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Situated on the banks of the Manawatu River nestled at the foot of the impressive Tararua Mountain Range, a growing city of 76,000, Palmerston North is unique. The subdivision of Palmerston North began in 1866, with the most important stimulus to the growth of the town being the development of pastoral farming. As early European settlers cleared the native forest with axe and fire, a new vegetation of grasses and clovers provided the basis for cattle and sheep farming. The city has been able to maintain a complementary relationship between the modern conveniences and technology of big city life, and the quality and ease of small town lifestyle, offering visitors and residents alike 'the best of both worlds'.

Palmerston North is a vibrant youthful city with the active student population, nearby Linton Military Camp, and several knowledge organisations. Since 1930 the City's economic base has been broadened by the establishment of Massey University and the New Zealand Dairy Research Institute, hence it bears the distinction of being New Zealand's `Knowledge City'., all adding to a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Shopping to rival that found anywhere in New Zealand awaits the serious 'retail therapist', whilst connoisseurs of fine food, a good espresso or a great nightlife will find themselves spoilt for choice from the tasty smorgasbord of restaurants, cafes and bars. One professional and two amateur live theatre companies, New Zealand's most successful multiplex cinema, and the recent 12 million dollar complete refurbishment of the city's magnificent 'Regent on Broadway' make Palmerston North a popular destination for enthusiasts of the screen and stage.

The calibre and central locations of the city's many venues ensure that Palmerston North hosts a number of national, international and special shows and events annually. Although on the doorstep of Manawatu's rural playgrounds, Palmerston North is home to an array of activities and attractions. An interactive Science Centre & Manawatu Museum, galleries, golf courses, parks and walkways, indoor climbing and karting...just a sample of those on offer! Each October to March the city roars to life with the popular Stockcar season, including World Championship races, while February hosts the family Esplanade Open Day, an extravaganza of stalls, entertainment, displays and music all set in the beautiful Victoria Esplanade Gardens. March brings the annual International Festival, a colourful celebration of the ethnic diversity embraced by the people and city of Palmerston North.

Palmerston North is served by an excellent international airport only a short distance from the city. It has a very good record for all weather operation, and the 1500 metre runway is capable of taking all domestic and some international aircraft currently flying within New Zealand. Both Air New Zealand and Ansett New Zealand operate first class trunk services, while Freedom Air operates a trans Tasman service. A considerable number of commuter aircraft also serve the City, including Origin Pacific, Mount Cook Airlines, Air Nelson, and Eagle Airways. In April 1996, the first International flight departed Palmerston North Airport, which now boasts 4 International flights per week to Sydney, Brisbane and return.

By road, Palmerston North is only seven hours drive from Auckland and two hours from the capital, Wellington. The City's central location also places it within easy two hour drives of the North Islands Central Plateau skifields, the beaches and wineries of the Hawkes Bay, Mount Taranaki and historic Maori sites of the Taranaki region, and the rural splendor of the Wairarapa.

Mother nature has endowed Manawatu area with endless opportunities to experience the great outdoors, from short walks in splendid native bush, half day walks through the spectacular Manawatu Gorge, to tramping in the majestic Ruahine, or Tararua Ranges. Museums, gardens and arts & crafts abound, with many cottage industries to be discovered in the beautiful Pohangina Valley. The area provides every type of accommodation - top class hotels, motels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, home and farmstays. An excellent array of restaurants and bars to suit all palates are a popular feature of the city.

AREA:

Land area 22,179 kilometres
AREA: 32,594 hectares

CLIMATE:

Palmerston North's average mean daily maximum temperature ranges from 22 degrees celsius in February (14 deg. cel. overnight minimum) to 12 degrees celcius in July (2 deg. cel. overnight minimum).
Palmerston North averages 20 days per year above 25 deg. cel.
There are on average 200 rain-free days.
Rain actually only falls 5% of the time.
The average rainfall is 960mm.
July has the highest average rainfall of 97mm while the lowest is measured in February at 60mm.
Fog is a rarity and hence the Palmerston North Airport is open 99.5% of the year which is more than any other airport in the country.
The prevailing wind is a westerly breeze and in spring can be stronger, but rarely reaches galeforce.

POPULATION:

The population of Palmerston North is estimated to be 76,000, and was 70,320 at the 1991 Census.
Palmerston North is New Zealands sixth largest city.
Population of the Manawatu-Wanganui Region was 226,617 at the 1991 Census.
Over two-thirds of New Zealands population live within 400km of Palmerston North city.

PALMERSTON NORTH CITY COUNCIL
The Square, Palmerston North
Ph. 06 356-8199
MAYOR: Heather Tanguay

REFERENCES & SPECIAL THANKS:

Article - One New Zealand
Article - Palmerston North City Council
Image - Universal College of Learning
Image - provided and/or referred by Mayumi Levesque