It is a tributary of the Taheke River, which forms the Waimā River, though it is longer than the Waimā itself.

[1] The Punakitere is polluted, especially with e-coli and phosphorus, and has its origins in several streams which flow through and to the south of Kaikohe,[2] as well as from Mount Hikurangi.

[3] The rivers flow predominantly westward to reach the Waimā close to the small settlement of Moehau.

"Place name detail: Punakitere River".

This article about a river in the Northland Region is a stub.