DARGAVILLE Dargaville is situated on the Wairoa River in the Northland region and its history is strongly linked to the Kauri Timber industry. The population was 4500, and has been constant for some years and is noted for the high proportion of residents of Dalmatian descent. The area around it is one of the chief regions in the country for cultivating kumara and so the Kumara Capital of New Zealand. The town is named after a timber merchant and politician Joseph McMullen Dargaville. It was founded during the 19th century kauri gum and timber trade, and at the peak of the timber industry for a time had New Zealand's largest population. Dargaville has many ‘old’ buildings, and is now rtrecognising their value. One such establishment is he Central Hotel is Dargaville oldest hotel established in 1876 and is currently a heritage listed building. The owners clearly take pride in what they have to offer. The Dargaville Museum is situated in Harding Park just out of town overlooking the town, with magnificent views of Toka Toka, Maungaraho and the historic Northern Wairoa River Dargaville Museum is a great place to step back in time and experience what life has been like through the decades in the Kaipara, and should not be missed. The Dargaville War Memorial is included with the Memorial Hall. The Anglican Church is located on a hillside close to the town centre. Dargaville is a nice town steeped in Kauri timber industrial history.