| Whataroa | |
|---|---|
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Whataroa
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | West Coast |
| District | Westland District |
| Population (2006) | |
| • Total | 405 |
Whataroa is a small township in southern Westland on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. It is located on the western bank of the Whataroa River, with the village of Te Taho on the other side. State Highway 6 passes through Whataroa on its route from Ross to the Franz Josef Glacier. Harihari is 31 km to the north-east, and Franz Josef is 32 km to the south-west.[1][2]
The population of Whataroa and its surrounding area was 405 in the 2006 Census, an increase of 81 from 2001.[3].
Whataroa is located in an agricultural area where dairying is the primary activity. The town contains amenities such as a school, two churches, and a Māori craft gallery. It is also a staging base for trips to a white heron sanctuary that is the only breeding location of white heron in New Zealand.[4]
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Whataroa was the site of cattle sales twice a year from 1875, serving farmers from around South Westland.[5] The last mob of cattle was driven to Whataroa in 1961.[6]
A dairy factory was established at Whataroa before World War I.[7]
Whataroa School is a coeducational full primary (years 1-8) school with a decile rating of 7 and a roll of 38.[8] The school was established in 1879[9] and celebrated its 125th reunion in 2004.[10]