About Wairoa
Wairoa is on the East Coast of the North Island. It is the northernmost town in the Hawke's Bay region, and is located on the northern shore of Hawke Bay at the mouth of the Wairoa River and to the west of Mahia Peninsula. It is 100 kilometres northeast of Napier, and a similar distance southwest of Gisborne. Servicing a large rural community Wairoa's population is 4272 (2006 Census) and a further residing in the wider Wairoa region 4212 (2006 Census) Wairoa is only unique in two areas that we are aware of, firstly a very wide river runs through the center of town and secondly there is a Lighthouse positioned on the river bank opposite the main shopping area.
The aerial picture of wairoa above was taken prior to 1988, as in March of that year Wairoa weathered an extremely severe cyclone. Cyclone Bola passed through our township flooding many areas and uprooting many trees. The force of the logs, branches and debris was so great that the piles of our bridge, as you can see above, were taken out, causing the bridge to completely cave in. This in turn broke the main water pipes and power sources to the town for days to follow. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II opened our New Bridge 2 years later in 1990.
The New Bridge is much wider, higher and far more modern, giving the approach to our town a more up market look.
The New Bridge has much more clearance underneath and more space between its support pillars, it was also moved relative to the old bridge to give it a stronger foundation which is much less likely to be damaged by the flow of the river even in severe flood conditions.
Our pretty town, located on the banks of the broad Wairoa river, is the district's main commercial and urban centre. The Wairoa district takes it name from the main river flowing through it. From this river comes the name not only for the entire district but the town itself. This large expanse of country, which is mostly hilly, is drained by the Wairoa, Waihua, Nuhaka and Tahaenui Rivers, and numerous other small ones.
This Picnic Area was taken from the Lighthouse. The riverbank has many of these eating areas providing pleasant scenic surroundings.
Early settlement in the area included a whaling station and trading post, dealing largely in flax. Its initial name was Clyde, but this was changed largely to avoid confusion with Clive near Napier and Clyde in the South Island. The town rose to prominence during the Maori Wars, during which time it was a garrison town.
Today, Wairoa is a manufacturing and farming service town. It is the seat of the Wairoa District Council. The Wairoa District covers the northern half of The Bay's coast, and extends from Mahia Peninsula to Lake Waikaremoana, and south to the mouth of the Waikari River.
This is a photo of our local AFFCO Freezing Works, taken from Te Uhi Hill. This Company is the major employer in Wairoa. It operates a night and day shift six days per week processing up to 70,000 head of beef and 1 million lambs per year.
Wairoa is the gateway to the coastal playground of Mahia Peninsula, and the wilderness areas of Te Urewera National Park and the magnificent Lake Waikaremoana, one of New Zealand's 10 Great Walks. If you are heading north from Napier, then Wairoa is a good place to stock up with supplies on your way through to Mahia.
