. Waitotara .

The local economy is dominated by farming predominantly sheep and beef farming with some dairying.

The single largest employer is the meat works operated by Richmonds Limited (Waitotara).

Flooding and other storm related damage is a major issue in the Waitotara catchment. Over the last 15 years there have been four major storm and/or flood events that have caused significant and widespread damage in the Waitotara catchment. These effects have included damage to buildings and properties, the siltation of flats after flooding, widespread slipping, channel and bank erosion and damage to the roading, telecommunication and electricity infrastructure.

History

The Waitotara river flowing 80 km southwards from the Matemateaonga Range, entering the Tasman Sea about 7 km south-west of Waitotara. It passes through dense native forest for 30 km from its source, and through steep, rugged country until just north of Waitotara.

Many pa were sited along the river valley. European settlement reached upriver through the 1880s and 1890s, reaching Makakaho, Ngamatapouri and Taumatatahi. St Hilda in the Wood church at Ngamatapouri was designed by John Swan in 1900, and built of local timber.

Statistics

Waitotara is a small town in South Taranaki, Waverley is 10 km to the north-west, and Wanganui is 34 km to the south-east. State Highway 3 passes through it. The Waitotara River flows past the east side of the town.

 

Population

Population was 66 in the 2006 Census, a decrease of 33 from 2001. More than 30 homes were evacuated during flooding in February 2004

Weather

Average temperature 13.7°C
Average rainfall 942mm

Waitotara School

Waitotara School

Primary

https://waitotara.school.nz/

Waitotara School is a coeducational full primary (years 1-8) school with a decile rating of 3 and a roll of 118. The school was founded in 1874

Ashley Park

Ashleypark

http://www.ashleypark.co.nz/

Offers a full range of accommodation from guest rooms to back packers or caravan sites;
a great variety of special animal breeds and birds can be seen in an open natural enviroment;
antiques and collectibles on display to enjoy or purchase;
delightful Devonshire teas and menu meals are available;  
acres of park gounds and lake walks
Ashley Park, is right on State Highway 3, situated between Wanganui and Waitotara and well sign-posted to its main gates

Bushy Park

Bushy Park

http://www.bushyparksanctuary.org.nz/

The sanctuary is a 100 hectare predator-free native bird sanctuary, set amongst virgin lowland forest. Within the Bushy Park Sanctuary there are 3.4km of metalled or well-formed walking tracks throughout the forest providing easy all-weather access for visitors.