About Gore

Gore is a district covering some 1,250 km² with a population of approximately 13,279. It encompasses the towns of Gore, Mataura, and Waikaka and extends to Arthurton in the east, Waitane in the west, north to Mount Wendon and as far south as Waiarakiki.

Climate, altitude and soil type are variable but the climate is generally moist, with the annual rainfall from 750mm to 1,000mm to as low as 500mm in the drier north. Temperatures are usually moderate to mild with Gore’s January mean daily maximum being 20° C.

The town of Gore takes its name from Colonel Thomas Gore-Browne, Governor of New Zealand from 1855 to 1861. Modern history of the area dates from 1836 when the southern Maori repelled a raid from the north, allowing purchase and occupation by settlers to follow. The township of Gore and Gordon (later amalgamated into Gore Borough as East Gore) were constituted in 1882. Mataura Borough, the District’s second biggest town, was constituted in 1895.

Although officially a ‘dry’ area from 1903 to as late as 1954 the Hokonui stills became famous for their production of illicit whisky which flourished until World War II.

Today farming, rural services, forestry, meat, MDF and tourism are the district’s major industries. Many other innovative and unique businesses flourish including floriculture and vintage aircraft restoration.