Masterton New Zealand History

Introduction to Masterton, New Zealand

Nestled in the heart of the Wairarapa region, Masterton is a charming town with a rich history and vibrant culture. Located just over an hour's drive northeast of Wellington, Masterton serves as the economic and cultural hub of the Wairarapa. With a population of over 20,000 people, this provincial town packs a surprising punch.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history of Masterton - from its early beginnings as a fledgling settlement, to how it developed over the 19th and 20th centuries into the bustling town it is today. We'll learn about some key events and people that helped shape Masterton, and visit some of the area's most popular attractions. By the end, you'll have a good understanding of how Masterton became such a wonderful place to live, work, and visit.

So let's dive in and explore the captivating history of Masterton!

Early History of Masterton

Long before European settlement, the Masterton area was inhabited by Maori of the Ngati Kahungunu and Rangitane iwi. In the 1820s, European whalers and traders began arriving, establishing relationships with local Maori. The fertile lands and abundant resources of the Wairarapa made it a highly desirable area for settlers.

By the late 1830s, European settlers imported sheep and sought suitable tracts of land for pastoral runs. The first sheep station in the Wairarapa was established by Alexander Davidson and Donald Cameron near present-day Masterton in 1840.

Founding of the Town

In 1854, the Crown purchased large areas of land from local Maori, opening the way for extensive pastoral settlement. Sheep farmers came in droves to claim their share of grazing lands.

Among the eager settlers was Joseph Masters, who in 1855 purchased a block of 143 hectares to establish a sheep run. This land would later form the basis of the Masterton township.

In 1856, the town of Masterton was surveyed and founded as one of the original planned inland settlements of the Wairarapa. The town was named after Joseph Masters and steadily developed as a service hub and administration center for the surrounding pastoral hinterland.

Settlers and Early Industry

The population grew as waves of settlers arrived looking for opportunities. In the early years, Masterton was populated by British and Irish colonists along with a sizable number of Scandinavians.

A small town center emerged, providing essential services like stores, banks, churches, and hotels. Cottage industries like flax milling, brickworks, tanning and brewing sprang up to support the rural economy.

By 1877, the population had swelled to over 1,300 residents. The township was progressing steadily, if slowly. But in the late 1870s, Masterton would get a big boost thanks to the arrival of the railroad.

20th Century Development

After its somewhat sleepy early years, Masterton really began to thrive and grow in the early 20th century. Key developments helped transform it into a bustling regional hub.

Population Growth

In the first decades of the 20th century, Masterton experienced robust population growth. From less than 2,000 residents in 1900, the population jumped to over 5,500 in 1945. Several factors accounted for this rapid increase.

Firstly, the expansion of the dairy industry brought new farmers and families to the Wairarapa region. Secondly, urban migration increased as rural residents sought job opportunities and amenities in Masterton. Lastly, post-war migration added to the swelling population.

Local Government

In the 1920s, Masterton officially became a borough. This gave it independence from surrounding counties and allowed coordinated management of the growing town. Infrastructure rapidly improved, with enhancements to roading, water supply, sewerage, and services.

Increased local autonomy and finances enabled progress and urban development. By mid-century, Masterton possessed all the hallmarks of a modern provincial town.

Economic Changes

The early 20th century saw economic changes that impacted Masterton's development. As dairying expanded, wool and sheep farming declined in dominance. Manufacturing, trade and services grew as rural populations declined.

Decline of Primary Sector

From the 1950s, wool production steadily dropped as synthetic fibres gained popularity. Sheep numbers fell as lands converted to dairying. By the 1990s, wool was no longer king. This decline affected rural merchants and goods-related services in towns like Masterton.

Growth of Services

While farming waned, the services sector grew. Government administration, transport, wholesale/retail, education and healthcare became major employers. Tourism also increased, buoyed by attractions like Castlepoint and the Wairarapa wine industry. This softened the loss of primary sector jobs.

Places of Interest in Masterton

Beyond its economic history, Masterton also offers some fabulous attractions for visitors to enjoy. From regional parks, to coastal spots, to cultural festivals, there's something for everyone.

Queen Elizabeth Park

This 784-hectare park lies just north of Masterton township, adjacent to the Waipoua River. It's a wonderful spot for outdoor recreation and relaxing in nature.

Facilities and Attractions

Queen Elizabeth Park contains diverse landscapes, from wetlands to forest to open lawns. It features walking/biking trails, sports fields, gardens, playgrounds and ample picnic spots. The park also contains historic sites like a restored settler cottage and sawmill. With abundant birdlife and trout fishing, it's perfect for nature lovers.

Castlepoint

Northeast of Masterton lies the rugged and scenic Castlepoint - a small beachside village that's home to the iconic Castle Rock landform.

Beach and Lighthouse

Castlepoint boasts a wild, windswept beach that attracts surfers and holidaymakers. Nearby sits a historic lighthouse, constructed in 1913, which offers panoramic views from its peak. Castlepoint is great for swimming, fishing, walking and simply enjoying the dramatic coastline.

Culture and Events in Masterton

Beyond its landscapes, Masterton also has a vibrant arts and events scene that celebrates its heritage.

Golden Shears Competition

Dating back to 1961, this iconic sheep shearing competition attracts top shearers and wool handlers from around the globe. The multi-day event is held each March in Masterton.

Masterton A&P Show

This hugely popular agriculture and pastoral show is held annually in early November. Featuring livestock contests, equestrian events, crafts, rides and displays, it's a beloved community tradition.

Conclusion

From its 19th century founding as a sheep farming service town, to its development into a thriving regional hub, Masterton has a fascinating history intertwined with the evolving Wairarapa. This provincial town retains its friendly small-town vibe while offering plenty of amenities, attractions and events for locals and visitors alike. Masterton's past helped shape it into the pleasant, vibrant place it is today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year was Masterton founded?

Masterton was founded in 1856 and named after early settler Joseph Masters. It was one of the original planned inland towns of the Wairarapa.

How did the arrival of the railroad help Masterton?

The railroad reached Masterton in 1880, providing easy transport links with other towns and cities. This boosted commerce and helped Masterton grow significantly in the late 1800s.

What major events contributed to Masterton's growth in the early 20th century?

Key events like the dairy industry's expansion, population influx from rural areas, increased local government powers, and economic shifts towards services all helped Masterton develop in the early 1900s.

Why is Queen Elizabeth Park popular?

Queen Elizabeth Park is a large regional park near Masterton with abundant recreational facilities, walking/biking trails, sports fields, gardens, historic sites and great opportunities for fishing and birdwatching.

What makes Castlepoint worth visiting?

Castlepoint is a scenic seaside village northeast of Masterton, known for its wild beach, iconic Castle Rock landmark, historic lighthouse, and opportunities for swimming, surfing and fishing.