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TaumarunuiTaumarunui is a town in King Country of the Central North Island of New Zealand. It is situated on State Highway 4 and the North Island Main Trunk railway line. The town is situated in rugged terrain on the upper reaches of the Whanganui River 65 kilometres south of Te Kuiti and 55 kilometres west of Turangi. The town's population is 5136 (2001 census), making it the largest centre for a considerable distance in any direction. Taumarunui's location at the junction of the Wanganui and Ongarue Rivers first the early canoe-borne Maori, and then the later European (Pakeha) to settle and establish Taumarunui as a trading center. The name Taumarunui are reported to be the dying words of the Maori chief Pehi Taroa. Taumarunui (taumaru - screen, nui - big) literally means Big Screen. This screen was being build to shelter him from the sun. There are also references that Taumaruni was known as large sheltered location for growing Kumara (a form of sweet potato from South America). In 1874 Alexander Bell set up a training post, and became the first European settler. The town still bears a road called Bell Road. Later Taumarunui gained importance with the construction of the railway. The line south of Taumarunui caused considerable problems due to the terrain, and has several high viaducts and the famous Raurimu Spiral. A loop line via Stratford also connects just north of Taumarunui. In more recent times, the town's economy has been based on forestry and farming, and more recently it has gained in importance as a tourism centre. The Ngapuwaiwaha Marae is located on Taumarunui Street. On State Highway 4 south of Taumarunui are the villages of Manunui, Piriaka, Owhango and then National Park. To the north is the school and truck stop of Mapiu. Influential Students from Taumarunui High School Prof. John C. Butcher - Honorary Research Professor, Department of Mathematics, The University of Auckland External Links Local History Taumarunui High School
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