New Zealand - Takapau - Takapau School - Standard 1 & Primer 4 - 1967 Photographer: Michael de Stacpoole Takapau - A small rural community in the Central Hawkes Bay in New Zealand - It is located 20 kilometres west of Waipukurau, off State Highway 2, and has a population of more than 500. - The original township was founded in 1876 by farmer Sydney Johnston from Oruawharo station. Johnston's family donated land for a school and churches, and built the local library, public hall and, later, Plunket rooms. Many streets are named after members of the family. - Takapau was once the centre of a large flax milling industry, and the community takes its name from the flax that grew in the expansive Takapau plains. The Māori word translates literally as "mat" or "carpet". (Reference; Wikipedia)