Rodney Ward
| Rodney Ward | |
|---|---|
| Local government area | |
 Rodney Ward
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| Coordinates: 36°32′20″S 174°31′41″E / 36.539°S 174.528°ECoordinates: 36°32′20″S 174°31′41″E / 36.539°S 174.528°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Island | North Island |
| Region | Auckland Region |
| Population (June 2012 est.) | |
| • Total | 57,100 |
| Extent | Muriwai Beach to the Kowhai Coast; Helensville and Kumeu to Wellsford and Kawau Island |
Rodney Ward is a local government area in the northernmost part of New Zealand's Auckland Region, created along with the Auckland Council in 2010. The area was previously part of the Rodney District; it does not include the Hibiscus Coast, which is now in the Albany ward.
Rodney stretches from the spectacular black volcanic sand beaches of Muriwai in the west to the white sands and islands of the Kowhai Coast in the east. The area includes a number of regional parks or areas of special interest. North of Orewa are the coastal Wenderholm, Mahurangi and Tawharanui Regional Parks. Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve, which surrounds Goat Island, was New Zealand's first marine reserve, officially opened in 1977. It covers a coastline of about 5 km (3 mi), extends out in sea by 800 m, and encompasses 5 km2 (2 sq mi), inside which all marine life is protected.
Towns in the south of the ward are becoming dormitory districts for Auckland, enjoying improved access by motorway. Further north, communities are more rural. Some have become famous for particular activities such as Puhoi and its cheese factory. Warkworth is a good base to explore the Kowhai Coast, which includes historic Kawau Island, the home of New Zealand's former Governor Sir George Grey, where Mansion House is now a museum.
The dominant feature of the western side of Rodney is Kaipara Harbour, the largest enclosed harbour in the Southern Hemisphere, with a perimeter of about 3,000 km (1,864 mi). The area was once famous for its kauri timber mills.
Kumeu, Matakana and Huapai are becoming well known for their wineries, a number of which provide sampling, cellar-door sales, and restaurants.
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