Gladstone, New Zealand facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gladstone
Locality
Gladstone Inn
Region	Wellington Region
Territorial authority	Carterton District
Electorates	Wairarapa Ikaroa-Rāwhiti (Māori)
Area
• Total	621.16 km2 (239.83 sq mi)
Population  (June 2023)
• Total	970
• Density	1.562/km2 (4.045/sq mi)

Gladstone is a small community in the Carterton District on New Zealand's North Island. It's located near where the Mangahuia Stream meets the Tauweru and Ruamahanga Rivers. The closest town is Carterton, about 15 kilometers away.

Gladstone was named after William Ewart Gladstone, who was a British prime minister a long time ago. Did you know there are other places in New Zealand also called Gladstone? For example, there's a suburb in Invercargill and a small village near Greymouth.

History and Local Culture

Gladstone remembers soldiers who fought for their country. A small war memorial by the road honors 34 soldiers from the area who died. Also, part of the main road between Masterton and Gladstone has 36 memorial oak trees planted along it. It's a bit of a mystery why there are 36 trees for 34 soldiers!

Local Māori Meeting Places

The local Marae (a special meeting place for Māori people) is called Hurunui o Rangi Marae. It's connected to several hapū (family groups) from the Ngāti Kahungunu and Rangitāne tribes.

In October 2020, the New Zealand Government helped upgrade several marae, including Hurunui o Rangi. They provided over $2 million to improve these important cultural sites. This project also helped create nearly 20 full-time jobs for people in the area.

Population and People

The Gladstone area covers about 621 square kilometers. As of June 2023. , it has an estimated population of 970 people. This means there are about 1.6 people living in each square kilometer.

Gladstone Church, rebuilt in 1955

The population of Gladstone has been growing. In 2018, there were 870 people living here. This was an increase of 54 people since 2013, and 159 people since 2006. There were 333 homes in Gladstone.

Most people in Gladstone are of European descent (93.4%). About 13.4% are Māori, and smaller numbers are from Pasifika or Asian backgrounds. About 12.4% of the people living in Gladstone were born outside New Zealand.

When asked about their beliefs, most people (55.5%) said they had no religion. About 34.8% were Christian, and a small number followed other religions.

Many adults in Gladstone have a good education. About 25.9% have a bachelor's degree or higher. The average income in Gladstone was $41,000, which is higher than the national average. Most adults (58%) work full-time.

Local Economy

Looking north-west from Gladstone, Spring 2014

Gladstone is mainly a farming community. There are also vineyards here, where grapes are grown to make wine. More winemakers are coming to Gladstone because the soil and climate are great for growing rich, flavorful grapes.

Gladstone also has several small businesses. You can find cafes, places to stay (called homestays), and even a special shop that makes and repairs wheels. The Summit Lodge is a highly-rated guest lodge that opened in 2009.

The Gladstone Inn, which locals call "The Gladdy," is the community's pub. It was even voted the best country hotel in New Zealand in 2006!

Education

Gladstone School is the main school for the area. It teaches students from primary school age. As of February 2024. , there are 160 students attending the school. This school became the main one after other local schools closed in 1968.

Sports and Recreation

Gladstone has a sports complex built in 1979. It's a popular spot for local sports clubs. This complex is home to Gladstone's rugby union, hockey, and netball teams.

The Wairarapa Pistol and Shooting Sports Club also has a shooting range in the area. Plus, Admiral Road in Gladstone is often used for international cycling competitions.

Climate

Gladstone has a mild climate. Here's a look at the average temperatures and rainfall: