After almost 40 years, local government reform is likely to return the remote settlement of Whangamōmona back to its spiritual home of Taranaki.
By Robin Martin of RNZ
But do not expect locals to give up their self-declared Whangamōmona Republic, hidden away on the Forgotten World Highway - some would even like to see its boundaries expanded.
In 1989, Whangamōmona - with a population of about 170 - found itself included in the Manawatū-Whanganui Region, otherwise known as Horizons.
From his office at the bar of the Whangamōmona Hotel, current president of the republic John Herlihy explained how locals were not impressed.
"Because our rivers flow towards the Whanganui River, they classed us as part of Horizons region.
"So, there was a bit of a boycott, a bit of upset with the locals about why we were becoming a part of Manawatū Whanganui. That's how it all started."
Herlihy was elected president on Republic Day 2017 and said some interesting characters have held the post.
"Before my time there was a goat that got poisoned and then there was a poodle Tai, that was subject of an assassination attempt.
"There's always three or four who stand against me on the day. We had a sheep called Eunice and she got kidnapped the night before Republic Day.
"There was a bit of skulduggery going on. I handed over a ransom note from some anonymous person but apparently it was my handwriting, so I sort of got sprung."
With Horizons soon to be disestablished, Herlihy reckoned Whangamōmona should be included in a unitary council being touted by the Stratford and South Taranaki districts in their Head Start submissions - but retain its republican status.
"I suppose it's going to be a government decision in the end, but we don't need to be part of Manawatū Whanganui anymore.
"We've always been part of Taranaki. Always have been and always will be."
Herlihy would not like to see Whangamōmona run out of New Plymouth.
"Nah, that wouldn't go down very well at all."
Vanessa Kennedy - who worked in the hotel kitchen when not driving the school bus - was chair of the Whangamōmona Republic committee.
"Any money we make from selling our passports and Republic Day that's all got to be divvied out to the community.
"So, that's like the health group, the halls, the school and any sporting people who are doing really well their field of sport or just anything really. You can apply for money, and we'll decide whether we want to give it to you."
She was not satisfied with Whangamōmona simply being incorporated back into Taranaki.
"We're thinking maybe we should take-over Stratford and Hāwera and accumulate them into our republic and make them a part of us rather than us a part of them.
"We've already managed to infiltrate the Stratford District Council, so we've started."
Whangamōmona Hotel co-owner Rachael Massey was in charge of issuing and stamping passports for the republic.
She said people came from around the world to get their passports stamped.
"We've had Chinese, Czech, Italian last week, so everywhere, all over the globe, but anybody can come and get a passport. It's one of the biggest fundraisers for the republic.
Whangamōmona passports went for $5, or it was $2 to get your own passport stamped.
Across road garage owner Brent O'Sullivan did not believe the latest local government reforms meant the republic had seen its day.
"No, I think the republic will last because it's an identity. We're a very small population here and we're self-reliant, so basically we've got to rely on ourselves. True republican, that's right."
Herlihy agreed.
"I don't think it will ever go away now. It's sort of local history, tourism. We're still known as the Republic of Whangamōmona.
"It will still keep its name for the years to come, yeah. Even when we're dead and gone, it will still be called the republic."
These people passing through were also in favour of retaining the republic.
It made sense to road worker Michael.
"They kind of have to fend for themselves anyway, so why not?"
Eva though it was a point of difference.
"With it being in the middle of nowhere it kind of makes it an attraction so people come to it."
Sarah liked the rebelliousness.
"If they'd like to stay the Republic that'd be bloody awesome because it's a niche little part of New Zealand history."
Aucklander Mark reckoned there should be more republics out there.
"I think it's great they've got their own identity. Good on them for standing up for themselves."
UK visitor Chris was feeling it.
"It's just a bit of fun, isn't it. It's great for tourists somewhere to come and get your passport stamped. It's something unique."
Countrywoman Marianne was in favour.
"If they're raising money for charity and using it for good not evil then it should definitely carry on."
The government was expected to announce decisions on Head Start local government reform submissions during September.
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