Oakura

Oakura is a small township in Taranaki, in the western North Island of New Zealand. It is located on State Highway 45, 15 kilometres south-west of New Plymouth. Okato is 12 km further south-west. The Oakura River flows past the town and into the North Taranaki Bight. To the south is the Kaitake Range, part of Egmont National Park. The population of Oakura was 1,359 in the 2006 Census, an increase of 105 from 2001. The Oakura Messenger (TOM) is a monthly publication delivered to all letterboxes in the area. It began in October 2000. On 5 July 2007 the town was hit by a tornado, which damaged 60 houses. Oakura is well known for its beach - Oakura Beach. One of only three beaches along the west coast of New Zealand which is north facing,...