Gladstone, New Zealand

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.

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.

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.

Demographics

Gladstone statistical area covers 621.16 km2. It had an estimated population of as of with a population density of people per km2.

Gladstone had a population of 870 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 54 people (6.6%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 159 people (22.4%) since the 2006 census. There were 333 households, comprising 450 males and 417 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.08 males per female. The median age was 42.6 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 198 people (22.8%) aged under 15 years, 111 (12.8%) aged 15 to 29, 441 (50.7%) aged 30 to 64, and 120 (13.8%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 93.4% European/Pākehā, 13.4% Māori, 1.0% Pasifika, 0.7% Asian, and 2.1% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

The percentage of people born overseas was 12.4, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 55.5% had no religion, 34.8% were Christian, 0.3% were Hindu and 2.1% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 174 (25.9%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 78 (11.6%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $41,000, compared with $31,800 nationally. 144 people (21.4%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 390 (58.0%) people were employed full-time, 126 (18.8%) were part-time, and 9 (1.3%) were unemployed.

Economy

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. The Summit Lodge is Gladstone's five star rated guest lodge which has been hosting guests since it was built in 2009.

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

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

Education

Gladstone School is a full primary school with a roll of students as of This has been the main school for the area since the closure of schools in Longbush, Maungaraki, and Te Whiti in 1968.

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

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References

References

1. {{LINZ. 21374. Gladstone. 17 March 2018
2. Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand, [http://www.teara.govt.nz/Places/Wairarapa/WairarapaPlaces/5/en "Carterton"], accessed 31 May 2007.
3. "New Zealand Topographic Map".
4. Gareth Winter, [https://nzhistory.govt.nz/?q=node/1189 "Maungaraki War Memorial, Gladstone"], accessed 31 May 2007.
5. "Te Kāhui Māngai directory". [[Te Puni Kōkiri]].
6. "Māori Maps". Te Potiki National Trust.
7. (9 October 2020). "Marae Announcements". [[Provincial Growth Fund]].
8. "ArcGIS Web Application".
9. {{NZ census 2018. Gladstone (Carterton District) (257200). gladstone-carterton-district. Gladstone (Carterton District)
10. "Home".
11. (8 September 2006). "Iconic pub inches from glory". [[The New Zealand Herald]].
12. Hospitality Association of New Zealand, [http://www.hanz.org.nz/files/HANZ%20Awards%202006%20-Country%20Hotel.doc "Top Award for Local Country Pub"], ''HANZ Media Release'' (28 September 2006), accessed 10 November 2007.
13. "Gladstone Sports and Social Complex".
14. (15 January 2018). "Race to the top, the very top, of Admiral Hill likely to decide this year's NZ Cycle Classic".
15. (28 March 2017). "Everesting Admiral Hill took cyclist to 'dark places in the mind'".
16. (7 November 2019). "Gladstone School (Masterton)". Education Review Office.
17. Hugh Barlow, [http://wairarapa.co.nz/times-age/weekly/tewhiti.html "Te Whiti and Proud of It"] {{webarchive. link. (2008-10-14 , ''Wairarapa Times-Age'', 2 September 2000.)