Conveniently located half way between Taupo, in the central North Island and the capital Wellington, Palmerston North and the Manawatu combine the charm of rural New Zealand with the appeal of Palmerston North city.
From the Ruahine and Tararua mountain ranges, through the spectacular Manawatu Gorge and picturesque Pohangina Valley, along Manawatu River to the coastal plains of Tangimoana and Himatangi, the region enjoys a mild climate.
The name 'Manawatu' is derived from two words, Manawa and tu. Manawa refers to the heart - tu describes something that has come to a halt. The ancestor Hau uttered the words "ka tu taku manawa" meaning 'my heart stands still' at the sight of the awesome Manawatu River.
Palmerston North emerged from bush clad beginnings in the 1850s to become a major service centre for the lower North Island. Palmerston North (Māori: Te Papa-i-oea) was named after the third Viscount Palmerston (Henry John Temple).
Locals are known as Palmerstonians who affectionately refer to their city simply as 'Palmy'.
Palmerston North city is centred around a large reserve known as 'The Square' and has a rich and lively arts and theatre scene.
Rugby heritage is celebrated at the New Zealand Rugby Museum. It contains New Zealand's biggest and most comprehensive collection of Rugby memorabilia and records, including some of the world's rarest Rugby artefacts.
Economy
Home to more than 70 major educational and research institutions, Linton Military Camp, Ohakea Airforce Base, and the Sport and Rugby Institute, Palmerston North is recognised as a centre of excellence for research, technology and education. As a result Palmerston North has a proud history of nurturing the entrepreneurial and innovative.
Population
Palmerston North, with a population of 79,300, is the eleventh largest city in New Zealand and the centre of the seventh largest urban area. As a result of the city's world class education institutions, Palmerston North is a young and cosmopolitan city with a third of the population aged between 15 and 30 years. Over 100 different cultures are represented within the city reflected in the variety of cuisine on offer. The wider Manawatu-Wanganui district has a population of 229,200.
Climate
Palmerston North and the wider Manawatu region enjoy a mild climate year around. The average daily maximum temperature ranges from 22°C in February to 12°C in July with an average of 20 days a year above 25°C. The average annual rainfall is 960mm with a peak in July.
