Kawerau City Council
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About Kawerau
Kawerau, New Zealand is a small town located in the Bay of Plenty region of the North Island. It is the only town in the Kawerau District and is renowned for its stunning natural scenery, including the nearby Tarawera Falls. The town is also home to the world's largest tree-climbing competition, the Kawerau King of the Trees. Kawerau is a great place to explore the outdoors, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and other recreational activities. The town also offers a range of cultural attractions, such as the Kawerau Museum, which showcases the history of the local iwi (Maori tribe), and the Kawerau Art Gallery, which features contemporary Maori art. With its unique cultural heritage and stunning natural surroundings, Kawerau is a great place to visit in New Zealand.
The Municipal Structure of Kawerau
The City Council of Kawerau, New Zealand is a unique municipal structure that is made up of a Mayor and seven Councillors. The Mayor is elected by the people of Kawerau and the Councillors are elected from six wards. The Council works to provide quality services and facilities for the community, and is responsible for making decisions on local issues. They are also responsible for setting the city's budget and approving the city's long-term plans. The Council meets regularly to discuss and decide on local matters, and to make sure that the city is well-run and that the people of Kawerau are well served.
Why is "Kawerau" called "Kawerau"?
Kawerau, New Zealand is named after the Māori chief Te Rangi-i-hau-kai-taua of the Ngati Awa iwi. Te Rangi-i-hau-kai-taua was the founder of the Kawerau tribe and the settlement was named after him. The name Kawerau itself is derived from the Māori phrase 'Kawerau-a-Maki', which translates to 'the place of Maki'. Maki was the legendary ancestor of the Ngati Awa tribe. The name was chosen to honor Te Rangi-i-hau-kai-taua and to recognize the important role of the Ngati Awa tribe in the area's history.