In 1989, the village half way along the Forgotten World Highway was reallocated to another district against the will of the residents. They protested against this act by declaring themselves the Republic of Whangamomona. However, this step was rather considered a gag as one out of the first four presidents was a goat and one was a dog. Surprisingly, the remaining two presidents were humans. The Republic Day celebrated every two years is a popular tourist attraction.