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Story: East Coast places

Ruatōria: around 1940

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Ruatōria: around 1940

Ruatōria, for a time known simply as the Cross Roads, became the principal township on the East Coast proper, as roads replaced the sea as the main means of transport. On this sunlit day around 1940, motor vehicles are prominent, but horses are still an important means of getting around. The two-storeyed Ruatoria Hotel at front right remained a local institution in 2019.

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Tairawhiti Museum, Te Whare Taonga O Te Tairawhiti

Reference: 304.5-4N

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How to cite this page

Monty Soutar, East Coast places – Waiapu River valley, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/33487/ruatoria-around-1940 (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Monty Soutar, published 23 August 2011, updated 1 March 2015.