- Maraetai
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For other uses, see Maraetai (disambiguation).
Maraetai is one of the towns which make up Manukau city and is the easternmost suburb of greater Auckland in New Zealand.
The closest town Beachlands lies approximately 4km to the West. Its name is Māori meaning "marae by the sea". Maraetai was the original name for the smooth, calm tidal passage now known as Tamaki Strait, which is sheltered by Te Motu Arai-roa ("The Long Sheltering Island") now called Waiheke Island. The site of present day Maraetai suburb was formerly the Pā and kāinga (village) settlement known as Pohaturoa. To the Pākehā people Maraetai means "Meeting place by the sea". One of the better known functions of a Marae is to facilitate Hui (tribal gatherings).
Maraetai's residents do not use city mains water and instead must use water tanks and bore water.[1] Many residents prefer it to be kept this way to maintain the town's rural aspect. Maraetai's beaches are popular destinations for other Aucklanders and are often crowded in the summer months. The town is also home to the controversial New Zealand Pastor Brian Tamaki.
Coordinates: 36°53′S 175°02′E / 36.883°S 175.033°E
Categories:- Populated places in New Zealand
- Auckland Region
- Auckland Region geography stubs
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