WARKWORTH Warkworth is one of those towns that clearly are in a growth phase. Warkworth is the ‘capital’ of the Kowhai Coast and services a number of other growth towns in the region, namely Snells Beach, Matakana and Omaha. The area is also becoming known for the quality wines that are being produced. Warkworth is an old town, and the heritage is looked after. The citizens of Warkworth are very proud of that heritage and the centre has very strong community contribution. This clearly demonstrated at the wharf development and is on display. Warkworth is 65 km north of Auckland and is at the head of Mahurangi Harbour and the population was 3,500 and growing. The growth aided by a recent toll way that decreased times to Auckland by 15/20 minutes. The Warkworth district is known as the Kowhai Coast that is named after the native kowhai tree, and is also known for the ducks which live around the river running through the town. Warkworth in the early days was known as Browns Mill and was founded in 1853 by John Anderson Brown, who named the village of Warkworth. Early industry included logging of kauri and other timbers, flour milling and boat-building. After World War Two, became host to thousands of military men from America. There were 25 military camps which sprung up around the towns farmlands. The Warkworth museum has a number of displays that cover this era. The museum does an excellent job of presenting the eras of aspects of the last 100 years. The retail exhibit covers this nicely. In the Museum car park are two large Kauri trees that date over 800 years. There are a number of churches in Warkworth, and the Presbyterian Church has recently celebrated its 150th anniversary. There are two ‘old’ hotels remaining in Warkworth.