Pātea

Pātea
Aerial photo of Pātea
Interactive map of Pātea
Coordinates: 39°45′26″S 174°28′36″E / 39.75722°S 174.47667°E / -39.75722; 174.47667
CountryNew Zealand
RegionTaranaki
Territorial authoritySouth Taranaki District
Ward
  • Pātea General Ward
  • Te Tai Tonga Māori Ward
CommunityPātea Community
Electorates
Government
 • Territorial AuthoritySouth Taranaki District Council
 • Regional councilTaranaki Regional Council
 • Mayor of South TaranakiPhil Nixon
 • Whanganui MPCarl Bates
 • Te Tai Hauāuru MPDebbie Ngarewa-Packer
Area
 • Total
6.31 km2 (2.44 sq mi)
Population
 (June 2025)
 • Total
1,290
 • Density204/km2 (529/sq mi)
Postcode(s)
4520

Pātea (/pɑːˈtɛər/ pah-TAIR) is the third-largest town in South Taranaki District, New Zealand. It is on the western bank of the Pātea River, 61 kilometres north-west of Whanganui on State Highway 3. Hāwera is 27 km to the north-west, and Waverley 17 km to the east. The Pātea River flows through the town from the north-east and into the South Taranaki Bight.