Sir James Carroll walkway – Wairoa

The short walk follows the north bank of the Wairoa River. Look for the remains of the once thriving port with wharf piles the only visible reminder. Wairoa was a river port exporting wool, flax, fibre, meat and dairy products were the main exports of the area and each trader had its own wharf or jetty. The area is North Clyde with links to Maori politician, Sir James Carroll. The cabbage tree signage marks the site of his former home and birthplace. As a New Zealand politician of Irish and Ngāti Kahungunu descent, he was the very first Māori to hold the position of Prime Minister (in an “Acting” role from 1909 to 1911). Following this, he was knighted in 1911 – the first Māori to be accorded this title.