Whangara Marae

Whangara is a small Maori community in the northeast of New Zealand's North Island. Located between Gisborne and Tolaga Bay, five kilometres southwest of Gable End Foreland and 2km east of State Highway 35, it was the location (and setting) for the successful New Zealand novel and film Whale Rider. Whangara features prominently in the early history of the Ngāti Porou iwi (tribe).

Whangara Marae is a central part of the beach side community. It is a large marae that is well used for community events.

The marae has two wharenui  Whitireia (well known with the eponymous ancestor Paikea atop) and Waho te Rangi. The latter being the smaller of the two.

The dining room is called Te Hokowhitu a Tu.

The marae is administered by Paikea Whitireia Trust.

Whangara Farms

History and Vision

The partnership between two Maori incorporations, Pakarae and Whangara B5 has created a significant farming operation leading the way for Maori land-based businesses.

The Whangara Farms partnership was formed in 2006 when two neighbouring farms, Pakarae and Whangara B5, joined to form a 5600 hectare property running a Romney based flock of 30,000 sheep and a herd of 5000 Angus-cross cattle. The partnership expects to run 60,000 stock units within the next five years.

The original driving force behind the establishment of Whangara Farms was partnership and B5 chairperson Ingrid Collins, who has been involved with Maori land in this region for the past 35 years, the late John McGhee, the then chairperson of Pakarae A and other blocks and Mr Torrie, who has been involved with Maori land for the past 15 years.

Click the link for more information on farming in Whangara www.whangarafarms.co.nz

Whangara School

Whangara school is situated 33 km north-east of Gisborne City, in a very pleasant valley.  Whangara School is a State funded, full primary school (to Intermediate level).  This school is currently a Decile 2 rural school.

At the beginning of 2011, the school role stood at 40 children, with more new entrants enrolling throughout the year as they turn 5.  
The schools current enrolment scheme states that our maximum roll is 60 students. 

The school employs four teachers who operate three classrooms.  This is done to maintain smaller class sizes and reduce the age range of students within these classes.

www.whangara.school.nz