Mokoroa Falls Explained

Mokoroa Falls is a waterfall located between Muriwai and the Waitākere Ranges in Auckland's west coast in New Zealand. It is located in the Goldie Bush Scenic Reserve.

History

The waterfall was traditionally known by the Te Kawerau ā Maki iwi as Wairere. The name Mokoroa ("long lizard") refers to a taniwha, Te Mokoroa.^[1] The pool beneath the waterfall was traditionally called Te Rua ō Te Mokoroa, or the lair of Mokorua.^[2] In traditional stories, the ancestor Taiaoroa is credited with killing Te Mokoroa.^[2]

Due to the effects of kauri dieback, Goldie Reserve was closed in 2018 in order to stop the spread of disease,^[3] and as of 2022 remains closed.^[4] During the closure period, the Mokoroa Falls track is being redeveloped, with better infrastructure to better stop the spread of the disease.^[5]

References

-36.8362°N 174.472°W

Notes and References

1. Book: Cameron . Ewen . Hayward . Bruce . Bruce Hayward . Murdoch . Graeme . A Field Guide to Auckland: Exploring the Region's Natural and Historical Heritage . 978-1-86962-1513 . Random House New Zealand . 2008 . rev. . 159.
2. Web site: Te Kawerau ā Maki Deed of Settlement Schedule. New Zealand Government . 29 January 2021 . 22 February 2014.
3. News: Goldie Bush track temporarily closed in support of rāhui . Torika . Tokalau . . 19 March 2018. 8 September 2022.
4. News: Goldie Bush Walkway . . 8 September 2022.
5. Web site: Mokoroa Falls Track. Department of Conservation (Te Papa Atawhai). 22 March 2020.