The small township of Pongaroa lies in Tararua, 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 100, 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, Pongaroa Hotel, and Pongaroa Farm Centre, lying as it does on the popular alternative route from Wellington to Hastings.
As a rural community, Pongaroa relies on community spirit and the local community development organisation Pongaroa The Way To Go,[2]. These dedicated people have been central to improvements in the area such as installation of public toilets, creation of a freedom campsite and enhancement of the village centre. Pongaroa is also the location of the New Zealand Centre for Equine Psychology and Behaviour,[3] and Wildside Farm environmental education retreat,[4]