Ōakura is a small township in New Plymouth District, Taranaki, in the western North Island of New Zealand. It is located on State Highway 45, 15 kilometres south-west of New Plymouth. Okato is 12 km further south-west. The Oakura River flows past the town and into the North Taranaki Bight. To the south is the Kaitake Range, part of Egmont National Park. The population of Ōakura was 1,380 in the 2013 census, an increase of 21 from 2006. The Oakura Messenger was a monthly publication delivered to all letterboxes in the area. It began in October 2000. It was renamed the Oakura post in June 2020. On 5 July 2007 the town was hit by a tornado, which damaged 60 houses. Ōakura is well known for its beach—Ōakura Beach. One of only three beaches along the west coast of New Zealand which is north facing, in 2007 it became one of the first Blue Flag accredited beaches in Oceania. Only two others—Fitzroy and East End beach in nearby New Plymouth—received the same award that year. As of 2010, Ōakura Beach has retained its blue flag status. The Oakura River was named after the female ancestor Akura-matapū of the Kurahaupō waka. Oakura-matapu was the original name of the river, and it literally means "Belonging to Akura-matapū". Akura was married to Okorotua. Ngāti Tairihapū holds mana whenua in Ōakura. Ngāti Tairi belongs to the larger descent group of Ngā Mahanga a Tairi. Ngāti Tairi and Ngā Māhanga a Tairi are a part of the tribe Taranaki. Ngāti Tairi retain their take ahi-kā through the marae Ōakura Pā beside the southern side of the Oakura River. People have been living in the area of Oakura for hundreds of years. When war broke out in 1860, Ngāti Tairi as part of Nga Mahanga and Taranaki joined in the offensives against the British. The nearby Tapuae ridge was a continual site of conflict. On 4 May 1863 a party of about 40 Māori warriors ambushed a small military party on a coastal road west of the town, killing nine of the 10 soldiers. The revenge attack on the military party, escorting a British defaulter to New Plymouth for trial, reignited hostilities in the Taranaki War.
Amenities and services
South Road is Ōakura's main street, and most local businesses and services are situated around here.
Features and attractions
Apart from its well-known beach, Ōakura's main attraction is Butlers Reef – a bar and music venue that has showcased many well-known New Zealand and international acts, including Dave Dobbyn, Trinity Roots, Gin Wigmore, Katchafire, Supergroove and Jimmy Barnes. Other places of interest include the township's three parks – Matekai, Corbett and the Shearer Reserve. Also, within five minutes drive south west is Lucy's Gully, a popular beauty spot in the Kaitake ranges that hit the national headlines in 2005 when the body of murdered German tourist Birgit Brauer was discovered there. Ringcraft Moana is a manufacturing jewellery business with showroom, garden and a large pearl collection of abalone pearls. The Wavehaven, on Surf Highway 45 just south of Ōakura, offers accommodation and access to surfing beaches. Once a year, Ōakura's artists are opening up their studios to the public in a two weekend event. The Ōakura Arts Trail can be found online
Marae
The local Ōākura or Okorotua marae features the Moana Kaurai meeting house. It is a marae of the Taranaki Māori hapū of Ngāti Tairi. Koru Pā is a historic reserve and pā situated 3 km south-east of Ōakura township. Thought to be one of the first Māori settlements in Taranaki, Māori tradition recognises it may have been built as early as 1000AD by Nga Mahanga a Tairi, a hapū of the Taranaki iwi.
Education
Oakura School is a coeducational full primary school with a decile rating of 10 and a roll of students as of The school was founded in 1866. Oakura PlayCentre is a registered Early Childhood Facility that caters to children from ages 0 – 6 years. It is licensed for 3 mornings a week; Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Playcentre philosophy is based on child-initiated play and recognises the parents as the first and best educators of their own children. Playcentre families receive a unique early childhood experience with opportunities for whānau/families to learn together.
Notable residents
Ruhira Matekai was a well-known Māori woman who lived in Oakura in the 19th century. Lucy's Gully and Matekai Park are named after her.
Some of the records concerning the early days of the Oakura Library are held within in New Plymouth. See
Environment
Māori
This is a reprint of a title published in Auckland: under the direction of the Chief Judge, Native Land Court by H. Brett, 1879.
New Zealand Wars
This is Plate 5 from Journals of the Deputy Quartermaster General in New Zealand, 1864. An electronic copy is available from the National Library of New Zealand.
Maps
People
The papers of Edward Leslie Hughes are held within in New Plymouth. Within this collection is a manuscript concerning the history of Oakura. See
Some of the papers of Percy Smith are held within in New Plymouth. Within this collection is a Taranaki Military Settlers' Land Order, allocating Smith land in the Oakura area. See
The papers of Marc Frederic Voullaire are held within in New Plymouth. Within this collection is material concerning the history of the Taranaki dairy industry, the location of the mission station of the Lutheran missionary, Johann Riemenschneider.. See
