Kaeo

Kaeo is a township in the Far North District of New Zealand, located some 22 km (14 mi) northwest of Kerikeri. The town takes its name from the unique shellfish found in the nearby Whangaroa Harbour.

The 2006 New Zealand census reported a population of 495, an increase of 3 from 2001.

Kaeo has a BP petrol-station, a pharmacy, a Farm and Fuel store, a bookshop, eateries, a hairdresser, a bus company, two mechanics, a tyre-shop, a transport company, a Sanfords Fishery factory (closed down in December 2011), a Four Square shop incorporating a Post Office, a primary school with around 126 students and a college (high school).

History

Kaeo used to be a fortified village Pā of the Ngati-Uru sub-tribe. This tribe arrived in the Whangaroa Harbour as late as 1770- 1775, having been driven out of the Rawhiti area of the Bay of Islands, after killing and eating Captain Marion du Fresne, and his crew.

Flooding

Built on the flood plain of the Kaeo River, Kaeo has experienced destructive flooding. It came to national attention in 2007 when it took the brunt of three major floods within the space of a few months - in February, March and July. Water flooded homes and shops and destroyed the local Primary School's pool-complex. The local Rugby Clubrooms also suffered, and the club received much support from the whole country as it raised funds to lift the clubrooms off the ground to minimise the risk of damage from further flooding. Landslips, fallen power lines, and road closures resulted from heavy rain in February 2008. The Northland Regional Council scheduled flood-protection work for 2008, but as of 2011 it is still waiting on various consents. Floods occurred as a result of Cyclone Wilma in January 2011, and 70 people had to be evacuated from Kaeo.