Pakiri, ten minutes drive north of Leigh Village, is located in the Rodney district of New Zealand. When the Europeans first arrived there, they encountered a Maori village lead by the chief Te Kiri.
The name Pakiri comes from the word Pa, the Maori word for village, and Te Kiri, the chief's name. Village remains can still be seen standing atop the hill overlooking Pakiri Beach.
Although officially named the Village of Leigh, it was also known as Little Omaha. By 1858, a settlement was established in Leigh. Roads were built in the area linking the various settlements in the district together and by 1890, a route was established linking Leigh and Pakiri to Warkworth, Matakana and Big Omaha.
Leigh has historically been, and still is, a fishing village exporting fresh fish both nationally and internationally. It currently has a population of around 500.
The name Pakiri comes from the word Pa, the Maori word for village, and Te Kiri, the chief's name. Village remains can still be seen standing atop the hill overlooking Pakiri Beach.
Although officially named the Village of Leigh, it was also known as Little Omaha. By 1858, a settlement was established in Leigh. Roads were built in the area linking the various settlements in the district together and by 1890, a route was established linking Leigh and Pakiri to Warkworth, Matakana and Big Omaha.
Leigh has historically been, and still is, a fishing village exporting fresh fish both nationally and internationally. It currently has a population of around 500.
