There are many stories about the origin of the name Ruakākā. One tells of two kākā parrots that flew in different directions along the beach. But local iwi say it's actually an ancient name from Ngāti Manaia and Ngaitāhuhu tūpuna, who Patuharakeke descend from.

"The name applies to a small sentinel pā that was situated on the banks of the Ruakākā estuary or river," Carrington told Newshub Nation. 

"In ancient times this pā had commanding views of the estuary from which the alarm would be raised to alert the other pā in the district, such as the main pā at Rangiora, Ngātītī and Pākauhokio at Takahiwai."

Via: Ruakākā community calls for macrons on road signs to stop 'two poos' mistranslation | Newshub, 07 September 2019.