Ngaere

Ngaere locality covers . The locality is partly in the Pembroke statistical area and partly in the Toko statistical area. Ngaere had a population of 234 in the 2023 New Zealand census, a decrease of 9 people (−3.7%) since the 2018 census, and an increase of 15 people (6.8%) since the 2013 census. There were 108 males, 123 females, and 3 people of other genders in 90 dwellings. 2.6% of people identified as LGBTIQ+. There were 39 people (16.7%) aged under 15 years, 48 (20.5%) aged 15 to 29, 120 (51.3%) aged 30 to 64, and 24 (10.3%) aged 65 or older. ==Attractions==

Ngaere Gardens, which once hosted a menagerie of exotic animals, was a popular picnic spot for early 20th century families. Several attempts at resurrecting the gardens have been to no avail. The gardens have now been cleared, and all that remains now is the large lake, and a number of mature exotic trees. Another well-known landmark is the Ngaere dairy factory, founded in 1914. It produced its own brand of cheese called "Triumph". The Ngaere factory closed in 1973, after the Ngaere dairy cooperative merged into the Taranaki dairy cooperative. Since its closure, the factory has been put to many uses - as a clothing factory, an indoor cricket arena, a rave dance hall, and currently a saw mill. Ngaere had a service station, which closed in the 1990s. The building has been put to a variety of uses, including as a brewery and a health shop. It is currently a motorcycle repair shop. "Fred's Place" is well known for its antiques. ==Local Legends==

Maori legend says that the Ngaere swamp was formed when Mt. Taranaki stopped and wept on its journey to its current resting place. Most of the swamp was drained in the early 20th century for dairy farming. ==Name==

It has been speculated that Ngaere, which until 1934 was also spelt Ngaire, is the origin of the name Ngaire, a common girl's name in New Zealand. ==Education==

Ngaere School is a coeducational full primary (years 1-8) school with a roll of The school was founded in 1882. ==Notes==