Omata

Omata
Tapuae Beach
Coordinates: 39°5′38″S 174°1′13″E / 39.09389°S 174.02028°E / -39.09389; 174.02028
CountryNew Zealand
RegionTaranaki Region
Territorial authorityNew Plymouth District
Ward
  • Kaitake-Ngāmotu General Ward
  • Te Purutanga Mauri Pūmanawa Māori Ward
CommunityKaitake Community
Electorates
Government
  Territorial AuthorityNew Plymouth District Council
  Regional councilTaranaki Regional Council
Area
  Total
16.25 km2 (6.27 sq mi)
Population
 (June 2024)
  Total
580
  Density36/km2 (92/sq mi)

Omata is a locality in Taranaki, in the western North Island of New Zealand. It is located on State Highway 45 just southwest of New Plymouth. Omata and Western New Plymouth are adjacent to the Tapuae Marine Reserve.

The area was the site of the Omata Stockade, built to house soldiers during tensions at the time of the First Taranaki War in 1860–61, and is near the site of the Battle of Waireka on 28 March 1860. The stockade, designed and constructed by local settlers, was built on the site of Ngāturi Pā. In August 1860, most of Omata village was burnt down during the war. Troops were stationed at the stockade until 1866, and it was demolished by farmers and the remains auctioned off in late 1867.