Carterton is a small town in a farming area of the Wairarapa district in New Zealand’s North Island. It is located 14 kilometres southwest of Masterton. Its population in 2001 was 4014, with a further 2800 living in the surrounding rural district. Founded in 1857, the town was originally known as Three Mile Bush, and served as housing for workers building the road between Wellington, New Zealand and Masterton. Carterton was named after Charles Rooking Carter, a generous benefactor and ambassador to the town. Carter was involved in many projects such as helping to establish the first public school and building Black Bridge over the Waiohine River. He also gave money to establish a home for men who had come to the end of their working lives and had nowhere to live.