Whangamomona

Whangamomona
Whangamomona
Coordinates:
Country	New Zealand
Region	Manawatu-Wanganui Region
District	Stratford District

Whangamomona Hotel.

Whangamomona is a small township in the Stratford District and Manawatu-Wanganui Region in New Zealand. It lies on State Highway 43, the "Forgotten World Highway", 65 kilometers (40 mi) north-east of Stratford and 55 kilometers (34 mi) south-west of Ohura. By rail it is 61 kilometers (38 mi) from Stratford on the Stratford-Okahukura railway line.

History

The first settlers arrived in 1895, with the town proper established some 2 years later. Growth of the town was seriously affected by the loss of 51 men (including the smaller nearby settlements of Kohuratahi and Tahora) in the First World War and a major flood in 1924. The town recovered with arrival of the railway line in 1933 and electrification in 1959. However the town went into decline again and the school closed in 1979, followed 9 years later by the post office.

Republic Day

In 1989 regional council boundaries were redrawn, with an emphasis on connected catchments. These revised maps made Whangamomona part of the Manawatu-Wanganui Region. Residents objected, as they wanted to continue being part of the Taranaki Region, and on 1 November 1989, they responded by declaring themselves the "Republic of Whangamomona" at the first Republic Day. Though the move began as a pointed protest, the town continued to hold a celebratory Republic Day once a year, during which a vote for President was held. The day has become a local festival day, and attracts visitors from throughout the North Island. In 2001, the celebration became biennial, held in January to take advantage of the summer weather.

Presidents

Ian Kjestrup (1989–1999)
After being put on the ballot without his knowledge, he became the first elected President. Served 10 years

Billy Gumboot the Goat (1999–2001)
First elected animal. He won election by eating the other challengers' ballots. He died in office after serving for 18 months.

Tai the Poodle (2003–2004)
Tai retired after an assassination attempt left him a nervous wreck.

Murt "Murtle the Turtle" Kennard (2005–2015)
The local garage owner fought off strong competition from former president Kjestrup and a cross-dresser called "Miriam" to become the 4th President. He was re-elected in 2009 by one vote. He was re-elected again in 2011 by a landslide. He died at New Plymouth Hospice on 25 October, 2015.

Vicki Pratt (2015–)
First female president appointed for Whangamomona republic. Runs the local pub.