Reikōrangi
Opposite 5 Akatarawa Road, Reikōrangi.
Reikōrangi translated into English means ‘the gate’ or ‘gateway to heaven’. This originated from when a young slave was sent into the valley but did not return. It was assumed he had entered heaven.
During the invasion by northern tribes in the 1820s, Muaupoko created a refuge at Te Pā o Toata at the narrow entrance to the valley. In 1891, Māori owners sold Reikōrangi basin, two thirds of it to the Crown. Most of the remainder formed Elder’s ‘Waimahoe’ station.
From the 1890s to 1908, sawmills employing more than a hundred men cleared the bush and dairy farmers moved in. During this time a bush tramway led to Waikanae Railway Station.
In 1895 a post office and school opened in Reikōrangi, and in 1907, St Andrew's Church held its first service.
The Ōtaki Co-Operative Dairy Company operated a creamery from 1902 until 1920.
In the 1960s the population declined. The post office closed in 1962 and the school in 1970. Today, pastoral and recreational farming dominates Reikōrangi.
Log milling at Reikōrangi sawmill ca 1910. Hp1573, Joe Greig Collection, Kāpiti Coast District Libraries.
Opening of the Reikorangi Creamery in 1902. Byron Brown, chairman of the Ōtaki–Manakau Dairy Company performed the ceremony. A banquet was held afterwards at the Reikorangi schoolrooms. Hp1862, Monk Collection, Kāpiti Coast District Libraries
