Stratford, New Zealand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stratford
Whakaahurangi (Māori)
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Small urban area
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Taranaki Region |
| Territorial authority | Stratford District |
| Ward |
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| Area | |
| • Small urban area | 8.90 km2 (3.44 sq mi) |
| • District | 2,163.42 km2 (835.30 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 310 m (1,020 ft) |
| Population
(June 2023)
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| • Urban | 6,320 |
| • District | 10,300 |
| • District density | 4.761/km2 (12.33/sq mi) |
| Postcode |
4332
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| Area code(s) | 06 |
Stratford (Māori: Whakaahurangi) is a town in the Taranaki region of New Zealand's North Island. It is the only town in the Stratford District. Stratford is located on the eastern side of Mount Taranaki. It sits about halfway between the cities of New Plymouth and Hāwera.
The town of Stratford has a population of 6,320 people. This makes it the fourth largest urban area in Taranaki. The wider Stratford District has a population of 10,300 people. It covers an area of 2,163.35 km2 (835.27 sq mi).
Contents
Exploring Stratford's Climate
Stratford has a mild Oceanic climate. This means it has cool, but not cold, winters and warm summers. It gets a good amount of rain throughout the year.
Getting Around Stratford
Stratford is an important meeting point for roads and railways.
Major Roads in Stratford
The town is where State Highway 3 and State Highway 43 meet.
- On State Highway 3, New Plymouth is 39 km (24 mi) north. Inglewood is 21 km (13 mi) north. To the south, Eltham is 11 km (6.8 mi) away and Hāwera is 30 km (19 mi) away.
- State Highway 43 goes east to Taumarunui, which is 146 km (91 mi) away. This road is also known as "The Forgotten World Highway". It got this name because there are not many towns along it today.
Stratford's Railway Connections
The Stratford railway station is where two train lines connect. These are the Marton–New Plymouth and Stratford–Okahukura lines.
Understanding Stratford's Population
Stratford is a hub for the farming areas around it. It provides services to the local agricultural economy.
Population Changes Over Time
The population of the Stratford district reached its highest point in 1961 with 11,300 people. The town's population has varied over the years. In 2001, it was 5,229, and in 1996, it was 5,664. In the 21st century, the town has seen some growth.
Stratford covers an area of 8.90 km2 (3.44 sq mi). As of June 2023, , the estimated population is 6,320. This means there are about 710 people per square kilometer.
Who Lives in Stratford?
At the 2018 New Zealand census, Stratford had 5,784 people living there. This was an increase of 315 people since the 2013 census. There were 2,322 households.
The population included 2,811 males and 2,979 females. About 1,206 people (20.9%) were under 15 years old. People aged 30 to 64 made up the largest group, at 40.8%.
Most people in Stratford (89.1%) are of European/Pākehā background. About 17.1% are Māori. Other groups include Pacific peoples (1.6%) and Asian (3.5%).
About 10.2% of people in Stratford were born overseas. This is lower than the national average of 27.1%.
When asked about religion, 48.9% said they had no religion. About 38.6% were Christian. Smaller numbers followed Māori religious beliefs, Hindu, Muslim, or Buddhist faiths.
Regarding education, 8.5% of people aged 15 or older had a university degree. About 30.5% had no formal qualifications. Many people work full-time (43.3%) or part-time (12.7%).
Stratford's Rich History and Culture
Stratford has a fascinating history, blending Māori and European influences.
The Meaning of Whakaahurangi
The Māori name for Stratford is Whakaahurangi. It means "to look to the sky." This name comes from a story about a Ngati Ruanui chieftainess named Rua-pū-tahanga. She was traveling and stopped by a freshwater spring. She cried into the spring, naming it Te Puna Roimata o Ruaputahanga (The spring of Rua-pū-tahanga's tears).
Later, she camped nearby on a clear night. Her followers saw her sleeping "with her face to the sky." This spot became a regular camping place for Māori travelers. They would always remember the story of Rua-pū-tahanga.
Whakaahurangi Marae is a special meeting ground for the Ngāti Ruanui tribe. It includes a meeting house called Te Whetū o Marama.
How Stratford Was Surveyed
Before British settlers arrived, the Stratford area was covered in thick forest and swamps. In the 1870s, plans were made to build a railway line and roads. This would open up the rich land under the mountain for farming.
In 1876, a surveyor named Edwin Stanley Brookes, Jnr. helped divide the land. In 1877, a new town site was approved. William Skinner laid out the northern part of the town. Later, in 1880, he surveyed the southern part.
How Stratford Got Its Name
On December 3, 1877, the name Stratford-upon-Patea was chosen. This name was picked because the Pātea River seemed similar to the River Avon in England. The name also honored William Shakespeare, who was born in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Because of this connection, 67 streets in Stratford are named after characters from Shakespeare's plays!
Today, Stratford has New Zealand's only glockenspiel clock tower. It plays the famous balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet three times a day.
The Town's Early Growth
Stratford officially became a town in June 1878. The first land sections were sold at an auction in August 1878. By 1881, the town had 97 people and 22 houses. By 1896, the population had grown to 1,256. The town continued to grow steadily for many years.
Local Government and Innovations
The first local government group, the Stratford Town Board, was formed in 1882. In 1898, Stratford became the third town in New Zealand to have electric street lighting. This was thanks to a local inventor, Alexander Walker Reid.
In 1989, the different local councils joined together to form the Stratford District Council.
Historic Buildings in Stratford
The Kings Theatre is a very old and important building in Stratford. In 2024, it was given a special Category I status by Heritage New Zealand. This means it is a place of great historical value.
Schools in Stratford
Stratford has several schools for young people.
Secondary Schools
- Stratford High School is a school for both boys and girls. It teaches students from years 9 to 13. The school was founded in 1897 and has a roll of 614 students.
- Taranaki Diocesan School for Girls is an Anglican school just for girls. It teaches students from years 9 to 13. Most of the students live at the school as boarders. The school started in 1914 and has a roll of 137 students.
Primary Schools
There are three primary schools in Stratford for students in years 1 to 8:
- Stratford Primary School has a roll of 407 students. It was founded in 1882.
- Avon School has a roll of 53 students.
- St Joseph's School is a Catholic school with a roll of 171 students.
All school rolls are as of February 2024. .
Parks and Green Spaces
Stratford has many public parks and reserves where people can relax and play. Their names often reflect both English and Māori heritage.
- King Edward Park
- Victoria Park
- Windsor Park
- Kopuatama Cemetery
Famous People from Stratford
Many interesting people have either been born in Stratford or lived there.
Sports Stars
- Mark "Bull" Allen (born 1967), a famous All Black rugby player and TV host.
- Lisa Allpress (born 1975), a well-known female jockey.
- Christine Arthur (born 1963), a New Zealand field hockey player.
- John Graham (born 1935), an All Black, and a leader in rugby and education.
- Dave Loveridge (born 1952), a former All Black.
- Mark Robinson (born 1974), a former All Black and current CEO of NZ Rugby.
- Ned Shewry (1889–1962), a world champion woodchopper.
Writers, Artists, and Cultural Figures
- Sylvia Ashton-Warner (1908–1984), a novelist and educational pioneer.
- Michael Hight (born 1961), a talented artist and painter.
- Michele Leggott (born 1956), a poet and literary expert.
- Dominic Sheehan, an author who wrote about growing up in Stratford.
- Cheryll Sotheran (1945-2017), who helped create the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
Medical Professionals
- Doris Gordon (1890–1956), a doctor who specialized in obstetrics.
Academics and Scholars
- Dr Alan Kirton (1933–2001), an agricultural scientist.
- Jack Tizard (1919–1979), a professor who studied child development.
Other Notable People
- Brian Davis (1934–1998), who became the Archbishop of New Zealand.
