Ngāruawāhia: Difference between revisions

|image_map = {{Infobox mapframe|zoom=9}}

|pushpin_map subdivision_type = Country

|pushpin_mapsizesubdivision_name1 = =[[Waikato]]

| subdivision_type subdivision_type2 = CountryDistrict

|seat_type = Electorates

|seat = {{ubl|[[Waikato (New Zealand electorate)|Waikato]]|[[Hauraki-Waikato]]}}

|established_title1 =

|established_date1 =

|area_magnitudearea_footnotes = <ref name="Area"/>

|area_water_km2population_as_of = {{NZ population data =2018|||y}}

'''Ngāruawāhia''' ({{IPA-mi|ŋaːɾʉaˈwaːhia}}) is a town in the [[Waikato]] region of the [[North Island]] of New Zealand. It is located {{convert|20|km}} north-west of [[Hamilton, New Zealand|Hamilton]] at the confluence of the [[Waikato River|Waikato]] and [[WaipaWaipā River]]s, adjacent to the [[Hakarimata Range]]. Ngāruawāhia laysis withinin the [[Hamilton Urban Area]], the fourth largest [[Urban areas of New Zealand|urban area]] in New Zealand. The location was once considered as a potential capital of New Zealand.<ref>[http://www.tourism.net.nz/new-zealand/about-new-zealand/regions/waikato/history.html Ngaruawahia – a small town with a big history]</ref>

The name ''Ngāruawāhia'' means "the opened food pits", which derives from a great feast in the 17th century.<ref name=":1" /> Te Ngaere, a Ngāti Tamainupō chief, and Heke-i-te-rangi, a [[Ngāti Maniapoto]] woman, had eloped and settled at Ngāruawāhia, causing a rift between their tribes. When their first child was born, Ngāti Maniapoto were invited to the celebration in an attempt to reconcile the tribes. Te Ngaere's father named the boy Te Mana-o-te-rangi in honour of Ngāti Maniapoto. Peace was established between the tribes, and Te Ngaere shouted "''Wāhia ngā rua''" (break open the food pits).<ref name=":1">Swarbrick, Nancy. "[http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/waikato-places/5 Waikato places – Ngāruawāhia]". ''Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand''. Updated 8 December 2011.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lgnz.co.nz/projects/SocialandCommunityIssues/HeritagePlanners/HPminutes18June2010-Appendix6.pdf |title=Heritage planners minutes |date=18 June 2010 |publisher=Waikato District Council |accessdateaccess-date=19 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130209015017/http://lgnz.co.nz/projects/SocialandCommunityIssues/HeritagePlanners/HPminutes18June2010-Appendix6.pdf |archivedatearchive-date=9 February 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://gorgeouswithattitude.blogspot.co.nz/2010/09/puke-i-aahua-pa-palisade-ngaaruaawahia.html#!/2010/09/puke-i-aahua-pa-palisade-ngaaruaawahia.html |title=Puke-i-aahua Pa Palisade, Ngaaruaawahia |first= |last= |access-date= |publisher=|accessdate=19 April 2012}}</ref>

A {{Convert|100|hp|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/AJHR1921-I-II.2.2.2.1/6|title=PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT BY THE HON. J. G. COATES, MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS. (Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1921-01-01)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-01}}</ref> gas power station<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1922/I/1355|title=Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives 1922 Session PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT BY THE HON. J. G. COATES, MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS.|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-01}}</ref> was built in Herschell St in 1913 by the Town Board for lighting. It used [[Glen Massey]] coal, which was converted to gas in a Cambridge Patent Gas Producer (many were used about this time in Australasia)<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article57734806|title="Cambridge" Gas Producer|date=1912-10-13|work=Sunday Times (Perth, WA : 1902 – 1954)|access-date=2017-07-16|pages=7}}</ref> and used to drive a 2-cylinder gas engine.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIGUS19140317.2.11|title=NGARUAWAHIA POWER STATION (Waikato Argus, 1914-03-17)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-01}}</ref> It closed in 1924.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1924/I/2343|title=PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT BY THE HON. J. G. COATES, MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS. (Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1924-01-01)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-06}}</ref> Much of the machinery was removed in 1950 and from 1954 the building was used as a scout hall.<ref name=":0"/>

Officers from the [[United States]] visited Ngāruawāhia during [[World War II]] and would share food at [[hāngihāngī]].<ref>[http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/media/photo/american-officer-and-tainui-kuia American officer and Tainui kuia] Retrieved 2016</ref> [[Queen Elizabeth II]] has visited Ngāruawāhia on two occasions (1953 & 1974).<ref>[http://ngaruawahia.com/about-ngaruawahia/history/1953-and-1974-queen-elizabeths-visits/ 1953 & 1974 – Queen Elizabeth’s Visits]</ref> On the latter occasion, then Māori Queen [[Te Atairangikaahu|Dame Te Ātairangikaahu]] and her husband [[Whatumoana Paki]] welcomed [[Queen Elizabeth II]] to the local [[marae]].<ref>[http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/media/photo/maori-and-english-queens-1974 Māori and English Queens, 1974]</ref> [[The Great Ngaruawahia Music Festival]] was held in 1973, and featured many music acts, including some that went on to become internationally famous such as [[Black Sabbath]] and [[Split Enz]].<ref>[http://ngaruawahia.com/about-ngaruawahia/history/1973-the-great-ngaruawahia-music-festival/ 1973 – The Great Ngaruawahia Music Festival]</ref> It was the first large outdoor music festival in New Zealand.

In 1980, Mayor Latta released a book about the history of the town titled 'Meeting of the Waters'.<ref name="Brief History">{{cite book|author=Mark Smith|title=Ngaruawahia 1980–2010 A Brief History|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=548wnQEACAAJ|accessdateaccess-date=9 October 2016|date=2012|publisher=Lions Club of Ngaruawahia Incorporated Charitable Trust|isbn=978-0-473-21930-7|page=}}</ref>

In 2008, Ngāruawāhia set a world record for the [[Haka|largest haka]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/3926864/Top-of-the-south-aims-for-largest-haka|author=|title=Top of the south aims for largest haka|work=[[The Nelson Mail]]|publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]|date=July 2010}}</ref> and by 2010 the town had its own community news.<ref name="Brief History" />

In May 2016, Heather du Plessis-Allan (an [[New Zealand Media and Entertainment|NZME]] broadcaster) claimed that the "town is rotting".<ref name="Town" /> The broadcaster later accepted a challenge to visit the town<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hamilton-news/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503366&objectid=11647475 |title=Heather du Plessis-Allan accepts challenge to visit Ngaruawahia|author=Belinda Feek|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|department=Hamilton News|date=May 2016}}</ref> and an article relating to the incident appeared on a ''[[Waikato Times]]'' front page.<ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/80605412/epic-front-page-prompts-heather-du-plessisallen-visit-to-ngaruawahia 'Epic front page' prompts Heather du Plessis-Allan visit to Ngaruawahia]</ref> According to [[Waikato District|Waikato District Mayor]] Allan Sanson, du Plessis-Allan "really upset locals".<ref>[http://www.newshub.co.nz/nznews/rotting-ngaruawahia-hits-back-at-heather-du-plessis-allan-2016053114#axzz4AGyHm96g 'Rotting' Ngaruawahia hits back at Heather du Plessis-Allan]</ref> In June 2016, local mayor Allan Sanson said du Plessis-Allan spent around three hours in the town, apologizing to residents.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/80643336/broadcaster-heather-du-plessisallan-gets-a-tour-of-rotting-ngaruawahia|title=Broadcaster Heather du Plessis-Allan gets a tour of 'rotting' Ngaruawahia|author=Nancy El-Gamel|publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]|date=June 2016}} Retrieved October 2016</ref>

As early as 1870 a public meeting called for a bridge,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DSC18701026.2.17|title=NEWCASTLE: PUBLIC MEETING. (Daily Southern Cross, 1870-10-26)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref> but a [[Cable ferry|punt]] continued to be the main means of crossing the river until the [[Ngaruawahia Railway Station#1877 road-rail bridge|road-rail bridge]] opened for traffic in 1876. So long as there were few trains, there was little complaint that gates closed 10 minutes before a train was due.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18910328.2.25|title=NGARUAWAHIA BRIDGE. (Waikato Times, 1891-03-28)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref> However, by the 1900s road<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19040627.2.67|title=NGARUAWAHIA RAILWAY BRIDGE. (New Zealand Herald, 1904-06-27)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref> and rail traffic was increasing, averaging 20 trains,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIGUS19101001.2.16|title=Ngaruawahia Traffic Bridge (Waikato Argus, 1910-10-01)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref> 275 pedestrians, 43 equestrians, 29 light vehicles, 18 milk carts, 6 wagons, and 55 stock a day in 1910.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19101001.2.38|title=THE NGARUAWAHIA BRIDGE. (New Zealand Herald, 1910-10-01)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref>

A survey for a road bridge was done in 1911.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/AJHR1911-I.2.3.2.1/4|title=PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT. BY THE HON. RODERICK McKENZIE, MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS. 16th OCTOBER, 1911. (Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref> Test borings for [[Deep foundation|piles]] were done in 1912.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?BU=http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/HeritageImages/index.htm&AC=QBE_QUERY&TN=heritageimages&QF0=ID&NP=2&MR=5&RF=HIORecordSearch&QI0==%22AWNS-19120919-15-4%22|title=THE NEED FOR A NEW TRAFFIC BRIDGE ACROSS THE WAIKATO RIVER: BORING FOR FOUNDATIONS AT NGARUAWAHIA.|last=|first=|date=19 September 1912|website=www.aucklandcity.govt.nz|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref> The Ngāruawāhia Town Board and Waikato, Waipa, and [[Waikato District#Raglan County Council|Raglan County Councils]] agreed to share the cost in 1914.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19140731.2.72|title=NGARUAWAHIA BRIDGE. (New Zealand Herald, 1914-07-31)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref> The State Advances office lent £2,500 for the bridge in 1915.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Waikato County 1876–1976|last=More|first=David|year=1976|publisher=Wilson & Horton Ltd|year=|isbn=086864000X|location=|pages=}}</ref> Wartime shortages caused further delays, but by 1917 the new bridge was taking shape.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?BU=http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/HeritageImages/index.htm&AC=QBE_QUERY&TN=heritageimages&QF0=ID&NP=2&MR=5&RF=HIORecordSearch&QI0==%22AWNS-19171004-35-4%22|title=commencing the erection of a new bridge at Ngaruawahia|last=Auckland Weekly News|date=4 October 1917|website=www.aucklandcity.govt.nz|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref> Further delay occurred when additional piles had to be driven.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1918/I-II/1050|title=Public Works Statement, By The Hon. Sir William Fraser, Kt. Bach., Minister of Public Works. 1 January 1918|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref> The Minister reported the work well in hand in 1919,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/AJHR1919-I.2.1.5.1/2|title=Public Works Statement. By the Hon. Sir William Fraser, Kt. Bach., Minister of Public Works 1 JANUARY 1919|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref> but then a temporary bridge, used in construction, was hit by a steamer.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19190530.2.94.6|title=DAMAGE TO BRIDGE. (New Zealand Herald, 1919-05-30)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref> Work got under way again,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19191027.2.3|title=ENGINEERS IN HAMILTON (Waikato Times, 1919-10-27)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref> £3,000 was in the Public Works Estimates<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19201023.2.10|title=PUBLIC WORKS ESTIMATES (Waikato Times, 1920-10-23)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref> and the bridge was reported complete in 1920, except for its approaches.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1920/I/1273|title=Parliamentary Papers – Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives 1920|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref> The bridge opened in 1921<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19210722.2.83|title=NGARUAWAHIA BOROUGH (Waikato Times, 1921-07-22)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref> and, on 28 July 1921, was officially opened by the Minister of Public Works, [[Gordon Coates|J. G. Coates]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19210729.2.87|title=NGARUAWAHIA BRIDGE (Waikato Times, 1921-07-29)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref> It was {{Convert|12|ft|abbr=on}} wide<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=Meeting of the Waters|last=Latta|first=A. M.|publisher=|year=1980|isbn=|location=|pages=}}</ref> and {{Convert|436|ft|abbr=on}} long, made up of 3 x {{Convert|123|ft|abbr=on}}, a {{Convert|43|ft|abbr=on}} and a {{Convert|20|ft|abbr=on}} span. Two piers were in the river on {{Convert|6|ft|abbr=on}} concrete cylinders sunk {{Convert|37|ft|abbr=on}} below normal water-level. The others were [[reinforced concrete]] on concrete piling and the deck and trusses of Australian hardwood.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1921/I-II/1345|title=Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives 1921|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref>

Complaints had been made about a single-lane bridge since before it was built,<ref name=":0" /> so, when the new NIMT bridge was built, the Main Highways Board leased the old one and added decking.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19310513.2.103|title=BRIDGE AT NGARUAWAHIA. (New Zealand Herald, 1931-05-13)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref> The conversion was completed in early November 1931,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19311030.2.105|title=MAIN HIGHWAYS BOARD. (New Zealand Herald, 1931-10-30)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19311112.2.138|title=WAIKATO COUNTY. (New Zealand Herald, 1931-11-12)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref> allowing 2-way traffic.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1932/I-II/1860|title=Public Works Statement (By The Hon. C. E. Macmillan, Acting Minister of Public Works). 1 January 1932|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref> Single lane traffic was reinstated for a few months in 1936 to allow a {{Convert|40|ft|abbr=on}} truss on the 1921 bridge to be replaced.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19360403.2.52|title=NGARUAWAHIA BRIDGE (New Zealand Herald, 1936-04-03)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref> Traffic was still increasing. In 1935 traffic between Ohinewai and Ngāruawāhia averaged 660 vehicles a day. By 1938 it had risen to 1,329.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1938/I/1521|title=Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives – 1938 Public Works Statement (By The Hon. R. Semple, Minister of Public Works).|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref>

On 13 March 1953 a contract was let for a new steel truss bridge.<ref name=":0" /> An April 1955 photo shows two piers in the river.{{Efn-lr|group=1956bridge|name=apr55|"[https://natlib.govt.nz/records/23529362 Ngaruawahia, Waikato, view south to town at the confluence of the Waikato River with the Domain and bridge with Great South Road, and WaipaWaipā River with Waingar Road Bridge beyond]".}} On 20 August 1955 the centre span was placed<ref name=":0" /> and a 1955 photo shows the bridge almost finished.{{Efn-lr|group=1956bridge|name=br55|"[https://natlib.govt.nz/records/30116344 Ngaruawahia road and rail bridges under construction over the Waikato River, Waikato Region]".}} The first car drove over the bridge on 19 October 1956.<ref name=":0" /> By 2008 17,392 vehicles a day were crossing the bridge.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.trafficcounts.co.nz/|title=www.trafficcounts.co.nz|last=|first=|date=|website=|access-date=2017-07-17}}</ref> No more recent counts have been published, but, after the opening of the [[Waikato Expressway#History|Taupiri link]] in 2013,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nzta.govt.nz/assets/projects/ngaruawahia/docs/ngaruawahia-update-201009.pdf|title=Waikato Expressway – Ngaruawahia Section Update – September 2010|last=|first=|date=|website=NZTA|access-date=}}</ref> traffic on the Great South Rd in Ngāruawāhia, was 12,467 in 2015, suggesting that traffic on the bridge has been reduced by about 5,000 vehicles a day.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wdcsitefinity.blob.core.windows.net/sitefinity-storage/docs/default-source/services-and-facilities/roading/traffic-and-loading-_all-roads-nov16_c35bc96a-3ff2-4b21-a744-8f75f59f321a.pdf?sfvrsn=6|title=RAMM Traffic and Loading – GREAT SOUTH RD between ELLERY ST and GALILEO ST|last=|first=|date=November 2016|website=Waikato DC|access-date=}}</ref>

Ngāruawāhia is home to the [[Māori King Movement|Kīngitanga]].<ref name="Town">{{cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/80518848/ngaruawahia-residents-riled-at-columnists-town-is-rotting-comments|title=Ngaruawahia residents riled at columnist's 'town is rotting' comments|publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]]|author=Phillipa Yalden }} Retrieved October 2016</ref> The first Māori King, [[Pōtatau Te Wherowhero]], was crowned at Ngāruawāhia in 1858 and was living there when he died two years later. The current Māori KingQueen is [[TūheitiaNgā PakiWai Hono i te Pō]]; heshe obtained the throne at [[Tūrangawaewae|Tūrangawaewae Marae]] immediately following histhe mother'sdeath passingof her father in 20062024.<ref name="WaikatoRiver" /><ref name="New King">{{cite web news| title first=Tuheitia new Maori king Florence| agency last=Kerr|title=[[New ZealandMāori Pressmonarch Association]]named: |Queen workNgā =[[TheWai Newhono Zealandi Herald]]te | date =August 2006po Paki| url =httphttps://mwww.nzheraldstuff.co.nz/maorinz-queennews/news350404098/article.cfm?c_id=1501103&objectid=10397245 | accessnew-date =10 November 2016 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20161111070321/http://m.nzherald.co.nz/maori-monarch-named-queen/news/article.cfm?c_id-nga-wai-hono-i-te-po-paki|work=1501103&objectid=10397245 Stuff| archive-date =115 November 2016September 2024| urlaccess-statusdate=5 =deadSeptember 2024}}</ref>

A local gang is Tribal Huk, who have been seen as heroes by the community for providing lunches to schoolchildren in Ngāruawāhia, [[Hamilton, New Zealand|Hamilton]] and [[Huntly, New Zealand|Huntly]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/opinion/85385414/tribal-huk-members-show-they-are-good-neighbours-in-ngaruawahia|title=Tribal Huk members show they are good neighbours in Ngaruawahia|date=October 2016|work=[[Waikato Times]]|publisher=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |location= |accessdate=}}</ref> In particular, they have been known for making sandwiches,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.sbs.com.au/news/dateline/story/shades-bad-changing-face-nz-gang-culture|title=Shades of Bad? The changing face of NZ gang culture|publisher=[[Special Broadcasting Service]]}}</ref> which earned them the nickname "Sandwich Gang".<ref name="Holy Trinity" />

The demand was also supported by members of the community who had gathered at a local meeting.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11728767|title=Ngaruawahia gang leader tells drug dealers: Leave – or else|work= [[The New Zealand Herald]]|date=October 2016}}</ref> According to a gang source, Ngāruawāhia became P free,<ref>{{cite news|title=Tribal Huk clears Ngaruawahia of P dealers, as promised |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/85386340/tribal-huk-clears-ngaruawahia-of-p-dealers-as-promised |publisher=Stuff |date=October 2016}}</ref> but the Police Association stated that there was no evidence that P dealers had left Ngāruawāhia.<ref>{{cite news|title=There's no evidence that P dealers have left Ngaruawahia after Tribal Huk claims, says Police Association|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11735368|date=October 2016}}</ref> There is additionally concern Pink has damaged the work that Tribal Huk did feeding a thousand Waikato schoolchildren.<ref name="Holy Trinity" />

In the 1996 census, the majority of residents identified as [[Christians|Christian]]. A [[Bible]] is traditionally used during the crowning of a Māori monarch.<ref name="New King">{{cite web | title =Tuheitia new Maori king | agency =[[New Zealand Press Association]] | work =[[The New Zealand Herald]] | date =August 2006 | url =http://m.nzherald.co.nz/maori-queen/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501103&objectid=10397245 | access-date =10 November 2016 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20161111070321/http://m.nzherald.co.nz/maori-queen/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501103&objectid=10397245 | archive-date =11 November 2016 | url-status =dead }}</ref> In 1995, the Holy Trinity Anglican Church burned down, and a new church had been built in its place by 1998.<ref name="Brief History" />

On the northern side of the WaipaWaipā River is the Christian Youth Camps (CYC), the largest youth camp site in New Zealand. CYC started in the early 1960s with large Easter conventions. Today there are two separate camp sites on 38 hectares of land. The camp offers school holiday camps throughout the year. During the terms, the camps are used by various groups, including schools, churches and sporting organisations.

The town's [[rugby league]] teams are Ngaruawahia Panthers and Tūrangawaewae.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/7316219/People-matter-most-in-lovely-Ngaruawahia |title =People matter most in lovely Ngaruawahia|date = 20 July 2012 | work= [[Waikato Times]] |last = |first = }}</ref>

The 'Ngaruawahia Rugby League Club' is the oldest such club in the Waikato. Early games were played on varying venues, for instance [[Taupiri|Taupiri paddock]] and Paterson Park. The first major match for the town was held in August 1911 when they lost to [[Auckland]] 22 – 36 at the Caledonian Ground in [[Frankton, Waikato|Frankton]]. Ngaruawahia did however beat Hamilton United 27 – 4 in the first ever Northern Union game to be played at Hamilton's Steele Park in 1912. The senior team were Champion of Champions in 1956 and 1957.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=Cb-ZtwAACAAJ&dqq=ngaruawahia+rugby+league+1911-2011&hl=en&sa=X&ei=zi0YUefPO43wmAXou4HoCA&ved=0CC8Q6AEwAA Ngaruawahia Rugby League: 1911–2011, 100 Years Ngaruawahia Rugby League Football Club, 2011]</ref>

Hopuhopu is {{Convert|5|km|abbr=on}} north of Ngāruawāhia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.waikatotainui.ac.nz/?id=158|title=Waikato-Tainui College : Our Location|website=www.waikatotainui.ac.nz|access-date=2017-06-29}}</ref> From 1853<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19211124.2.60|title=MAORI SCHOOL LAND. (Auckland Star, 1921-11-24)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-06-29}}</ref> Hopuhopu had a boys' [[mission school]], which lost most of its pupils in 1862<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/AJHR1862-I.2.1.6.4|title=NATIVE SCHOOLS. REPORTS OF INSPECTORS. (Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1862-01-01)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-06-29}}</ref> and, by 1863, was reported as in disrepair.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZ18631224.2.33|title=Parliamentary papers. (New Zealander, 1863-12-24)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-06-29}}</ref> The mission house burnt down in 1886.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18860410.2.20|title=THE BURNING OF THE MISSION STATION AT HOPUHOPU. (New Zealand Herald, 1886-04-10)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-06-29}}</ref> An army camp was built on the mission site in the 1920s,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19250408.2.62|title=GREAT MILITARY CAMP. (Auckland Star, 1925-04-08)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-06-29}}</ref> including its own water supply, ammunition dumps and a railway siding.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250831.2.38|title=NGARUAWAHIA CAMP. (New Zealand Herald, 1925-08-31)|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-06-29}}</ref> A 1925 photograph showed only one building and many tents,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?BU=http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/HeritageImages/index.htm&AC=QBE_QUERY&TN=heritageimages&QF0=ID&NP=2&MR=5&RF=HIORecordSearch&QI0==%22AWNS-19250219-45-5%22|title=CAMP OF THE FIRST BATTALION OF THE WAIKATO REGIMENT NEAR NGARUAWAHIA|last=|first=|date=19 February 1925|website=www.aucklandcity.govt.nz|access-date=2017-06-30}}</ref> but a 1955 aerial photo showed the extent of building,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://natlib.govt.nz/records/23526397|title=Hopuhopu Military Camp on the banks of the Waikato River with training grounds, barracks, residential housing and rugby field, farmland beyond|last=|first=|date=5 Apr 1955|website=Alexander Turnbull Library|access-date=}}</ref> which was largely complete by 1927.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1927/I/1963|title=Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT (BY THE HON. K. S. WILLIAMS, MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS).|last=|first=|date=|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand|language=en|access-date=2017-07-01}}</ref> In 1993 the camp was returned to [[Waikato Tainui|Waikato-Tainui]], who converted it to their headquarters and Waikato-Tainui College for Research and Development.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wdcsitefinity.blob.core.windows.net/sitefinity-storage/docs/default-source/your-council/plans-policies-and-bylaws/plans/structure-plans/final-ngaruawahia-structure-plan-march-2017.pdf?sfvrsn=4|title=Ngaaruawaahia, Hopuhopu, Taupiri, Horotiu, Te Kowhai & Glen Massey Structure Plan|last=|first=|date=March 2017|website=Waikato District Council|access-date=}}</ref>

The town has two English-language state primary schools: Ngaruawahia School,<ref name="official1849">{{cite web |title=Ngaruawahia School Official School Website |url=https://www.ngaruawahia.school.nz |website=ngaruawahia.school.nz}}</ref><ref name="moe1849">{{cite web |title=Ngaruawahia School Ministry of Education School Profile |url=https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/find-school/school/profile?school=1849 |website=educationcounts.govt.nz |publisher=[[Ministry of Education (New Zealand)|Ministry of Education]]}}</ref> with a roll of {{NZ school roll data|1849|y}};<ref name="ero1849">{{cite web |title=Ngaruawahia School Education Review Office Report |url=http://www.ero.govt.nz/report-view?id=1849 |website=ero.govt.nz |publisher=[[Education Review Office]]}}</ref> and Waipa School,<ref name="official2064">{{cite web |title=Waipa School Official School Website |url=http://www.waipa.school.nz |website=waipa.school.nz |access-date=22 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819092149/http://www.waipa.school.nz/ |archive-date=19 August 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="moe2064">{{cite web |title=Waipa School Ministry of Education School Profile |url=https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/find-school/school/profile?school=2064 |website=educationcounts.govt.nz |publisher=[[Ministry of Education (New Zealand)|Ministry of Education]]}}</ref> with a roll of {{NZ school roll data|2064|y}}.<ref name="ero2064">{{cite web |title=Waipa School Education Review Office Report |url=http://www.ero.govt.nz/report-view?id=2064 |website=ero.govt.nz |publisher=[[Education Review Office]]}}</ref>

St Paul's Catholic School is a co-educational state-integrated primary school,<ref name="official1963">{{cite web |title=St Paul's Catholic School Official School Website |url=http://www.stpaulsnga.school.nz |website=stpaulsnga.school.nz}}</ref><ref name="moe1963">{{cite web |title=St Paul's Catholic School Ministry of Education School Profile |url=https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/find-school/school/profile?school=1963 |website=educationcounts.govt.nz |publisher=[[Ministry of Education (New Zealand)|Ministry of Education]]}}</ref> with a roll of {{NZ school roll data|1963|y}}.<ref name="ero1963">{{cite web |title=St Paul's Catholic School Education Review Office Report |url=http://www.ero.govt.nz/report-view?id=1963 |website=ero.govt.nz |publisher=[[Education Review Office]]}}</ref>

Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Bernard Fergusson is a co-educational Māori-language state primary school,<ref name="official1696">{{cite web |title=Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Bernard Fergusson Official School Website |url=http://www.bernardfergusson.school.nz |website=bernardfergusson.school.nz}}</ref><ref name="moe1696">{{cite web |title=Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Bernard Fergusson Ministry of Education School Profile |url=https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/find-school/school/profile?school=1696 |website=educationcounts.govt.nz |publisher=[[Ministry of Education (New Zealand)|Ministry of Education]]}}</ref> with a roll of {{NZ school roll data|1696|y}}.<ref name="ero1696">{{cite web |title=Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Bernard Fergusson Education Review Office Report |url=http://www.ero.govt.nz/report-view?id=1696 |website=ero.govt.nz |publisher=[[Education Review Office]]}}</ref>

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[[Category:NgaruawahiaNgāruawāhia| ]]