Wharerātā

Wharerātā
Wharerātā
Coordinates: 38°52′50″S 177°52′20″E
Country	New Zealand
Region	Gisborne
District	Gisborne District
Government
• MP	Stuart Nash (Labour)
Postcode(s)	4078
Local iwi	Ngāi Tāmanuhiri

Wharerātā or Bartletts is a rural coastal community in the Gisborne District of New Zealand's North Island. It is located on State Highway 2 between Wairoa and Gisborne.[1][2]

The landscape consists of rocky ranges,[3] with views of the surrounding area.[4]

Since the 19th century the area has been settled by European farmers, who have experienced hardship due to isolation and extreme weather.[5]

An Indian man, who had overstayed his visa, was killed in the Wharerātā Forest in 1993.[6] His remains were found by forestry workers 12 years later.[7]

Marae

The local Rangiwaho Marae is a meeting place for the Ngāi Tawehi, Ngāti Kahutia, Ngāti Rangitauwhiwhia, Ngāti Rangiwaho and Ngāti Rangiwahomatua hapū of the Ngāi Tāmanuhiri iwi.[8] It includes a meeting hall of the same name,[9] and a dining hall built in 2018.[2]

In October 2020, the Government committed $323,107 from the Provincial Growth Fund to upgrade the marae, creating 5.4 jobs.[10]

References

1. Hariss, Gavin. "Ngatapa, Gisborne". topomap.co.nz. NZ Topo Map.
2. "Marae's new dining hall opened". Gisborne Herald. 22 June 2018.
3. "Fallen rocks in Wharerata Hills". Gisborne Herald.
4. Ward, Gillian. "Paritu Station, Wharerata Hills, stunning on a clear winter day". gisborneherald.co.nz. Gisborne Herald.
5. "Wharerata Pioneers". No. 155. Photo News. 17 May 1967.
6. "Death in the forest - trial begins 14 years later". stuff.co.nz. New Zealand Press Agency. 31 January 2008.
7. "Man found guilty of murdering overstayer". New Zealand Herald. New Zealand Press Agency. 15 February 2008.
8. "Te Kāhui Māngai directory". tkm.govt.nz. Te Puni Kōkiri.
9. "Māori Maps". maorimaps.com. Te Potiki National Trust.
10. "Marae Announcements" (Excel). growregions.govt.nz. Provincial Growth Fund. 9 October 2020.