After leaving Tauramunui, we drove along the Forgotten World Highway, a windy and wonderful 2-lane road that traverses many volcanic valleys and saddles. Around every turn, we saw new landscapes. At least WE thought they looked new. We were awe-struck!
We took a short hike along pasture land...
Eventually we reached Mt. Damper Falls which at 74 meters, is the second highest fall in the North Island.
Wikipedia says it best.
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.
Being a republic, they have their own passport:
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, and died in 2010
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.
At one point, we were stopped by a herd of sheep. Believe me, they have the right of way.
...passing resting sheep.
Can you see the rainbow?
I leave you with a very charming only-in-New-Zealand story about the tiny town (population 15) of Whangamomona we passed through along the Forgotten World Highway.
Wikipedia says it best.
Being a republic, they have their own passport:
I especially like the description of the former presidents:
Presidents
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, and died in 2010
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.
ReplyDeleteWho wouldn't be awe-struck with those gorgeous vistas along the Forgotten World Highway. You were brave and adventurous to travel along that two lane road. It must have been magical to see the Mount Damper Falls, rainbow and all. Love the history of Whangamomona. Imagine being their own republic and having their own passport. What a colourful list of Presidents. This is an area we intended to explore on our last trip to N.Z., but never got there. Thank you for enlightening us.