Hawera

Hawera, population 11,000, serves the south Taranaki farming community. A dairy farming centre, Hawera has another claim to fame or notoriety,Taranaki Gothic

Ronald Hugh Morrieson

Ronald Hugh Morrieson(1922-72) was a New Zealand novelist and short story writer. He lived all his life in Hawera. He earned a living as a music teacher and played in dance bands. He wrote four novels, all of them posthumously adapted for the screen, including the successfulCame a hot Friday. His subject matter and treatment have been termed Taranaki Gothic, being concerned with sex, death and dark deeds among other gothic preoccupations.
After his death his house in Hawera was demolished to make way for a Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet.
Annual Literary Awards in his name are available to Taranaki residents.

Hawera is home to what was once claimed to be the largest dairy factory complex in the world, "Whareroa", which has its own gas-fired power-plant. Hawera sits on a plain so that its concrete water tower is a distinguishing landmark. The Information Centre is on High St immediately in front of the Water Tower.

Image Credit: National Library