Much to the locals’ dismay, as most of them associated themselves as part of Taranaki and they were not consulted about the change first, the residents decided to declare Whangamomona as a republic complete with a president!

It all began in 1988 when the local council planned to split Whangamomona into two regions: Taranaki and Manawatu-Wanganui districts.

© Tambako The Jaguar on Flickr

The Presidents of Whangamomona

Probably the most interesting part of Whangamomona’s republic status is its presidents.

The first president of Whangamomona was human. For some reason, the republic didn’t seem to take itself seriously until 2015 when the first woman was elected. Here’s a brief history of Whangamomona’s presidents.

Ian Kjestrup (1989-1999)

Kjestrup did not plan on becoming president for 10 years, as his name was put in the ballot without his knowledge.

Billy the Kid (1999-2001)

Billy was the first elected goat. He won the election by eating the other challengers’ ballots. Unfortunately, he died in office after serving for 18 months. Short life spans are just one reason why animals should not be presidents.

Tai the Poodle (2003-2004)

Tai retired after an assassination attempt left him a nervous wreck.

Murt “Murtle the Turtle” Kennard (2005-2015)

Murt was doing a fine job, as he kept being reelected! But just when the republic thought they had solved the problem of the animal presidents having short lifespans, unfortunately, Murt too died in office.

Vicki Pratt (2015- Present)

Whangamomona displayed itself as joining the 21st Century when electing the first women president. Vicki was picked by her fellow countrymen and women against her wishes while she was working in the kitchen.