What is "ongaonga"

n. The plant (taxlink Urtica ferox species noshow=1), a nettle endemic to New Zealand with woody stem and large stinging spines.

Ongaonga is a Maori word meaning distaste, dislike or repulsive, and may refer to:

• Ongaonga (town), a township in New Zealand
• Urtica incisa, a dwarf bush nettle native to Australia and New Zealand
• Urtica ferox, a native tree nettle from New Zealand

Ongaonga is a small town located in Central Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. It is located 20 kilometres west of Waipawa and a similar distance from Waipukurau.

The main street of Ongaonga (Bridge St., named after the Henry Hamilton Bridge) has several historic buildings. The general store and tearooms was opened in 1899 and still provides the local community and visitors with groceries, refreshments, postal services and petrol.

The village is named after the native stinging nettle Urtica ferox or Ongaonga. It contains the Ongaonga Primary School and also the Ongaonga Play Center adjoined to the town hall. Ongaonga is renowned for its collection of historic buildings all built at a similar time by the Coles Brothers Builders and Joiners. The historic Coles Brothers factory is a prominent feature on the main street.

Businesses in the town include the General store and tea rooms, the Sandford Arms Tavern and the Ongaonga Golf Course which is located one kilometre south-west of the town.