The Welcome to Manaia sign is a great spot to stop for a selfie when passing through!

Only 10 minutes from Hāwera lies the settlement of Manaia. With a population of approximately 1000 people, it is the little town with the big attitude. It is named after the former Māori chief of the district, Hukunui Manaia.

Visitors will enjoy the friendly charm of the village centre with its library, dairies, hotel and food store providing the daily necessities. There is a laid back, peaceful vibe and a short drive will take you to the ocean, mountain, or the town of Hawera in just a short time. Manaia is home to Yarrows Family Bakers, suppliers of bread products to restaurants, hotels and retailers all over the world. If Philip Yarrow’s great grandfather Alfred knew the small walk-in bakery he started in 1923 was now supplying products all over the world he would be amazed. It all started when Alfred Yarrow decided to open a hot bread shop to feed the tourists who were expected to visit via the soon-to-be-built railway but plans soon changed and the railway was relocated. Fortunately, the hot bread shop had already won over locals and Yarrows the Bakers was born. Alfred would be proud to know it has stayed in Manaia all these years and kept true to its roots. You may be surprised to find out that the bread used for your yummy chicken fillet on Italian herb and cheese from Subway comes from Yarrows. So do those delicious pastries, cookies, artisan bread, Christmas tarts and doughnuts from Countdown. Something Manaia locals are proud of. It is worth stopping to pick up some incredibly cheap bread, half-baked cookies, croissants, and muffins. The perfect place to stock up on treats for the road. While you are in Manaia, make sure to walk across the road and pay your respect to George. In 2007, a 9-yearold Jack Russell terrier called George died while protecting five children from an attack by two pit bulls. He was given a PDSA Gold Medal, the animal equivalent of the George Cross, at a special ceremony in Manaia in February 2009. The town has erected a statue in his honour.

MANAIA would have to win the award for the bestsmelling town in New Zealand!