town (“district”), southern North Island, New Zealand, on the Ruamahanga River (a tributary of the Wairarapa), 55 miles (89 km) northeast of Wellington. The town was established in 1854 and named after Joseph Masters, founder of the Wairarapa Small Farms Association.

Masterton lies on the rail line that passes through the Rimutaka Range tunnel to Wellington and serves an area of sheep, dairy, fruit, and cereal farms. The town has dairy, lime, and meat-freezing works; woolen mills and sawmills; and furniture, clothing, home appliance, agricultural implements, and plastic and concrete products factories. Pop. (2001) 19,500.