PATEA Patea is midway between Wanganui and Hawera and is not as severely affected by the Wanganui factor. Patea has strength of purpose that a number of small communities could study. In the 1920s Patea was the largest cheese exporting port in the world. The Grader Cool Store received cheese for grading from all over South Taranaki and as far south as Oroua Downs near Himatangi. Patea has retained a strong community focus and enjoys many services. This includes a well-resourced medical centre, public swimming pool and trust-owned rest home. The Catholic and Anglican Churches in Patea are quite something. The Anglican in particular. The Patea War Memorial and Maori sea canoelhave great prominence. The Patea Museum is a striking building, but is closed at weekends!!!But does have the ‘shop’ that is a testimony to a bygone meat industry. Patea has two hotels that continue to trade. Patea has a lot going for it and the traveler should take an hour or so to enjoy