What is Golden Bay / Mohua, and where is it located?

Golden Bay / Mohua is a large, shallow bay situated in the Tasman District of New Zealand, near the northern tip of the South Island. It is an arm of the Tasman Sea, located northwest of Tasman Bay / Te Tai-o-Aorere and Cook Strait.

What geographical features protect Golden Bay / Mohua?

Golden Bay / Mohua is protected in the north by Farewell Spit, which is New Zealand's longest sandspit, extending 26 kilometers (16 miles) in length. The bay also receives water from major rivers like the Aorere and Tākaka.

Which major rivers flow into Golden Bay / Mohua?

The primary waterways that flow into Golden Bay / Mohua are the Aorere River, originating from the south, and the Tākaka River, flowing from the west. The Motupipi River and the Wainui River are also listed as primary inflows.

What kind of marine life has historically used Golden Bay / Mohua?

Historically, Golden Bay / Mohua served as a resting area for migrating whales and dolphins. Species observed include southern right whales, humpback whales, and potentially pygmy blue whales, which may be seen off the bay.

Which towns and national parks are located along the coast or in the vicinity of Golden Bay / Mohua?

Along its southern coast are the towns of Tākaka and Collingwood. Parts of Abel Tasman National Park and Kahurangi National Park are also situated within or adjacent to Golden Bay / Mohua.

What is the Māori name for Golden Bay and what is its origin?

The Māori name for the bay is Mohua, which was given in reference to the bird of the same name that was historically common in the region but is no longer found nearby. In 2014, the bay was officially designated with the dual name Golden Bay / Mohua.

What names did European explorers give to Golden Bay / Mohua, and why?

Abel Tasman, upon his arrival in 1642, named the bay *Moordenaarsbaai* (Murderers' Bay) after four of his crew were killed in a clash with local Māori. James Cook initially included it as part of 'Blind Bay' but later identified it as Murderers Bay on his second voyage. Dumont d'Urville later distinguished it from Tasman Bay and named it Massacre Bay.

How did the bay acquire the names Coal Bay and Golden Bay?

The bay was named Coal Bay after coal was discovered in Tākaka in 1842. Later, in the late 1850s, the discovery of gold inland from Parapara led to its renaming as Golden Bay, a name that gained prominence over Massacre Bay by the 1920s.

When is the earliest archaeological evidence of Māori settlement in Golden Bay / Mohua dated?

The earliest dated archaeological evidence, obtained through carbon dating, indicates that Māori lived along the shores of Golden Bay / Mohua from at least 1450.

Which Māori iwi historically inhabited the Golden Bay / Mohua area?

The original inhabitants included the Waitaha, Ngāi Tara, and Ngāti Wairangi iwi. These groups were displaced by the Ngāti Tūmatakōkiri in the early 1600s. Later, after the defeat of the Ngāti Tūmatakōkiri in the 1810s, Golden Bay became part of the rohe (territory) of Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō.

What happened during Abel Tasman's encounter with Māori in 1642?

During Abel Tasman's anchoring in the bay in 1642, Ngāti Tūmatakōkiri rammed the Dutch ship's cockboat with a waka, resulting in the deaths of four Dutch seamen. This event led Tasman to name the bay 'Murderers Bay'.

What is the archaeological interpretation of the conflict between Abel Tasman's crew and Māori?

Archaeological research suggests that the Dutch may have attempted to land in a major agricultural area, which the Māori might have been defending. This provides a potential explanation for the conflict that led to the bay being named 'Murderers Bay'.

When did European settlement begin in Golden Bay / Mohua, and what was an early discovery?

European settlement commenced in October 1842 with the Lovell family settling at Motupipi. Earlier, in March of the same year, Frederick Tuckett had discovered coal on the beach near the Motupipi pā site.

Who were Charles Heaphy and Thomas Brunner, and what was their connection to Golden Bay?

In 1846, Charles Heaphy and Thomas Brunner, accompanied by their Māori guide Kehu, passed through Golden Bay / Mohua during their journey to the West Coast. This exploration documented the region's geography and resources.

How did the town of Collingwood originate?

In 1855, William Gibbs purchased 50 acres of land from local Māori and established the town of Gibbstown, which was later renamed Collingwood.

What was the significance of the gold discovery in the late 1850s?

The discovery of gold in Aorere in the late 1850s led to the bay being renamed Golden Bay. This discovery marked a significant shift in the region's economic focus and identity.

What was the role of the road over Tākaka Hill in accessing Golden Bay?

The road over Tākaka Hill was completed in 1888. Prior to its construction, the primary method of accessing Golden Bay / Mohua was by sea, highlighting the impact of improved land infrastructure.

Describe the history of coal mining in Puponga.

A coal mining lease was granted in Puponga in 1895, leading to the discovery of a significant coal seam. Development included building a tramline and wharf. By 1910, over 30,000 tons of coal had been mined, and the mine operated under various companies until 1974 when it became uneconomic.

What was the Onekaka Ironworks, and why did it close?

The Onekaka Ironworks began operating in 1924, utilizing local deposits of limonite and coal. It faced challenges due to the Great Depression, a saturated local market, and Australian tariffs, leading to its closure in 1935. Despite nationalization efforts, it never reopened successfully and closed permanently in 1954.

When was Abel Tasman National Park established, and who was instrumental in its creation?

Abel Tasman National Park was established on December 16, 1942, exactly 300 years after Abel Tasman's visit. The park's creation was largely due to the efforts of Perrine Moncrieff, who advocated for its protection against proposals for milling and road construction.

What ecological features are found within Abel Tasman National Park?

Abel Tasman National Park is home to rich ecological systems, including beech forests, red tussock, penguin colonies, wading birds, and seals, contributing to its biodiversity.

What was the proposal for a road linking Golden Bay with the West Coast, and why did it not proceed?

During the 1960s and early 1970s, the Ministry of Works surveyed land for a proposed road to connect Golden Bay with Karamea, supported by local authorities. However, the project was halted due to public opposition and a lack of government funding.

How did Kahurangi National Park come into existence, and what is its significance?

Kahurangi National Park was established in 1996, formed from the Northwest Nelson Forest Park (created in 1970) and the Tasman Wilderness area (established in 1988). It is New Zealand's second-largest national park, protecting significant biodiversity and containing the most endemic plants of any national park.

What notable wildlife is found in Kahurangi National Park?

Kahurangi National Park is home to species such as the great spotted kiwi, wētā, 29 species of carnivorous snails, and native cave spiders, highlighting its rich biodiversity.

Describe the Milnethorpe Park regeneration project.

Started in 1974, the Milnethorpe Park regeneration project involved planting Australian gum trees and acacias on 400 acres of land with poor soil overlooking the beach. As these trees grew and improved soil conditions, native species were established among them, resulting in a forest-like appearance by 2020.

What natural disasters have recently impacted Golden Bay / Mohua?

Golden Bay / Mohua experienced heavy rain and flooding in December 2011, described as a 1-in-500-year event for Tākaka. More recently, in February 2018, ex-Cyclone Gita caused numerous landslides, damaging State Highway 60 and isolating the region.

How did ex-Cyclone Gita affect Golden Bay / Mohua?

Ex-Cyclone Gita caused 16 landslides that blocked State Highway 60 over Tākaka Hill, isolating Golden Bay. The region lost electricity, and roads and bridges were damaged, necessitating the use of barges for supplies and impacting the local dairy factory.

What is the estimated population of Golden Bay / Mohua as of June 2024?

As of June 2024, the estimated population of Golden Bay / Mohua was 5,730 people.

What was the population of Golden Bay / Mohua according to the 2018 New Zealand census?

The 2018 New Zealand census recorded a population of 5,226 people in Golden Bay / Mohua. This represented an increase of 4.8% since the 2013 census and 8.2% since the 2006 census.

What is the age distribution of the population in Golden Bay / Mohua based on the 2018 census?

In 2018, 16.9% of the population was under 15 years old, 11.9% were between 15 and 29, a significant 48.9% were aged 30 to 64, and 22.3% were 65 or older.

What were the primary ethnicities identified in Golden Bay / Mohua in the 2018 census?

The 2018 census indicated that 94.9% of the population identified as European/Pākehā, 8.0% as Māori, 0.9% as Pasifika, and 2.1% as Asian. Some individuals identified with multiple ethnicities.

What was the employment status breakdown for those aged 15 and over in Golden Bay / Mohua in 2018?

In 2018, 40.7% of residents aged 15 and over were employed full-time, 22.9% were employed part-time, and 2.1% were unemployed.

How does the median income in Golden Bay / Mohua compare to the national median income?

In the 2018 census, the median income for individuals aged 15 and over in Golden Bay / Mohua was $25,500, which is lower than the national median income of $31,800.

What is the typical population fluctuation in Golden Bay / Mohua during the summer months?

During the summer holiday season, the population of Golden Bay / Mohua increases significantly due to tourism, with numbers reportedly swelling to as high as 25,000 people during peak periods.

What is the largest employer in Golden Bay / Mohua today?

Traditionally, resource extraction was dominant, but today, the online retailer HealthPost, based in Collingwood, is the area's largest employer.

Where is the Cobb Hydroelectric Power Station located, and what is its capacity?

The Cobb Hydroelectric Power Station is situated in the Cobb Valley. Its reservoir is at 794 meters above sea level, and the power station itself provides 32 megawatts of power, with an average annual output of 192 GWh.

What challenges were faced during the construction of the Cobb Valley hydroelectricity scheme?

Construction of the Cobb Valley hydroelectricity scheme was difficult due to challenging local weather conditions, including over 2,200 mm of annual rainfall and winter snow and frosts. An earth dam was ultimately constructed instead of the initially planned concrete dam.

When was asbestos discovered in Golden Bay / Mohua, and when did mining operations cease?

Asbestos was discovered in the mountains behind Tākaka in 1882. Mining operations, which became viable with the development of the Cobb Valley hydroelectricity scheme, occurred intermittently and finally ceased in 1964 after reopening in 1949 with government assistance.

What was the history of the Golden Bay Cement works at Tarakohe?

A cement works was built at Tarakohe in 1909, utilizing local limestone. It produced 50,000 tons of cement annually by 1928. The works were closed by new owners Fletcher Challenge in 1988, and the name 'Golden Bay Cement' was transferred to another plant.

What is the current status of dairy farming in Golden Bay / Mohua?

In 2009, there were 83 dairy farms supplying milk to the Fonterra factory in Tākaka, which processed approximately 525,000 liters of milk daily into skim milk powder.

What does the Landsat image show regarding Golden Bay / Mohua?

The Landsat image displays Farewell Spit, a prominent 26-kilometer-long sandspit that forms a natural barrier protecting the northern side of Golden Bay / Mohua.

What does the image of the Lightband Gully memorial commemorate?

The image shows the Lightband Gully memorial in Parapara, which commemorates the discovery of gold in the area, a significant event that contributed to the bay's name.

What historical event is depicted in the image related to Abel Tasman?

The image depicts Abel Tasman and a Ngāti Tūmatakōkiri war party in 1642, referencing the initial encounter and conflict that occurred when Tasman first anchored in the bay.

What is shown in the image of beehives at Milnthorpe Park?

The image shows beehives at Milnthorpe Park in 2020, likely related to the area's agricultural activities or the regeneration project that transformed the land into a forest-like environment.

What is the significance of the 'Shore length' measurement for Golden Bay / Mohua?

The shore length of Golden Bay / Mohua is noted as 104 kilometers (65 miles). However, the text clarifies that shore length is not a well-defined measure, referencing the concept of the coastline paradox, where the measured length can vary depending on the scale of measurement.

What are the listed sections or sub-basins within Golden Bay / Mohua?

The bay includes sections or sub-basins such as Ruataniwha Inlet, Parapara Inlet, and Wainui Bay.

What is the maximum length and width of Golden Bay / Mohua?

Golden Bay / Mohua has a maximum length of 28 kilometers (17 miles) and a maximum width of 35 kilometers (22 miles).

What is the significance of Te Tai Tapu in relation to Golden Bay / Mohua?

Te Tai Tapu is the Māori name for the bay and surrounding area, signifying its connection to the Māori language and culture. It was officially incorporated into the dual name Golden Bay / Mohua in 2014.

What is the geographical coordinate range for Golden Bay / Mohua?

Golden Bay / Mohua is located at approximately 40°40′S 172°50′E, with decimal coordinates of 40.667°S 172.833°E.

Golden Bay Mohua Wiki: Golden Bay: A Coastal Tapestry of History and Nature

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Naming Conventions

Mohua: The Māori Connection

The bay's Māori name, Mohua, honors the native bird of the same name, which was once prevalent in the region. This designation reflects a deep ecological and cultural connection to the land.

Early European Encounters

Dutch explorer Abel Tasman initially named the bay Moordenaarsbaai ('Murderers Bay') in 1642 following a conflict with local Māori. Later, James Cook mapped it as part of 'Blind Bay', and Dumont d'Urville distinguished it as 'Massacre Bay'.

The Allure of Gold

The discovery of gold in the Parapara area in the late 1850s led to the bay being renamed Golden Bay. This name, reflecting the region's mineral wealth, eventually superseded earlier designations and became widely adopted.

Official Dual Naming

In 2014, the bay was officially recognized with the dual name Golden Bay / Mohua, formally integrating the Māori name alongside its historical European counterpart, acknowledging the layered history and cultural significance of the area.

A Chronicle of Settlement and Industry

Ancient Māori Presence

Archaeological evidence indicates Māori habitation in Golden Bay / Mohua dating back to at least 1450. Early inhabitants included the Waitaha, Ngāi Tara, and Ngāti Wairangi peoples, who were later displaced by the Ngāti Tūmatakōkiri in the early 1600s. These early communities established pā sites and cultivated kūmara gardens along the coast.

European Exploration and Conflict

Abel Tasman's 1642 arrival marked the first European contact, which unfortunately resulted in a fatal clash with the Ngāti Tūmatakōkiri. Subsequent visits by James Cook and Dumont d'Urville documented the bay, with Cook initially misidentifying its significance before later recognizing the site of Tasman's encounter.

Resource Exploitation and Development

European settlement began in 1842 with the discovery of coal, leading to the brief period as 'Coal Bay'. The subsequent gold discovery transformed the area into 'Golden Bay'. Early industries included sawmills, coal mining at Pūponga, and the ambitious Onekaka Ironworks, powered by local hydroelectricity. These ventures, though significant, faced challenges from financing, market limitations, and geographical isolation.

Geographical Landscape

Coastal Features

Golden Bay / Mohua is a large, shallow inlet of the Tasman Sea, situated in the Tasman District at the northernmost tip of New Zealand's South Island. It is naturally sheltered to the north by Farewell Spit, an extensive 26-kilometre sandspit, the longest in the country.

Waterways and Parks

The bay is fed by several significant rivers, including the Aorere, Takaka, Motupipi, and Wainui rivers. Its southern and western coasts host the towns of Takaka and Collingwood, and form part of the renowned Abel Tasman National Park. The northern reaches of Kahurangi National Park also border the bay's interior.

Marine Life

Historically, the bay served as a crucial resting and foraging ground for various cetaceans, including southern right whales, humpback whales, and potentially pygmy blue whales, highlighting its ecological importance as a marine habitat.

Population Dynamics

Census Data Overview

As of the 2018 New Zealand census, the Golden Bay / Mohua statistical area recorded a population of 5,226 residents. This represented a modest increase from previous censuses, indicating steady growth. The population comprises a significant proportion of individuals aged 30-64, with a notable segment of those aged 65 and over.

Ethnic and Socioeconomic Profile

The demographic profile is predominantly European/Pākehā (94.9%), with smaller representation from Māori (8.0%) and Asian (2.1%) communities. The region exhibits a higher percentage of overseas-born residents (21.6%) compared to the national average, and a significant portion of the population reports no religious affiliation.

Statistical Areas and Seasonal Fluctuations

The region includes key settlements like Takaka and Pohara-Abel Tasman, each with distinct demographic characteristics. Notably, Golden Bay experiences a substantial influx of visitors during the summer months, with its population potentially swelling to around 25,000, significantly impacting local services and economy.

Key demographic indicators for individual statistical areas within Golden Bay / Mohua:

Individual Statistical Areas (2018 Census)
Name	Area (km²)	Population	Density (per km²)	Households	Median Age	Median Income
Golden Bay/Mohua	2,249.83	2,421	1.08	975	49.0 years	$25,500
Takaka	12.34	1,335	108.18	552	47.0 years	$24,800
Pōhara-Abel Tasman	326.05	1,470	4.51	597	50.4 years	$25,300
New Zealand (National Average)					37.4 years	$31,800

Economic Foundations

Hydroelectricity: The Cobb Scheme

The Cobb Valley hosts a significant hydroelectric power station, constructed between 1936 and 1956. Despite challenging weather conditions and engineering difficulties, the Cobb scheme provides substantial power, contributing to the region's energy infrastructure.

Mining Heritage

Golden Bay's history is marked by resource extraction. Asbestos mining occurred intermittently from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century, facilitated by improved access from the Cobb Valley hydroelectric project. The region also saw attempts at ironworks at Onekaka, though these faced economic challenges.

Cement and Dairy

The Tarakohe cement works, established in 1909, utilized local limestone resources to supply cement, particularly to the North Island. Although closed in 1988, its legacy remains. Dairy farming is also a notable industry, with a significant Fonterra factory in Takaka processing large volumes of milk daily.

Modern Enterprise

In contemporary times, the economic landscape has diversified. The online retailer HealthPost, based in Collingwood, stands as the area's largest employer, indicating a shift towards modern business models alongside traditional industries.

Preserving Natural Heritage

Abel Tasman National Park

Established in 1942, Abel Tasman National Park is a testament to conservation efforts, notably championed by Perrine Moncrieff. Its establishment protected beech forests, coastal areas, and vital wildlife habitats, including penguin colonies and seal populations.

Kahurangi National Park

Forming the majority of Golden Bay's interior, Kahurangi National Park is New Zealand's second-largest national park. Established in 1996, it is recognized for its exceptional biodiversity, housing the most endemic plant species of any national park and supporting diverse fauna such as the great spotted kiwi and wētā.

Land Regeneration

The Milnthorpe Park regeneration project, initiated in 1974, transformed degraded land into a forest-like environment through the strategic planting of native species amongst introduced Australian gums and acacias. This initiative created extensive walking tracks and enhanced the local ecological landscape.

Recent Challenges and Resilience

Flood Events

Golden Bay has experienced significant weather events. In December 2011, the region suffered heavy rainfall and flooding, described as a 1-in-500-year event for Takaka, causing severe damage to infrastructure, including State Highway 60.

Cyclone Gita's Impact

In February 2018, Cyclone Gita caused extensive damage, particularly to State Highway 60 over the Takaka Hill, isolating Golden Bay. Numerous landslides closed the route, leading to power outages and damage to roads and bridges, necessitating reliance on barges for essential supplies.

Infrastructure Recovery

The extensive repairs required for the Takaka Hill road following Cyclone Gita were a major undertaking. The route was gradually reopened to essential traffic, with full repairs completed by the end of 2021, demonstrating the community's resilience in overcoming significant natural challenges.

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References

2018 Census place summary: Golden Bay/Mohua

2018 Census place summary: Takaka

2018 Census place summary: Pohara-Abel Tasman

A full list of references for this article are available at the Golden Bay / Mohua Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional geographical, historical, or environmental consultation. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Golden Bay: A Coastal Tapestry

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Naming Conventions 🏷️

🐦 Mohua: The Māori Connection

🧭 Early European Encounters

💰 The Allure of Gold

⚖️ Official Dual Naming

A Chronicle of Settlement and Industry 📜

⏳ Ancient Māori Presence

🚢 European Exploration and Conflict

⛏️ Resource Exploitation and Development

Geographical Landscape 🏞️

🌊 Coastal Features

🏞️ Waterways and Parks

🐋 Marine Life

Population Dynamics 👥

📊 Census Data Overview

🌍 Ethnic and Socioeconomic Profile

📈 Statistical Areas and Seasonal Fluctuations

Economic Foundations 🏭

⚡ Hydroelectricity: The Cobb Scheme

⛏️ Mining Heritage

🏭 Cement and Dairy

💻 Modern Enterprise

Preserving Natural Heritage 🌳

🏞️ Abel Tasman National Park

🐾 Kahurangi National Park

🌲 Land Regeneration

Recent Challenges and Resilience 🌦️

💧 Flood Events

🌀 Cyclone Gita's Impact

🛠️ Infrastructure Recovery

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Naming Conventions

Mohua: The Māori Connection

Early European Encounters

The Allure of Gold

Official Dual Naming

A Chronicle of Settlement and Industry

Ancient Māori Presence

European Exploration and Conflict

Resource Exploitation and Development

Geographical Landscape

Coastal Features

Waterways and Parks

Marine Life

Population Dynamics

Census Data Overview

Ethnic and Socioeconomic Profile

Statistical Areas and Seasonal Fluctuations

Economic Foundations

Hydroelectricity: The Cobb Scheme

Mining Heritage

Cement and Dairy

Modern Enterprise

Preserving Natural Heritage

Abel Tasman National Park

Kahurangi National Park

Land Regeneration

Recent Challenges and Resilience

Flood Events

Cyclone Gita's Impact

Infrastructure Recovery

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice