Waituna West

Waituna West is a small rural community north of Feilding en route to State Highway 1. With a small country school, a hall and a healthy spirited group of local residents, Waituna West is a vibrant rural community.

History

Waituna was the name given by brothers John James and Stephen Williamson to the block of land they bought when the West Waitapu Block was offered for sale to European settlers at the beginning of 1880. The name Waitapu is said to have been given to a stream in the area by the legendary explorer Matangi who recited karakia (prayers) there as he passed through the district many centuries ago.

Since the Williamson brothers’ small whare served as the first collection point for mail in the district the address for letters became “Waituna” ‒ and eventually “West” was added to distinguish Waituna from other settlements of the same name.

Matangi’s experience of stormy weather in this area was commemorated in the placename Parororangi (meaning stormy sky). Centuries later European settlers found that the weather conditions had not changed and named a local hilltop with breathtaking views across to Mt Ruapehu and south to Kapiti Island as Stormy Point.

Community Contacts

Liaison Councillor - John Baxter. Ph 06 323 5012