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]

Wharerātā
Wharerātā is located in North Island
Wharerātā
Wharerātā
Coordinates: 38°52′50″S 177°52′20″E / 38.88056°S 177.87222°E / -38.88056; 177.87222
CountryNew Zealand
RegionGisborne
DistrictGisborne District
Government
 • MPStuart Nash (Labour)
Postcode(s)
4078
Local iwiNgāi Tāmanuhiri

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

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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

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  1. ^ Hariss, Gavin. "Ngatapa, Gisborne". topomap.co.nz. NZ Topo Map.
  2. ^ a b "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.