Martinborough

A DigitalNZ Story by KellyD

Martinborough began in 1870 as the township of Wharekaka, close to the Māori settlement of Waihenga. In 1879 local resident John Martin purchased neighbouring land and founded a new town named after himself.

Martinborough, historic photographs, Wairarapa

Early Martinborough

Martinborough began in 1870 as the township of Wharekaka, close to the Māori settlement of Waihenga. In its first decade churches, a school, hotel, general store and post office opened. In 1879 John Martin, a wealthy local runholder, purchased neighbouring land and founded a new town, naming it after himself. (Source: nzhistory.govt.nz)

Image: Martinborough Square

Martinborough Square

Wairarapa Archive

Martinborough SchoolS

Martinborough churches

Image: Martinborough Hotel

Martinborough Hotel

Wairarapa Archive

Maps of Martinborough

Image: Martinborough township : Plan

1879-1905

Martinborough township : Plan

Wairarapa Archive

Image: Martinborough fete

Martinborough fete

Auckland Libraries

Image: Takitimu Meeting House, Martinborough

Takitimu Meeting House, Martinborough

Alexander Turnbull Library

Image: Martinborough Police Station

Police station

Martinborough Police Station

Wairarapa Archive