Waitara, New Zealand

Waitara
Waitara and the Waitara River
Coordinates: 38°59′45″S 174°13′59″E / 38.99583°S 174.23306°E / -38.99583; 174.23306
Country	New Zealand
Region	Taranaki Region
Territorial authority	New Plymouth District
Ward	North General Ward Te Purutanga Mauri Pūmanawa Māori Ward
Community	Waitara Community
Electorates	New Plymouth Te Tai Hauāuru (Māori)
Government
• Territorial Authority	New Plymouth District Council
• Regional council	Taranaki Regional Council
Area [1]
• Total	6.09 km2 (2.35 sq mi)
Population  (June 2024)[2]
• Total	7,680
• Density	1,300/km2 (3,300/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	4320

Waitara is a town in the northern part of the Taranaki region of the North Island of New Zealand. Waitara is located just off State Highway 3, 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) northeast of New Plymouth.

Waitara was the site of the outbreak of the Taranaki Wars in 1860 following the attempted purchase of land for British settlers from its Māori owners. Disputes over land that was subsequently confiscated by the Government continue to this day.

There are several different stories regarding the origin of the name Waitara. One is that it was originally Whai-tara – "path of the dart" – so named because Whare Matangi followed the path of a dart to find his father Ngarue. Another is that Turi named it from his wide stride when crossing the water of the river. Another is that Turi named it Waitarangia because the coldness of the water affected his skin. Yet another is that it means "mountain stream". In 1867 the settlement was named Raleigh, after Sir Walter Raleigh. It reverted to its former name with the establishment of the borough of Waitara in 1904.