Matakana, New Zealand

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Matakana is a small town in the Rodney District of New Zealand. Warkworth lies about 9 km to the south-west, Snells Beach the same distance to the south, Omaha is about 7 km to the east, and Leigh about 13 km to the north-east. The Matakana River flows through the town and into Kawau Bay to the south-east.The surrounding area contains several vineyards. It is also known for its farmers' market, cinema, cafes, restaurants and boutique food-shops. The reasonable proximity to Auckland (around one hour's drive away) has led to the region becoming a trendy getaway spot for foodie Aucklanders.EducationMatakana School is a coeducational contributing primary school with a decile rating of 9 and a roll of 382. The school was established in 1862.Matakana War MemorialThe Matakana War Memorial commemorates fallen servicemen from around Matakana who served during the First and Second World Wars. It is dedicated to 13 men from the district who lost their lives in the First World War. After the Second World War another plaque was added listing six men from the district who died in that conflict. The memorial is unique as it features a sculpture of George V, sculpted by New Zealand sculptor William Henry Feldon (1872-1945). Instead of ordering a sculpted figure from overseas, which was a common practice in New Zealand at the time, soldier and politician Sir James Allen commissioned Feldon for memorials in Matakana, Helensville, Mercer, and the Arawa Memorial in Rotorua. The memorial was unveiled in 1920 but has been vandalised and restored several times. In 2006 the memorial was moved from its original location on the corner of Matakana Wharf Road and Matakana Road to a nearby site in the Matakana Wharf Reserve.