45-665: Stratford ( Māori : Whakaahurangi ) is the only town in Stratford District , and the seat of the Taranaki region, in New Zealand's North Island . It lies beneath the eastern slopes of Mount Taranaki , approximately halfway between New Plymouth and Hāwera , near the geographic centre of the Taranaki Region. The town has a population of 6,510, making it the 62nd largest urban area in New Zealand (using
90-513: A marae (meeting ground) of the Ngāti Ruanui tribe and its Ahitahi sub-tribe, is located in Stratford. It includes a wharenui (meeting house), known as Te Whetū o Marama. There is no record of Māori settlement in the vicinity of Stratford. Before British settlement the area was covered in dense forest and swamp. The Vogel schemes of the 1870s provided the necessary impetus to lead to
135-417: A different member. The five principal sister cities of Stratford, New Zealand are: [REDACTED] Media related to Stratford District at Wikimedia Commons Ngati Ruanui Ngāti Ruanui is a Māori iwi traditionally based in the Taranaki region of New Zealand . In the 2006 census, 7,035 people claimed affiliation to the iwi. However, most members now live outside the traditional areas of
180-574: A new site for a town on the banks of the Pātea River was authorised on 11 June 1877, and the northern half of the town (above the Pātea River) was laid out by William Skinner in July. More lots were laid out by Peter Cheal in 1879, and in 1880 Skinner was directed to survey the southern half of the town. On 3 December 1877, the name Stratford-upon-Patea was adopted, on the motion of William Crompton of
225-592: A number of public parks and reserves, with names reflecting its English and Māori heritage; Stratford District, New Zealand Stratford District is a territorial authority district in the North Island of New Zealand. The Stratford District Council is headquartered in the only town, Stratford . The district is divided between the Manawatū-Whanganui region (including the settlements of Whangamōmona , Marco and Tahora , 31.87% of its land area) and
270-958: A population density of 4.9 people per km . Stratford District had a population of 10,149 in the 2023 New Zealand census , an increase of 675 people (7.1%) since the 2018 census , and an increase of 1,161 people (12.9%) since the 2013 census . There were 5,064 males, 5,058 females and 27 people of other genders in 3,933 dwellings. 2.2% of people identified as LGBTIQ+ . The median age was 40.0 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 2,097 people (20.7%) aged under 15 years, 1,665 (16.4%) aged 15 to 29, 4,515 (44.5%) aged 30 to 64, and 1,872 (18.4%) aged 65 or older. People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 90.2% European ( Pākehā ); 15.6% Māori ; 1.7% Pasifika ; 3.4% Asian ; 0.4% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 3.2% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English
315-478: A population of 342 and by 1896 1,256. This growth continued steadily until the mid-late 20th century, and has since fluctuated between 5229 (2001) and 5664 (1996), numbering 5,337 at the last census. The first Stratford Town Board was formed in 1882. The Stratford County Council was formed in 1890, and the Stratford Borough Council was formed on 22 July 1898. In the same year, Stratford became
360-558: A successful society. Agriculture provided a stable economy. Ngāti Ruanui workers were employed as labourers in New Plymouth . Education and Christianity were eagerly embraced. Ngāti Ruanui were wary of European settlers and their desire for more land. In 1860, when Te Āti Awa engaged in battle with the British Crown, Ngāti Ruanui sent fighters to support them. At least 10 members of Ngāti Ruanui and Ngāruahine died during
405-520: Is 146 km (91 mi) to the east. This road is known as "The Forgotten World Highway" , due to the scarcity of settlement along the road in contrast to its earlier history. A sign reads "No Petrol for 150 km (93 mi)". Stratford railway station is the junction of the Marton–New Plymouth and Stratford–Okahukura lines. Stratford is a rural service centre, serving the agricultural economy of its wider hinterland. The population of
450-476: Is in the Stratford district, the north-westernmost point of the district being the 2518 m high peak. From the peak, the boundaries run almost due east and due south. Pembroke Road winds up the mountain slope from Stratford to a carpark and lookout at "The Plateau", at 1,172 m (3,845 ft) Manganui skifield is a short hike from the carpark, across the Manganui Gorge. On the south-eastern face of
495-571: Is on the Pātea/Manganui divide. Beyond Stratford the catchment widens significantly to include a number of ancient swamps, including Ngaere and Toko , and also the Kahouri and Piakau ring plain streams. The river then takes in the expansive eastern hill country catchments of the Toko , Makuri , Mangaehu , Mangaotuku , Puniwhakau and Makahu Streams, before winding its way southwards through
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#1732801011593540-407: The 2019 local elections . The first Stratford Town Board was formed in 1882. Stratford County Council was formed in 1890 and Stratford Borough Council was formed in 1898. The two merged to become Stratford District as part of the 1989 local government reforms . Stratford District covers 2,163.43 km (835.30 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 10,600 as of June 2024, with
585-474: The First Taranaki War , mostly during the defense of Waireka on 28 March 1860, including Te Rei Hanataua , chief of Tāngahoe hapū. In retaliation, in 1865 and 1866, Crown troops invaded south Taranaki, destroying fortifications and villages. In 1868, notable resistance was provided by the tribal leader Tītokowaru against Crown troops approaching from the south. Amongst New Plymouth settlers
630-777: The 2023 census, the town had a smaller boundary, covering 8.54 km (3.30 sq mi). Using that boundary, Stratford had a population of 5,784 at the 2018 New Zealand census , an increase of 315 people (5.8%) since the 2013 census , and an increase of 447 people (8.4%) since the 2006 census . There were 2,322 households, comprising 2,811 males and 2,979 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.94 males per female, with 1,206 people (20.9%) aged under 15 years, 981 (17.0%) aged 15 to 29, 2,361 (40.8%) aged 30 to 64, and 1,230 (21.3%) aged 65 or older. Ethnicities were 89.1% European/ Pākehā , 17.1% Māori , 1.6% Pacific peoples , 3.5% Asian , and 1.1% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity. The percentage of people born overseas
675-538: The Statistical Standard for Geographic Areas 2018 (SSGA18)), and the fourth largest in Taranaki (behind New Plymouth, Hāwera and Waitara ). The Stratford District has a population of 10,600, and a land area of 2,163.35 km (835.27 sq mi), which is divided between the Manawatū-Whanganui region (including the settlements of Whangamōmona , Marco and Tahora , 31.87% of its land area) and
720-717: The Taranaki Waste Lands Board. The supposed similarity of the Pātea River to the River Avon in England led to the adoption of this name, and Crompton was known to have a literary turn of mind. There was a trend at the time to name towns after the birthplace of prominent British men. The William Shakespeare 'connection' led to the naming of 67 streets after Shakespearian characters from 27 of his plays. Today New Zealand's only glockenspiel clock tower plays
765-438: The Taranaki region (68.13% of its land area). Stratford has a temperate Oceanic climate ( Köppen Climate Classification : Cfb) Stratford is at the junction of State Highway 3 and State Highway 43 . On State Highway 3 New Plymouth is 39 km (24 mi) north, Inglewood 21 km (13 mi) north, Eltham 11 km (6.8 mi) south and Hāwera 30 km (19 mi) south. On State Highway 43 Taumarunui
810-427: The Taranaki region (68.13% of its land area). The district has an area of 2,163.43 square kilometres (835.30 sq mi). The population was 10,600 as of June 2024 which is 0.2% of the population of New Zealand. This comprises 6,510 people in the Stratford urban area, and 4,090 people in rural areas and settlements. Mayor Neil Volzke was elected as mayor in a 2009 by-election, and most recently re-elected in
855-511: The balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet three times a day. The spoken words are provided via external loudspeakers - there is no carillon (multiple bells) as would be more typical for glockenspiels in towers. Stratford was formally classified as a town in June 1878, and on 31 August 1878 an auction of 455 sections saw the first sections sold. By 1881 the population was 97, comprising 56 males and 41 females, with 22 houses. By 1891 this had grown to
900-415: The census question. Of those at least 15 years old, 705 (8.8%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 4,827 (59.9%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 2,307 (28.7%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $ 36,900, compared with $ 41,500 nationally. 528 people (6.6%) earned over $ 100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15
945-550: The construction of a railway line south of New Plymouth , and the creation of road access at the same time, to open up access to the rich soils under the mountain. In 1876, Taranaki Waste Lands Board assistant surveyor Edwin Stanley Brookes, Jnr. cut a meridian line from Waitara to the site of Stratford, and oversaw the subdivision of a block between the Manganui River and the Pātea River . The surveying of
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#1732801011593990-749: The district also includes the Mt Damper Stream and its associated swamp and falls , which feed into the Tongaporutu River . In the east, the district takes in the Whangamōmona River catchment, and also most of the Tangarakau River catchment, both of which feed into the Whanganui River . This area is separated from the west by the densely forested Whangamōmona Saddle, making it an isolated and distinctive part of
1035-403: The district peaked in 1961 at 11,300, and until the end of the century the town fluctuated between 5229 (2001) and 5664 (1996). The 21st century has seen significant economic growth and some associated population growth in the town. Stratford covers 8.90 km (3.44 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 6,510 as of June 2024, with a population density of 731 people per km. Before
1080-587: The district, and the area once had its own county council. To the south-east, the district also takes in the upper reaches of the Waitōtara River catchment, within the Matemateāonga Range and the Waitōtara Conservation Area. Stratford is surrounded by a number of small villages and settlements. To the north on State Highway 3 are Midhirst and beyond that Waipuku , and to the south is
1125-577: The hills of the South Taranaki district , to its mouth at Patea . Beyond Stratford, the district extends approximately 45 km (28 mi) to the east, between the Waitara River to the north and the Matemateāonga Range to the south, with the Whanganui River and Heao Stream constituting much of the district's eastern boundary. This area is dominated by steep sandstone , greywacke and mudstone hills and winding valleys. Much of
1170-647: The iwi was known as 'Ngāti Ruin-Ruin Us' for the effectiveness of their attacks. But within a few years, Ngāti Ruanui had lost most of its land, displacing more Māori from their traditional lands. In 1996, the Waitangi Tribunal determined that the Crown had acted unfairly in its conflict with Ngāti Ruanui. A settlement between the New Zealand Government and Ngāti Ruanui was reached in 2001, which
1215-649: The iwi. Ruanui is acknowledged as the eponymous ancestor of the iwi. He was the son of Uenuku-puanake and Tāneroroa. Uenuku came from the Tākitimu canoe (although this is contested among mātauranga Māori historians), while Tāneroroa was the daughter of Turi , who came to New Zealand on the Aotea canoe. Turi originally landed in Aotea Harbour , but eventually settled along the Pātea River . Over time, Ruanui’s descendants spread across south Taranaki . Ngāti Ruanui
1260-470: The locality of Ngaere . Cardiff , Mahoe , Rowan and Pembroke are beneath the mountain to the west, and Wharehuia , Tuna , Te Popo and Kupe are to the north-east. To the east, along State Highway 43 and the Stratford-Okahukura railway, lie settlements that in their heyday were bustling villages. Toko and the renowned Whangamōmona have retained their character as villages, while
1305-536: The mountain, Manaia Road provides access to Dawson Falls and the Konini Lodge, at 890 m (2,920 ft) altitude. The natural Wilkies Pools are a short hike above the lodge. The Taranaki volcanic ring plain provides a steady contour with a subtle gradient, upon which Stratford and its environs have been settled. The easy gradient and rich volcanic soils and the high level of rainfall provide high quality pasture and agricultural land. Within this area
1350-525: The north and the Waingongoro River catchment to the south. Stratford is on the banks of the Pātea River , at the junction of the Pātea River and Paetahi Stream , approximately 15 km (9.3 mi) east of the headwaters. Due to the narrow width of the catchment, the southern boundary of the town is on the Pātea/Waingongoro divide , while 4 km (2.5 mi) to the north Midhirst
1395-481: The ring plain is drained by three river catchments: the Manganui River catchment to the north, the Waingongoro River catchment to the south, and the dominant Pātea River catchment. The headwaters of the Pātea River are on the eastern face of Mount Taranaki , above Stratford. From there the river flows eastwards, its upper catchment taking in a narrow area of land between the Manganui River catchment to
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1440-734: The rolling to steep eastern hill country supports dry stock farming and forestry (42,000 beef cattle; 281,300 sheep ). The energy and tourism industries are both of growing significance to the Stratford District. The Stratford Power Station is located 3 km (1.9 mi) east of the town. There are two secondary schools in Stratford: Stratford High School and Taranaki Diocesan School for Girls . There are three primary schools within Stratford township: Stratford Primary School, Avon School and St Joseph's School There are seven primary schools in
1485-441: The settlements of Douglas , Strathmore , Huiakama , Te Wera , Pohokura , Marco , Kohuratahi and Tahora now consist of no more than a few houses. Along roads off State Highway 3 are a number of other settlements, some of which were also once bustling villages. Huiroa , Kiore , Matau and Mt. Damper are to the north and west of the highway, and Huinga , Tututawa , Puniwhakau , Makahu , Aotuhia and Tangarakau are to
1530-509: The side of the Kahouri river near a fresh water spring. It is said she sat distraught and cried into the spring, naming it Te Puna Roimata o Ruaputahanga (The spring of Rua-pū-tahanga's tears), then camped overnight 3 km (1.9 mi) east of the current town. Being a clear night, Rua-pū-tahanga lay contemplating the stars when slumber overtook her. Withdrawing in respect, her followers observed that their chieftainess slept "with her face to
1575-425: The sky". The site continued to be used as a camping place for Māori, the track she followed linking the south Taranaki tribes to those in north Taranaki , and further north to Kawhia. Each travelling party would recollect the story of Rua-pū-tahanga sleeping with her face to the sky. The name is fitting, given the exposure of the area to a broad horizon on the face of the mountain's ring plain. Whakaahurangi Marae,
1620-429: The south and east. Stratford is the gateway to two National Parks – Egmont National Park to the west, and Whanganui National Park to the east (via Kohi Saddle, Aotuhia ). The Egmont Ring Plain provides steady contours and fertile volcanic soils which, together with the high level of rainfall, make for some of the best dairy country in New Zealand. The district is predominantly dairying (57,300 dairy cattle), while
1665-493: The steep and isolated hill country is in native or exotic forestry. The remainder of the district is in sheep and/or beef pastoral farming . Much of the eastern hill country falls within the catchment of the Pātea River and its tributaries. However, to the north, the district takes in Waitara River and its tributaries, including the Makara , Makino , Matau , Mangapapa and Mangaowata catchments. At its northernmost point,
1710-497: The surrounding district. Recent years have seen the consolidation of a large number of schools into these seven schools: Stratford is a member of the Stratford Sister Cities program, which was created to promote friendship and cultural exchange between participating countries. Participation is restricted to places called "Stratford" that have a Shakespeare Theatre or Festival. A reunion is held every second year by
1755-800: The third town in New Zealand to have electric street lighting, on the initiative of inventor and entrepreneur Alexander Walker Reid . The county and borough councils amalgamated on 1 April 1989 to form the Stratford District Council, which was reconstituted on 1 November 1989 as part of the nationwide restructure in local government. The Kings Theatre was given Category I status by Heritage New Zealand in 2024. There are two secondary schools in Stratford: There are three primary schools within Stratford township: All these primary schools are coeducational and accept students for years 1–8. Rolls are as of August 2024. Stratford has
1800-562: Was 10.2, compared with 27.1% nationally. Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 48.9% had no religion, 38.6% were Christian , 0.6% had Māori religious beliefs , 0.6% were Hindu , 0.1% were Muslim , 0.4% were Buddhist and 1.6% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 387 (8.5%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 1,395 (30.5%) people had no formal qualifications. 459 people (10.0%) earned over $ 70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15
1845-559: Was heavily involved in tribal wars during the 19th century. In 1816, the iwi was invaded from the north by Ngā Puhi warriors carrying muskets . Over the next few decades, Ngāti Ruanui would come under attack by Ngāti Toa , Ngāti Whātua and the Waikato tribes . Ngāti Ruanui had no defence against the invaders armed with muskets, and many Ngāti Ruanui people were captured as slaves. Others were simply displaced by continuing warfare. Even amidst tribal warfare, Ngāti Ruanui managed to build
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1890-459: Was passed into law in 2003. In summary: Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Ruanui is the governing body of the iwi. The Rūnanga manages the assets of the iwi, and represents the iwi in political consultations with the New Zealand Government. Te Korimako O Taranaki is the radio station of Ngāti Ruanui and other Taranaki region iwi, including Ngāti Tama , Te Atiawa , Ngāti Maru , Taranaki , Ngāti Mutunga , Ngāruahine , Ngā Rauru Kītahi . It started at
1935-542: Was spoken by 97.5%, Māori language by 2.5%, Samoan by 0.2% and other languages by 4.6%. No language could be spoken by 2.1% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.7%. The percentage of people born overseas was 11.0, compared with 28.8% nationally. Religious affiliations were 31.0% Christian , 0.5% Hindu , 0.1% Islam , 0.4% Māori religious beliefs , 0.2% Buddhist , 0.6% New Age , and 0.8% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 56.4%, and 10.0% of people did not answer
1980-548: Was that 1,980 (43.3%) people were employed full-time, 582 (12.7%) were part-time, and 201 (4.4%) were unemployed. The Māori name for Stratford is Whakaahurangi, meaning to look to the sky. The name is taken from a story of the Ngati Ruanui chieftainess/Puhi Ariki named Rua-pū-tahanga who fled her husband Whatihua from Waikato, travelling the track known as Te ara tapu o Ruaputahanga which stretches from Urenui down through Tariki, and ends near Patea . Here she stopped at
2025-400: Was that 4,038 (50.1%) people were employed full-time, 1,125 (14.0%) were part-time, and 204 (2.5%) were unemployed. The Stratford District takes in about one quarter of the Taranaki Region, and includes four major geological features: the Taranaki volcanic cone, its associated ring plain, the Pātea River catchment , and the eastern hill country. The south-eastern face of Mount Taranaki
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