Gladstone, New Zealand

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Gladstone
Locality
Gladstone Inn
Gladstone Inn
Interactive map of Gladstone
Coordinates: 41°04′40″S 175°39′22″E / 41.07778°S 175.65611°E / -41.07778; 175.65611
RegionWellington Region
Territorial authorityCarterton District
Electorates
Government
 • Territorial AuthorityCarterton District Council
 • Regional councilGreater Wellington Regional Council
 • Mayor of CartertonSteve Cretney[1]
 • Wairarapa MPMike Butterick[2]
 • Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MPCushla Tangaere-Manuel[3]
Area
[4]
 • Total
91.64 km2 (35.38 sq mi)
Population
 (2023 census)[5]
 • Total
345
 • Density3.76/km2 (9.75/sq mi)

Gladstone is a lightly populated locality[6] in the Carterton District of New Zealand's North Island, located on the Mangahuia Stream near where the Tauweru River joins the Ruamāhanga River. The nearest town is Carterton 15 kilometres to the northwest, and nearby settlements include Ponatahi to the west and Longbush to the south. It was named after British prime minister William Ewart Gladstone.[7]

Several other localities in the country are also called Gladstone - an Invercargill suburb, a coastal sawmill village south of Greymouth, a hamlet beside Lake Hāwea and an area near Levin.[8]

History and culture

Thirty-four deceased soldiers from Gladstone and its surrounds are commemorated by a small roadside war memorial, and part of the main road between Masterton and Gladstone is lined with 36 memorial oaks. Why there are thirty-six rather than thirty-four oaks is unknown.[9]

Marae

The local Hurunui o Rangi Marae is affiliated with the Ngāti Kahungunu hapū of Ngāi Tahu, Ngāi Taneroroa, Ngāti Hinewaka, Ngāti Kaparuparu, Ngāti Moe, Ngāti Parera, Ngāti Rangitataia, Ngāti Rangitehewa, Ngāti Tatuki and Ngāti Te Tomo o Kahungunu, and the Rangitāne hapū of Ngāi Tahu.[10][11]

In October 2020, the New Zealand Government committed $2,179,654 from the Provincial Growth Fund to upgrade Ngāi Tumapuhia a Rangi ki Okautete, Motuwairaka, Pāpāwai, Kohunui, Hurunui o Rangi and Te Oreore marae. The projects were expected to create 19.8 full time jobs.[12]

Demographics

Gladstone locality covers 91.64 km2 (35.38 sq mi).[4] It is part of the larger Gladstone statistical area.[13]

Historical population for Gladstone locality
YearPop.±% p.a.
2006237—    
2013294+3.13%
2018309+1.00%
2023345+2.23%
Source: [5][14]
Gladstone Church, rebuilt in 1955

The locality had a population of 345 in the 2023 New Zealand census, an increase of 36 people (11.7%) since the 2018 census, and an increase of 51 people (17.3%) since the 2013 census. There were 174 males and 171 females in 141 dwellings.[15] 1.7% of people identified as LGBTIQ+. There were 75 people (21.7%) aged under 15 years, 24 (7.0%) aged 15 to 29, 183 (53.0%) aged 30 to 64, and 60 (17.4%) aged 65 or older.[5]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 88.7% European (Pākehā); 12.2% Māori; 0.9% Pasifika; 0.9% Asian; 1.7% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 7.0% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 96.5%, Māori by 2.6%, Samoan by 0.9%, and other languages by 8.7%. No language could be spoken by 1.7% (e.g. too young to talk). The percentage of people born overseas was 16.5, compared with 28.8% nationally.[5]

Religious affiliations were 30.4% Christian, and 0.9% New Age. People who answered that they had no religion were 55.7%, and 12.2% of people did not answer the census question.[5]

Of those at least 15 years old, 90 (33.3%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 144 (53.3%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 39 (14.4%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. 42 people (15.6%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 150 (55.6%) full-time, 54 (20.0%) part-time, and 3 (1.1%) unemployed.[5]

Gladstone statistical area

Gladstone statistical area covers 621.16 km2 (239.83 sq mi)[16] and also includes Longbush. It had an estimated population of 980 as of June 2025,[17] with a population density of 1.6 people per km2.

Historical population for the statistical area
YearPop.±% p.a.
2006711—    
2013816+1.99%
2018870+1.29%
2023939+1.54%
Source: [18][19]

Gladstone had a population of 939 in the 2023 New Zealand census, an increase of 69 people (7.9%) since the 2018 census, and an increase of 123 people (15.1%) since the 2013 census. There were 477 males and 459 females in 360 dwellings.[20] 2.6% of people identified as LGBTIQ+. The median age was 44.4 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 198 people (21.1%) aged under 15 years, 120 (12.8%) aged 15 to 29, 471 (50.2%) aged 30 to 64, and 147 (15.7%) aged 65 or older.[18]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 92.0% European (Pākehā); 13.1% Māori; 1.0% Pasifika; 0.6% Asian; 0.3% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 5.8% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 98.1%, Māori by 2.2%, Samoan by 0.3%, and other languages by 5.4%. No language could be spoken by 1.6% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.3%. The percentage of people born overseas was 13.7, compared with 28.8% nationally.[18]

Religious affiliations were 28.8% Christian, 0.6% New Age, and 1.0% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 60.7%, and 8.9% of people did not answer the census question.[18]

Of those at least 15 years old, 222 (30.0%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 405 (54.7%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 105 (14.2%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $48,300, compared with $41,500 nationally. 105 people (14.2%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 435 (58.7%) full-time, 144 (19.4%) part-time, and 15 (2.0%) unemployed.[18]

Economy

Looking north-west from Gladstone, Spring 2014

Gladstone is primarily a farming community and some viticulture occurs in the area. Viticultural activity is increasing as winemakers realise the potential of soil and climate that produce low yielding rich concentrated grapes. Gladstone also has a number of small businesses and industries, including cafes, homestays, and a wheelwright shop.[7] The Summit Lodge is Gladstone's five star rated guest lodge which has been hosting guests since it was built in 2009. [21]

The Gladstone Inn, known to locals as "The Gladdy", is Gladstone's local pub.[22] It was voted the best country hotel in New Zealand in 2006 survey by the New Zealand Hospitality Association.[23]

Gladstone also has a sports complex, built in 1979[24] - which is owned and run by the local community. Admiral Rd is often used by international cycling competitions[25] and it was first "Everested" in 2017 [26]

Education

Gladstone School is a full primary school with a roll of 169 students as of March 2026.[27][28] It opened in 1876.[29] This has been the main school for the area since the closure of schools in Longbush (opened 1904, closed in the 1950s), Maungaraki (opened 1948, closed 1967), Te Whiti (opened 1885, closed 1968 or 1972)[30] and Wharau / Te Wharau (opened 1898, closed 1899, opened again 1902, and closed in 1989)[31]

Sport

A sports complex is located in Gladstone near the pub. It is the home of Gladstone's rugby union, hockey and netball clubs.

The Wairarapa Pistol and Shooting Sports Club (formerly the Wairarapa Pistol Club) has a shooting range in the area.

Climate

Climate data for Gladstone (1971–2000)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 22.9
(73.2)		 23.2
(73.8)		 21.2
(70.2)		 18.2
(64.8)		 15.0
(59.0)		 12.5
(54.5)		 11.9
(53.4)		 12.7
(54.9)		 14.8
(58.6)		 16.8
(62.2)		 18.7
(65.7)		 21.1
(70.0)		 17.4
(63.4)
Daily mean °C (°F) 17.1
(62.8)		 17.2
(63.0)		 15.5
(59.9)		 12.9
(55.2)		 10.2
(50.4)		 8.1
(46.6)		 7.6
(45.7)		 8.3
(46.9)		 10.2
(50.4)		 11.8
(53.2)		 13.4
(56.1)		 15.5
(59.9)		 12.3
(54.2)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 11.4
(52.5)		 11.2
(52.2)		 9.8
(49.6)		 7.7
(45.9)		 5.4
(41.7)		 3.6
(38.5)		 3.2
(37.8)		 3.8
(38.8)		 5.5
(41.9)		 6.8
(44.2)		 8.2
(46.8)		 10.0
(50.0)		 7.2
(45.0)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 52
(2.0)		 48
(1.9)		 69
(2.7)		 75
(3.0)		 94
(3.7)		 103
(4.1)		 123
(4.8)		 104
(4.1)		 74
(2.9)		 69
(2.7)		 54
(2.1)		 71
(2.8)		 936
(36.8)
Source: NIWA (rainfall 1951–1980)[32]

References

  1. "2025 Triennial Elections Declaration of Result" (PDF). Electionz. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
  2. "Wairarapa - Official Result". Electoral Commission. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
  3. "Ikaroa-Rāwhiti – Official Result". New Zealand Electoral Commission. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
  4. "Stats NZ Geographic Data Service". Statistical Area 1 2023 (generalised). Retrieved 5 April 2026.
  5. "Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses". Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. 7022398 and 7022401. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  6. "Place name detail: Gladstone". New Zealand Gazetteer. Land Information New Zealand. Retrieved 17 March 2018.
  7. Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand, "Carterton", accessed 31 May 2007.
  8. "New Zealand Topographic Map". NZ Topo Map. Retrieved 23 December 2018.
  9. Gareth Winter, "Maungaraki War Memorial, Gladstone", accessed 31 May 2007.
  10. "Te Kāhui Māngai directory". tkm.govt.nz. Te Puni Kōkiri.
  11. "Māori Maps". maorimaps.com. Te Potiki National Trust.
  12. "Marae Announcements" (Excel). growregions.govt.nz. Provincial Growth Fund. 9 October 2020.
  13. "Geographic Boundary Viewer". Stats NZ. Statistical Area 1 – 2023 and Statistical Area 2 – 2023.
  14. "Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census". Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. 7022398 and 7022401.
  15. "Totals by topic for dwellings, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses". Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  16. "Stats NZ Geographic Data Service". Statistical Area 2 2023 (generalised). Retrieved 5 April 2026.
  17. "Subnational population estimates - Aotearoa Data Explorer". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
  18. "Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses". Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Gladstone (Carterton District) (257200). Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  19. "Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census". Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. Gladstone (Carterton District) (257200). 2018 Census place summary: Gladstone (Carterton District)
  20. "Totals by topic for dwellings, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses". Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  21. "Home". summitlodge.co.nz.
  22. "Iconic pub inches from glory". The New Zealand Herald. 8 September 2006. Retrieved 1 October 2011.
  23. Hospitality Association of New Zealand, "Top Award for Local Country Pub", HANZ Media Release (28 September 2006), accessed 10 November 2007.
  24. "Gladstone Sports and Social Complex". Retrieved 25 June 2023.
  25. "Race to the top, the very top, of Admiral Hill likely to decide this year's NZ Cycle Classic". 15 January 2018.
  26. "Everesting Admiral Hill took cyclist to 'dark places in the mind'". 28 March 2017.
  27. "New Zealand Schools Directory". New Zealand Ministry of Education. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  28. "Gladstone School - Education Counts". www.educationcounts.govt.nz.
  29. "Gladstone School". The Gladstone Project. Retrieved 5 April 2026.
  30. Hugh Barlow, "Te Whiti and Proud of It" Archived 2008-10-14 at the Wayback Machine, Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 September 2000.
  31. "School Gazetteer" (PDF). Wairarapa School History. pp. 8, 12, 17. Retrieved 4 April 2026.
  32. "NIWA Datahub (Agent number: 2635)". NIWA. Retrieved 26 November 2024.

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