Kumara Fast Facts

1. Locals pronounce Kumara with the stress on the middle syllable, not the first as we do with the maori pronunciation of the root vegetable, making it KU-MAR-A

2. The name ‘Kumara’ likely comes from Kohe Mara, meaning “the blossom of tataramoa” (bush lawyer). Don’t worry, you won’t need legal advice — unless you mispronounce the town name in the local pub.

3. Kumara’s current population is just over 300 — small enough that you’ll probably get a wave (or a friendly chat) from everyone you meet.

 4. In the roaring days of the gold rush, Kumara had close to 50 pubs lining its streets, alongside a hospital, courthouse, police station, and its own newspaper. It was a town that knew how to work hard, play hard, and write about it the next day.

  5. “King Dick” himself — Richard John Seddon — once ruled Kumara as mayor before moving on to rule New Zealand as its longest-serving Prime Minister.