Our History

Maramarua History

Maramarua is a small village located in the middle of everywhere. It lies on State Highway Two – connecting Auckland to Tauranga and the Coromandel – and in the northern reaches of the Waikato District. If you tell someone you come from Maramarua, the general response is, “Where’s that?”, until you remind them of our local icons; The Red Fox Tavern, The Pink Pig Cafe and the Maramarua Golf Course, which most people seem to know.

There is some confusion over where the name ‘Maramarua’ comes from. One legend tells of a Maaori chief, who visited the lake (which no longer exists) one night. He saw a secondary moon reflected on the lake’s calm, crystal water. Startled, he shouted “Maramarua!” Hence the name of the location became famous for its two moons: Marama – moon, Rua – two.

A second legend tells of two old Maaori Chieftains called Mara, who were brothers. These men were much loved by their people and when they died, the place where they had lived was called Maramarua in their memory.

Waikarakia was the major Maaori settlement in the area, with the direct descendants of Tamatira Totaia who came from Omahu, near Thames.

Descendants of this family still live in the area and their ancestors are buried at the Waikarakia Cemetery, a registered family burial ground.

The first European settlers came to Maramarua in approximately 1869 and named the area Bridgewater, a name which only lasted a few years. Families were encouraged into the area and over the years Maramarua and the surrounding districts grew. The telephone was connected to the area in 1917 and the power in 1933.The main road was upgraded and the school, post office, community hall and Plunket rooms were established. Tea rooms and a butchery also serviced the local people.

trees nature
coromandel auckland road signage
aerial view fields

Three local industries have been the backbone of Maramarua. Coal mining and farming were established in the early 1870s, and the Maramarua Forest was planted in 1927 which led to the Maramarua Mill opening in the early 1950s. These industries have, to a large extent, dictated the highs and lows of the population of Maramarua as whole villages were created to house the many workers. In 2011 mining and farming continue in the area, joined by a diverse range of other industries including piggeries, poultry farms, cafes, transport haulage, explosives, vets, service stations, quarries, orchards, clothing manufacturing, drilling, apiary and our iconic tavern.

Maramarua is a strong community with a wide range of clubs and associations. The Lions and Women’s Institute both have a strong presence. The community is well looked after with the Maramarua Volunteer Rural Fire Force and St John First Response Unit, both based by the Community Hall. Maramarua School provides a focus point for the community and is supported by the Maramarua-Kopuku Playcentre.

Sport is also well represented by the rugby club, golf club, squash club, karate, indoor bowls and teams and individuals representing and playing hockey, netball, horse riding, rowing, cycling and using the gym based at the Rugby Club.
The Maramarua Forest regularly hosts car rallies and moto-cross rides.

Maramarua is also well known for the hunt, which started in 1932. The Maramarua Opening Hunt is still a renowned event on the hunting calendar, providing another iconic event for our village.

Maramarua really is in the middle of everywhere. Living here it’s central to Hamilton and Auckland, Thames and Pukekohe, Te Kauwhata, Matamata and Kaiaua. It’s a wonderful little community that has a very caring heart. There’s something here for everyone, and our residents, both long term and more recent come together for the good of the area. We look forward to the future and watching our village continue to grow.

Compiled by M. Holtham 2011

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Gallery

Explore our gallery, showcasing iconic landmarks and heritage sites that reflect our community’s rich history. Each image tells a unique story of the people and events that shaped our identity.