This is the place

Moerewa, once known as ‘Tuna Town’, was the result of relocation of Maori, who, in the 1940s, found themselves landless and in need of income. About 30 abandoned American transit huts, at the back of the Moerewa freezing works provided shelter, and the freezing works and nearby dairy factory provided employment.

Being in the centre of the North, Moerewa naturally assumed a role as a service town, with the establishment of large companies such as the Allied Farmers Freezing Company (AFFCO), the Bay of Islands Dairy Company, the railways and associated businesses. The small rural town, with its high Maori population, was considered a boom town in the 1960s and 70s.

Many commuted daily from outlying districts, for employment, while others uprooted and moved to Moerewa. In the 1980s major economic, environmental and political changes led to a downturn in the town’s industries, leaving many people out of employment and stranded away from whanau in a town that was fading away.

For many years following this period, the township battled to survive.  However, in recent times, a group of locals have worked to revive the community, helping to create memorable childhoods for the children of Moerewa, and re-establishing the town’s role in the region.

(Parts of this information were found at www.communities.co.nz/moerewa)