Karaka, New Zealand

Karaka is a small rural area in the south of Auckland, New Zealand. Formerly part of Franklin District and under the authority of the Franklin District Council, it is now part of Auckland Council (under the Franklin Local Board[1]) following the amalgamation of the Auckland region's councils.

Karaka
Karaka
Coordinates: 37°6′S 174°52′E
CountryNew Zealand
RegionAuckland
Territorial authorityAuckland Council
Local boardFranklin
Postcode
2120
Area code(s)09
Kingseat Hospital in neighbouring Kingseat.

To the west of Karaka is Kingseat, a small town where the former Kingseat Psychiatric Hospital was previously located. In 2005 the hospital was turned into a haunted attraction called Spookers.[2]

Economy

Karaka is now primarily a rural town associated with thoroughbred horse studs, dairy farming and sheep farming. Karaka is the location of the thoroughbred yearling sales at New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Sales Complex. Westbury Stud and Haunui Farm are both located in Karaka.[3]

Traditionally the economy of Karaka was dominated by agriculture. However, following the transition to lifestyle blocks, the majority of residents now commute to urban Auckland for employment.

The Karaka Sports Park provides a local sports ground as well as bar and kitchen facilities. there are also a few small restaurants in the area. The Pukekohe Golf Club is located within the Karaka area bordering Pukekohe.

Marae

The Whātāpaka Marae and its meeting house, named Tamaoho, is a traditional meeting ground for local Māori. Three Waikato Tainui hapū are associated with the marae, primarily Ngāti Tamaoho, and secondarily Ngāi Tai and Ngāti Koheriki.[4][5]

Education

Three public primary schools are located in Karaka: Karaka School,[6] Hingaia Peninsula School, and Te Hihi School.[7] There is also a private coeducational secondary school, Strathallan.[8]

Public secondary education is provided in the nearby towns of Papakura and Pukekohe.

References
  1. "Franklin Local Board". Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  2. House of horrors at former hospital - Hospitals - NZ Herald News Retrieved December 2011
  3. Karaka, New Zealand tourism.net.nz Retrieved December 2011
  4. "Whātāpaka". Māori Maps. Te Potiki National Trust. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  5. "Ngāti Tamaoho: hapū and marae". Te Kāhui Māngai. Te Puni Kōkiri. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  6. "Karaka School". Archived from the original on 18 March 2013. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  7. "Te Hihi School". Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  8. "ACG Strathallan". Archived from the original on 22 February 2013. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
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