Maxwell, New Zealand

Maxwell, previously known as Pakaraka, Okehu, and then Maxwelltown,[1] is a farming and lifestyle community 20 kilometres (12 mi) west of Whanganui, on the North Island of New Zealand.

Church in Maxwell

To Māori, the area had been known as Pakaraka ("the pā where the karaka trees grew").[2] Maxwell was first settled by Europeans in the mid-1800s.[3] It is named after Sergeant George Maxwell,[1] whose actions in this location during Tītokowaru's War were described by Colonel George Stoddart Whitmore as follows,[4] omitting that the party that was attacked was made up of children aged between six and twelve who were out pig hunting:[2]

I wish particularly to mention the extreme gallantry of Sergt G. Maxwell of the Kai Iwi Cavalry, who himself sabred two and shot one of the enemy...

The area was known as Maxwelltown until 1927.[1] In 2020, the local hapū—Ngā Rauru—partnered with Whanganui District Council to have the name of Maxwell changed.[5] The Maxwell district in the 1960s offered good pig hunting sites due to the local heavy scrub. The town offers a range of activities, such as the local art gallery (Black Sands Studio), the church, swimming pool, and the newly renovated Birch Park Pool, which is situated on the Taranaki side of Maxwell district. Forest abounds around the Maxwell district. Maxwell beach is a popular attraction as well; many come to see the small waterfall that runs from the farmland to the shore.

Maxwell's population in 2013 was 1,644, with females outnumbering males 831 to 813.[6]

The local Pākaraka Marae and Te Whānau Pani II and III meeting houses are a traditional meeting place for the Ngā Rauru hapū of Ngāti Maika II.[7][8]