Oa recent journey to the Taranaki region within New Zealand's North Island, I found that I had to actually leave New Zealand to get to Taranaki. Armed with my UK passport and map, I travelled along the tortuous "Forgotten World Highway" State Highway 43 to discover the Republic of Whangamōmona.
Yes, after local Government reforms in 1989, the local population, whose land communication was entirely with Stratford and the rest of the Taranaki region, decided to 'secede', and declared the town an independent republic.
Whangamōmona is a small township in the Stratford District and Manawatū-Whanganui Region in New Zealand. It lies on State Highway 43, the "Forgotten World Highway", 65 kilometres north-east of Stratford and 55 kilometres south-west of Ōhura.
It is famous for its rich frontier history. Frustrated with local councils, residents jokingly declared it ‘The Republic of Whangamōmona’ in 1989, and held their own presidential elections.
The famous Republic Day is now held biennially in January, and is enjoyed by thousands of visitors. Don’t be surprised to see a flock of sheep racing down the main road during Republic Day, or the new mayor (which may or may not be an animal) being sworn in.
Country activities such as Sheep Races, Gumboot Throwing, Gutbuster Races, Whip Cracking, Possum Skinning, Hold Ups and Shoot Outs all take place in the main street whilst the Presidential elections are being held.
Passports to the Republic of Whangamōmona are available from the iconic Whangamōmona Hotel.
Whangamōmona's statistical area covers 689.60 km2 (266.26 sq mi) and has an estimated population of 130 as of June 2023.
Recent Presidents of the Republic include:
Ian Kjestrup (1989–1999) After being put on the ballot without his knowledge, Kjestrup became the first elected president, serving 10 years.
Billy Gumboots the Goat (1999–2001) Gumboots was the first elected animal. He won election by a landslide, although some residents speculate he ate the other challengers' ballots in order to win. He died in office after serving for 18 months.
Tai the Poodle (2003–2004) Tai retired after he was attacked by a mastiff, but some speculate it was an assassination attempt. Though he survived the attack, Tai was left unfit for service and died in 2010.
Sir Murt "Murtle the Turtle" Kennard (2005–2015) The local garage owner fought off strong competition from former president Kjestrup to become the 4th president. He was re-elected in 2009 by one vote, and again by a landslide in 2011.
Vicki Pratt (2015–2017) Pratt was the first female president appointed for the Whangamomona Republic.
John Herlihy (2017–present) Herlihy was elected ahead of Jack Spearow, Lili Jiao (who wanted to be a cat) and Ted (who was already a cat), despite reported attempts by Spearow to steal ballots. On Republic Day 2019 (19 January) President Herlihy was re-elected for a second term, having fought off challenges from Maketoni the Teddy Bear, Sherman the Cockatoo, Eunice the Sheep, Griff Robb (who proposed that the land-locked nation should enter into maritime tourism) and a Mrs Brown look-alike at the polls. Controversy surrounded the election due to the disappearance of candidate Eunice the Sheep, with commentators noting that mutton sandwiches were for sale at the Republic Day barbecue.
Believe it or not, it's all legal too!
This country town is like none you’ve come across before.
It can only be in NZ!
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