The site of the present settlement of Karitane includes that of the pre-European Māori kaik, or undefended village. Giant moas were likely to be hunted in the area. It encompasses Huriawa on the adjacent peninsula, a pā or fortified village, recalled in oral tradition for sieges in the late 17th or early 18th centuries. It was also the site of the whalingstation set up by Long, Wright and Richards in 1837. That was known as Waikouaiti, but the name later became transferred to the present township of that name established by Johnny Jones as a farming settlement in 1840, on the north side of the estuary.
Modern history
In 1838 Jones acquired the Karitane whaling station, primarily targeting southern rights and humpbacks, resulting in severe depletion of local populations for these species. After sending pioneers to start his farming settlement he sent a Wesleyanmissionary to join them in May 1840. Rev. James Watkin established the first mission station in the South Island. The first Christian service in the South Island took place in Karitane on 17 May, 1840. Watkin set up his mission station at Karitane. He was living there with his wife and children in a purpose-built house by late 1842. In 1867 George O'Brien painted a memorable view looking north from the Karitane waterfront, now in the Otago Settlers Museum, Dunedin. Karitane Nurses are also mentioned in the Australian Television Miniseries , suggesting their influence had spread to Australia by the 1970s.
Plunket set up a string of neonatal care institutions known throughout the country as Karitane Hospitals, starting here in Truby King's house, Kingscliff
A type of infant formula, Karicare, now made by Nutricia, as well as earlier brands Karilac and Kariol made by the Karitane Products Society are named after the town
Karitane Nursea type of nurse in New Zealand specialising in infant care
Huirapa Marae, also known as Puketeraki Marae, is located in Karitāne. It is a marae of Ngāi Tahu, including the Kāti Huirapa Rūnanga Ki Puketeraki branch, and includes the Karitāne wharenui. Close to the settlement is the site of Huriawa Pā, which was a major pā in pre-European New Zealand. It was set in a strong position on a rocky promontory above the coast.
