Early History of Waerenga-O-Kuri

What is the early history and how was the district formed?

Before Waerenga-O-Kuri was a settlement it was a meeting place for the coastal and inland hapus (tribes). The place was used for trading food like crayfish, fish, paua, kumara, eels, kereru (native pigeons), weka and mutton birds. Since there was so much food in Waerenga-O-Kuri it was an ideal food trading place.

When the first settlers came to the area the hills were covered in scrub and bush, while the lower area was mostly swamp. Most of the tracks the Maori used were well worn and some were later used for roads.

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By Drew Y8 and Nathan Y8