61-575: Palmerston North ( / ˈ p ɑː m ər s t ən / ; Māori : Te Papa-i-Oea , colloquially known as Palmerston or Palmy ) is a city in the North Island of New Zealand and the seat of the Manawatū-Whanganui region. Located in the eastern Manawatu Plains , the city is near the north bank of the Manawatū River , 35 km (22 mi) from the river's mouth, and 12 km (7 mi) from
122-660: A daughter of Andrew Scott, of Edinburgh . After working as a physician in Italy and across Europe, he emigrated to New Zealand due to problems with tuberculosis , leaving in December 1840 in hope of a cure in more suitable climate. He arrived in Wellington in May 1841 on the New Zealand Company ship Olympus as surgeon-superintendent . In 1845, Featherston became the first editor of
183-608: A doctor and a post office. In 1876, Palmerston North became a Local Board District, within the Wellington Provincial Council . This existed until the abolition of the provinces later the same year. Also in the same year, the council set aside land north of the Manawatū River for the purposes of a reserve. In 1890, this land was again set aside and would become, in 1897, the Victoria Esplanade . By 1877, when
244-576: A great fish and pulled it right up from the sea. While he was not looking, his brothers fought over the fish and chopped it up. This great fish became the North Island, and thus a Māori name for the North Island is Te Ika-a-Māui ("The Fish of Māui"). The mountains and valleys are believed to have been formed as a result of Māui's brothers' hacking at the fish. During Captain James Cook 's voyage between 1769 and 1770 , Tahitian navigator Tupaia accompanied
305-626: A whole. During the Last Glacial Period when sea levels were over 100 metres lower than present day levels, the North and South islands were connected by a vast coastal plain which formed at the South Taranaki Bight . During this period, most of the North Island was covered in thorn scrubland and forest , while the modern-day Northland Peninsula was a subtropical rainforest . Sea levels began to rise 7,000 years ago, eventually separating
366-513: Is 760 metres (2,493 ft) above sea level. This is in the Tararua ranges, south-east of Scotts Road. The lowest point is 10 metres (33 ft) above sea level. This is at the river bank near Te Puna Road. Incidentally, both these locations are in the south-west of the city, by Linton. There are 5.54 square kilometres (1,369 acres) dedicated to public reserves. The length of the Manawatū river within
427-503: Is also normal to use the preposition in rather than on , for example "Hamilton is in the North Island", "my mother lives in the North Island". Maps, headings, tables, and adjectival expressions use North Island without "the". According to Māori mythology , the North and South Islands of New Zealand arose through the actions of the demigod Māui . Māui and his brothers were fishing from their canoe (the South Island) when he caught
488-457: Is approximately 960 mm (37.8 in) with rain occurring approximately 5% of the time. There are on average 200 rain-free days each year. In the ranges that flank the city there is often sustained wind, especially in spring. Much of this land is within the city boundaries, and these ranges have the reputation of providing the most consistent wind in the country. Close to the city is the largest electricity-generating series of wind farms in
549-435: Is located at the south-west tip of the island. The island has been known internationally as the North Island for many years. The Te Reo Māori name for it, Te Ika-a-Māui , also has official recognition but it remains seldom used by most residents. On some 19th-century maps, the North Island is named New Ulster (named after Ulster province in northern Ireland) which was also a province of New Zealand that included
610-663: Is now Palmerston North Airport . From 1938, the First Labour government (1935–1949) initiated state housing programmes in West End (Savage Crescent precinct) and Roslyn. In 1941, the Manawatū River flooded again, having last flooded in 1902. Large parts of Hokowhitu and Awapuni were underwater, with residents evacuating to higher ground (peaked at 5.8m). In 1940, the Māori Battalion was formed in Palmerston North and trained at
671-634: Is the world's 14th-largest island , constituting 43% of New Zealand's land area. It has a population of 4,077,800 (June 2024), which is 76% of New Zealand's residents, making it the most populous island in Polynesia and the 28th-most-populous island in the world. Twelve main urban areas (half of them officially cities) are in the North Island. From north to south, they are Whangārei , Auckland , Hamilton , Tauranga , Rotorua , Gisborne , New Plymouth , Napier , Hastings , Whanganui , Palmerston North , and New Zealand's capital city Wellington , which
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#1732845078629732-750: The Wellington Independent . He served in the first , second , third , and fourth Parliaments. He represented the Wanganui and Rangitikei electorate in the first parliament until he resigned on 9 August 1855, and then represented the City of Wellington electorate in the second, third and fourth parliaments. In 1858, he resigned his seat in Parliament and his Wellington superintendency, apparently wanting to return to England. Instead, he successfully stood for re-election in both positions within months. Featherston
793-794: The 2018 census , and an increase of 5,676 people (7.8%) since the 2013 census . There were 37,860 males, 39,717 females and 441 people of other genders in 28,620 dwellings. 4.3% of people identified as LGBTIQ+ . The median age was 35.3 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 14,958 people (19.2%) aged under 15 years, 17,955 (23.0%) aged 15 to 29, 32,868 (42.1%) aged 30 to 64, and 12,243 (15.7%) aged 65 or older. People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 72.1% European ( Pākehā ); 21.1% Māori ; 6.3% Pasifika ; 15.5% Asian ; 1.8% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.3% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English
854-517: The New Zealand Rugby Museum ), and several performing arts venues. Ngāti Rangitāne were the local Māori iwi ( tangata whenua ) living in the area known as Te Ahu-ā-Tūranga , when a trader, Jack Duff, became the earliest known European to explore the area c. 1830 . He came on a whaling ship and explored possibly as far inland as the site of Woodville. He reported his discovery on arrival back to Porirua. Colonel Wakefield heard of
915-541: The Tararua Ranges ; including the town of Ashhurst at the mouth of the Manawatū Gorge, the villages of Bunnythorpe and Longburn in the north and west respectively. The city covers a land area of 395 square kilometres (98,000 acres). The city's location was once little more than a clearing in a forest and occupied by small communities of Māori , who called it Papa-i-Oea , believed to mean "How beautiful it is". In
976-496: The single transferable vote (STV) system introduced, replacing first past the post (FPP). North Island The North Island ( Māori : Te Ika-a-Māui [tɛ i.kɐ ɐ mɑː.ʉ.i] , lit. 'the fish of Māui', officially North Island or Te Ika-a-Māui or historically New Ulster ) is one of the two main islands of New Zealand , separated from the larger but less populous South Island by Cook Strait . With an area of 113,729 km (43,911 sq mi), it
1037-573: The 2023 census, 63.1% of North Islanders identified as European ( Pākehā ), 19.8% as Māori , 10.6% as Pacific peoples , 19.3% as Asian , 1.9% as Middle Eastern/Latin American/African, and 1.1% as other ethnicities. Percentages add to more than 100% as people can identify with more than one ethnicity. Māori form the majority in three districts of the North Island: Kawerau (63.2%), Ōpōtiki (66.2%) and Wairoa (68.5%). Europeans formed
1098-514: The Borough Council came into existence, Palmerston North was an isolated village in the midst of the native forest that covered inland Manawatu. By 1878, the population was 880 and sawmilling was the main industry of the district. The arrival of the railway in 1886 saw an increase in the speed of growth, and the town was at the centre of a lucrative agricultural district. The opening of the nearby Longburn Freezing Works provided employment, while
1159-528: The Borough Council instigated more infrastructural schemes such as the sewerage system. The Railway through the Manawatū Gorge to Napier was completed in 1891. In 1893, Rangitāne sold the Hokowhitu block, increasing the area of land available for settlement. In the same year, the Public Hospital opened in a wooden building on Terrace Street (now Ruahine Street). The hospital required significant fundraising. At
1220-583: The Borough Council renamed all German-sounding and foreign street names. When the war finished in 1918, celebrations were delayed due to the Influenza epidemic. In 1930, the population reached the 20,000 threshold and Palmerston North was officially proclaimed a city, the 7th in New Zealand. Development was slow due to the Great Depression and World War II . An airport was established at Milson in 1936, which
1281-505: The Duke of Edinburgh are among visitors to Palmerston North. On 1 November 1989, New Zealand local government authorities were reorganised. Palmerston North City boundaries were extended to include Ashhurst , Linton and Turitea through amalgamation of parts of the former Kairanga County, Oroua County and Ashhurst Town Council. On 1 July 2012, Bunnythorpe, Longburn, part of the area around Kairanga and an area around Ashhurst were transferred from
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#17328450786291342-471: The Esplanade Scenic Railway at Victoria Esplanade. The railway features a 2.2 km (1.4 mi) miniature railway track offering 20-minute rides through native bush. In 1970, the New Zealand Rugby Museum was established and a tribute to the founding father of rugby in New Zealand, Charles Munro, was opened at Massey University. In 1971, a competition to design a civic building for
1403-699: The Featherston legend: he was described leading his men into battle "in his dressing gown, with a cigar in his mouth, having no weapon whatever with which to defend himself". He was subsequently awarded the New Zealand Cross for bravery. A duel on 24 March 1847 was fought in Wellington between Colonel William Wakefield and Featherston over a newspaper editorial of Featherston on the New Zealand Company land policy which questioned Wakefield's honesty. Featherston fired and missed. Then Wakefield fired into
1464-573: The Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Act 2021. Starting in 2022, there is a Māori ward called Te Pūao Ward, with two councillors; and a general ward called Te Hirawanui Ward, with 13 councillors. Before the 2016 election councillors were elected representing one of five city wards, but Palmerston North's electoral wards were abolished by the Local Government Commission in 2013. The 2013 election also saw
1525-577: The Manawatū District to Palmerston North City. Although the land Palmerston North is situated on is bounded by the lofty Ruahine and Tararua ranges in the east and south respectively, the city has a predominantly flat appearance. The occasional rise in elevation occurs further away from the river and is especially pronounced in the north and northeast, and also on the south side of the river. The typical urban area elevation ranges between 20 and 40 metres (65–130 ft) above sea level. The highest point
1586-520: The North Island is provided by fifteen District Health Boards (DHBs) . Organised around geographical areas of varying population sizes, they are not coterminous with the Local Government Regions . Isaac Earl Featherston Isaac Earl Featherston NZC (21 March 1813 – 19 June 1876), popularly known as the Little Doctor , was a New Zealand politician, known for his advocacy for
1647-577: The North Island. In 2009 the New Zealand Geographic Board found that, along with the South Island, the North Island had no official name. After a public consultation, the board officially named it North Island, or the aforementioned Te Ika-a-Māui, in October 2013. In prose, the two main islands of New Zealand are called the North Island and the South Island , with the definite article. It
1708-535: The Showgrounds (now Arena Manawatu). In 1942, Linton Army Camp was established. After the war, the city's growth was rapid. In 1949, the city's boundaries had extended to include Milson and Kelvin Grove. In 1953, the boundaries would further extend to include Awapuni, which in the same year, was again flooded by the Manawatū River, along with Hokowhitu. It was the largest flood since 1902. Although work had started in 1926, it
1769-437: The South Island, this is solely due to the North Island having higher natural increase (i.e. births minus deaths) and international migration; since the late 1980s, the internal migration flow has been from the North Island to the South Island. In the year to June 2020, the North Island gained 21,950 people from natural increase and 62,710 people from international migration, while losing 3,570 people from internal migration. At
1830-462: The South Island, with the country's largest city, Auckland, and the capital, Wellington, accounting for nearly half of it. There are 30 urban areas in the North Island with a population of 10,000 or more: The sub-national GDP of the North Island was estimated at NZ$ 282.355 billion in 2021 (78% of New Zealand's national GDP). Nine local government regions cover the North Island and its adjacent islands and territorial waters. Healthcare in
1891-524: The Wellington Provincial Council (under whose jurisdiction the new purchase fell) and made the original survey and subdivision in the Papaioea forest clearing. The settlement, named Palmerston to commemorate the recently deceased Prime Minister of Great Britain , was laid out according to Stewart's plan, consisting of a series of wide and straight streets in a rectangular pattern. The focal point
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1952-432: The air, saying he would not shoot a man with seven daughters. In his many escapades Featherston had acquired great mana . He also left a political legacy in his eight daughters. They included: Laetitia, who married James Menzies ; Kate, who married John Cargill ; Frances, who married William FitzGerald (son of James FitzGerald ); Alice, who married Sir Charles Johnston ; and Octavia, who married Alfred Newman . He
2013-636: The amalgamation of the Massey Agricultural College with the Palmerston North University College. In 1964, it became Massey University , an autonomous tertiary learning institution with the power to grant its own degrees. In 1967, city boundaries were again extended to include land in Aokautere, Kelvin Grove, Milson, Amberley (Westbrook) and Awapuni as part of future growth for the next 25 years. In 1969, volunteers established
2074-423: The census question. Of those at least 15 years old, 12,585 (20.0%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 33,063 (52.4%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 14,070 (22.3%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $ 39,900, compared with $ 41,500 nationally. 5,601 people (8.9%) earned over $ 100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15
2135-423: The census question. Of those at least 15 years old, 13,860 (19.7%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 37,113 (52.9%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 15,489 (22.1%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $ 40,800, compared with $ 41,500 nationally. 6,591 people (9.4%) earned over $ 100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15
2196-411: The circumnavigation of New Zealand. The maps described the North Island as " Ea Heinom Auwe " and " Aeheinomowe ", which recognises the "Fish of Māui" element. Another Māori name that was given to the North Island, but is now used less commonly, is Aotearoa . Use of Aotearoa to describe the North Island fell out of favour in the early 20th century, and it is now a collective Māori name for New Zealand as
2257-462: The city boundary is 29.9 kilometres (18.6 mi) and its tributary at Ashhurst, the Pohangina, is 2.6 kilometres (1.6 mi). Palmerston North's climate is temperate (Köppen Cfb) , with warm summer afternoon temperatures of 20 – 22 °C (72 °F) in summer and 12 °C (54 °F) in winter. On average temperatures rise above 25 °C (77 °F) on 20 days of the year. Annual rainfall
2318-447: The conclusion of the Otago gold rush in the 1860s, New Zealand's European population growth has experienced a steady 'Northern drift' as population centres in the North Island have grown faster than those of New Zealand's South Island. This population trend has continued into the twenty-first century, but at a much slower rate. While the North Island's population continues to grow faster than
2379-561: The conflict. During the Second Taranaki War (1863-1866), Featherston raised auxiliaries of Māori , but they refused to fight unless he himself led them. Despite suffering from tuberculosis and at times being unable to sit on his horse, he indeed led them and accompanied Major General Trevor Chute on his west coast campaign and march to Mount Egmont . He led a Māori contingent in several engagements, notably at Otapawa, and later alongside Gustavus von Tempsky . This saga gave rise to
2440-486: The end of the Manawatū Gorge , about 140 km (87 mi) north of the capital, Wellington . Palmerston North is the country's eighth-largest urban area , with an urban population of 83,100 (June 2024). The estimated population of Palmerston North city is 92,500 (June 2024). The official limits of the city take in rural areas to the south, north-east, north-west and west of the main urban area, extending to
2501-512: The end of the decade, the Boer War broke out in South Africa and men from Palmerston North were among the volunteers. By 1900 the population had reached 6,000. In the 1910s, Palmerston North's growth was steady. The population in 1911 about 10,991 (excluding Māori). The city was affected by World War I, with Awapuni Racecourse being used as an army training camp in 1914. During the course of the war,
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2562-601: The establishment of New Zealand self-government, and the importance of the provincial governments. Featherston was born in Newcastle upon Tyne , Northumberland on 21 March 1813, to Thomas Featherston and Jane (Earl) Featherston. Although he spent a significant amount of time playing sports, specifically football, as a youngster he was also quite academic and qualified in medicine at the University of Edinburgh in 1836. On 10 December 1839, he married Bethia Campbell Scott (1816–1864),
2623-648: The islands and linking the Cook Strait to the Tasman Sea . The North Island has an estimated population of 4,077,800 as of June 2024. The North Island had a population of 3,808,005 at the 2023 New Zealand census , an increase of 213,453 people (5.9%) since the 2018 census , and an increase of 570,957 people (17.6%) since the 2013 census . Of the total population, 733,893 people (19.3%) were aged under 15 years, 743,154 (19.5%) were 15 to 29, 1,721,427 (45.2%) were 30 to 64, and 609,534 (16.0%) were 65 or older. Ever since
2684-607: The mid-19th century, it was settled by Europeans—originally by Scandinavians and, later, British settlers. On foundation, the British settlement was bestowed the name Palmerston, in honour of Viscount Palmerston , a former British Prime Minister . The suffix North was added in 1871 to distinguish the settlement from Palmerston in the South Island . Today, the name is often informally shortened to "Palmy". Early Palmerston North relied on public works and sawmilling. The west coast railway
2745-465: The plurality in the Auckland region (49.8%) and are the majority in the remaining 39 districts. The proportion of North Islanders born overseas at the 2018 census were 29.3%. The most common foreign countries of birth were England (15.4% of overseas-born residents), Mainland China (11.3%), India (10.1%), South Africa (5.9%), Australia (5.5%) and Samoa (5.3%). The North Island has a larger population than
2806-651: The post until 1870. His superintendence oversaw some slow growth in Wellington before in 1865 it became the capital of the colony . From 1871 he was the first Agent-General for the colony in London, the precursor to the High Commissioner . When war broke out in 1860, Featherston criticised the Government's handling of events, and lent his influence to tribal peacemaking and keeping much of Wellington Province out of
2867-506: The potential that the Manawatu had for development and visited in 1840. In 1846 Charles Hartley, another trader, heard from tangata whenua of a clearing in the Papaioea forest, and he proceeded through the dense bush and forest and discovered it for Europeans. In 1858, the Government began negotiations with local iwi to purchase land in Manawatu. There was a dispute at the time between the rival iwi Ngāti Rangitāne and Ngāti Raukawa as to who had
2928-566: The right to sell. The dispute is resolved in favour of Rangitāne. On a visit in 1859, John Tiffin Stewart , an employee of the Wellington Provincial Council , was shown the Papaioea clearing by the Rangitāne chief, Te Hirawanu, and noted its suitability for a "good site for a township". In 1864, Te Ahu-a-Turanga Block was sold by Rangitāne to the Government for £12,000, in an effort to open the Manawatu to settlement. Stewart returned in 1866 on behalf of
2989-486: The same year, the suffix North was added to distinguish the settlement of the same name in Otago . In 1872, a petition was launched to change the name of the settlement. A public meeting in 1873 ends with no clear decision on the name. The railway line was laid through the Square in 1875. The foundation stone for the original All Saints Church was laid by Louisa Snelson on 29 September 1875. By 1875 there were newspapers,
3050-533: The southern hemisphere, with 286 turbines in the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges providing power for approximately 50,000 homes. Palmerston North City covers 394.74 km (152.41 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 92,500 as of June 2024, with a population density of 234 people per km. This comprises 83,100 people in the Palmerston North urban area, 3,440 people in the Ashhurst urban area, and 5,960 people in
3111-402: The surrounding settlements and rural area. Palmerston North City had a population of 87,090 in the 2023 New Zealand census , an increase of 2,451 people (2.9%) since the 2018 census , and an increase of 7,011 people (8.8%) since the 2013 census . There were 42,453 males, 44,166 females and 471 people of other genders in 31,776 dwellings. 4.1% of people identified as LGBTIQ+ . The median age
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#17328450786293172-475: The vacant railway land at the Square, was won by Wellington architects, Maurice and John Patience. The resulting building was finished in 1979. In 1976, the Manawatu and Oroua rivers flooded, 24-hour rainfall records in Feilding and Palmerston North were exceeded and some residents from both locations were evacuated. In 1977, Palmerston North City Council celebrated its Centenary of Municipal government. The Queen and
3233-510: Was 35.7 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 16,899 people (19.4%) aged under 15 years, 19,401 (22.3%) aged 15 to 29, 37,125 (42.6%) aged 30 to 64, and 13,665 (15.7%) aged 65 or older. People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 73.8% European ( Pākehā ); 20.7% Māori ; 5.9% Pasifika ; 14.4% Asian ; 1.7% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.4% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English
3294-438: Was Colonial Secretary (forerunner to the modern Minister of Internal Affairs ) in 1861, and a Minister without Portfolio from 1869 to 1871, having been appointed in both instances by William Fox . Featherston was also heavily involved in the politics of Wellington Province . He was elected unopposed as the first Superintendent from 1853. He resigned from this post on 23 April 1858. He was re-elected on 28 June 1858 and held
3355-448: Was an open space of 17 acres (7 ha) subsequently known as The Square. On 3 October 1866, Palmerston was formally endorsed after Isaac Earl Featherston (Wellington Provincial Superintendent) signed a proclamation defining the boundaries of the settlement. The first sections were sold after. Among the first settlers included Scandinavians, who arrived in 1871. They established settlements at Awapuni and Whakarongo/Stoney Creek. Later
3416-409: Was built in 1886, linking the town to Wellington, and Palmerston North benefited from a booming pastoral farming industry. Linton Military Camp , Palmerston North Hospital , and the establishment of Massey University (in 1927) have reduced the dependence on farming due to more skilled workers, since the early 20th century. Popular attractions include Te Manawa (a museum and art gallery that includes
3477-579: Was not until 1959 the Milson Deviation of the North Island Main Trunk was opened. This meant future trains would pass to the north of the city, instead of through the Square. Later in 1963, the railway station at Tremaine Avenue opens. The last trains passed through the Square in 1964. In 1961, the Highbury was added to the council area. In 1963, Massey University College of Manawatu was formed by
3538-557: Was spoken by 95.5%, Māori language by 5.2%, Samoan by 1.0% and other languages by 15.0%. No language could be spoken by 2.2% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.9%. The percentage of people born overseas was 22.7, compared with 28.8% nationally. Religious affiliations were 31.9% Christian , 2.4% Hindu , 2.0% Islam , 1.2% Māori religious beliefs , 1.2% Buddhist , 0.5% New Age , 0.1% Jewish , and 1.7% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 52.3%, and 6.9% of people did not answer
3599-557: Was spoken by 95.7%, Māori language by 5.0%, Samoan by 1.0% and other languages by 14.2%. No language could be spoken by 2.2% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.9%. The percentage of people born overseas was 21.8, compared with 28.8% nationally. Religious affiliations were 31.9% Christian , 2.2% Hindu , 1.8% Islam , 1.1% Māori religious beliefs , 1.1% Buddhist , 0.5% New Age , 0.1% Jewish , and 1.6% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 52.8%, and 7.0% of people did not answer
3660-557: Was that 31,872 (50.5%) people were employed full-time, 8,481 (13.4%) were part-time, and 2,007 (3.2%) were unemployed. Palmerston North is governed by a city council consisting of the Mayor and 15 councillors , elected on a citywide basis. In 2017 the Council voted to create a Māori ward, but the decision was overturned by a city-wide referendum in May 2018. In 2021, Palmerston North City Council decided to establish Māori and general wards under
3721-424: Was that 35,859 (51.1%) people were employed full-time, 9,570 (13.6%) were part-time, and 2,154 (3.1%) were unemployed. Palmerston North's urban area covers 77.05 km (29.75 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 83,100 as of June 2024, with a population density of 1,079 people per km. The urban area had a population of 78,021 in the 2023 New Zealand census , an increase of 1,740 people (2.3%) since
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