Pongaroa
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Coordinates: The small township of Pongaroa lies in Wairarapa, in the southeast of the North Island of New Zealand. It is located 110 kilometres southwest of Hastings and 200 kilometres northeast of Wellington. The nearest town is Pahiatua, 50 kilometres to the west. Popular Akitio Beach is 30 kilometres to the east. Pongaroa village has a population of about 30, with the surrounding farms bringing the total population to about 300.
Pongaroa's claim to fame is as the birthplace of scientist Maurice Wilkins.
At one time during the early settlement years in the latter half of the 19th century, the township was much larger as there was anticipation that the Masterton to Napier Railway would run through Pongaroa. However, eventually the railway cut through Pahiatua and thus that township grew, whilst Pongaroa remained a farming community. Pongaroa is still serviced by Pongaroa School[[1]], Pongaroa Cafe and General Store [[2]], Pongaroa Tavern, and Pongaroa Farm Centre, lying as it does on the popular alternative route from Wellington to Hastings.
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