "Karamea War Memorial Library and Plunket Rooms".

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The percentage of people born overseas was 16.4, compared with 27.1% nationally.

3906: 3840: 3825: 2980: 1356: 1220:, and 3.4% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity. 1107:, and 3.4% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity. 380:

The first Europeans and Chinese would have been early gold-miners in the 1860s.

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some 20 kilometres (12 mi) from Karamea, at the southwestern end of the

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is near Little Wanganui, around 18 kilometres (11 mi) south of Karamea.

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The estuary is the third largest tidal estuary on the West Coast, after

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is around 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) north of the centre of Karamea.

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imported from elsewhere in Aotearoa. The significance of the site to

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Karamea Co-operative Dairy Company Limited, Golden Jubilee 1911-1961

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Karamea Co-operative Dairy Company Limited, Golden Jubilee 1911-1961

2884:. Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. 7023579, 7023582 and 7023583. 1773: 3641:

Article on the settlement of Karamea and its history, pub. in the

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Karamea: A Story of Success. Karamea District Centennial 1874–1974

3366:"Inquiry launched into chopper crash at holiday resort in Karamea" 3127: 1415: 1400: 1377: 593: 532: 477: 452: 366: 278: 1394:

was opened in 1954 and for decades shared its building with the

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Climate data for Arapito, 3 m (4km SE of Karamea)(1991–2020)

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Karamea is 96 kilometres (60 mi) north of Westport on

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Karamea is 96 kilometres (60 mi) north of Westport on

3545:"Winners: Nelson and Marlborough Architecture Awards 2023" 2742: