103-745: Rotokauri is a semi-rural suburb split between western Hamilton and Waikato District in New Zealand . It is one of the future urban zones of Hamilton, along with Peacocke . The northeastern parts of Rotokauri, within Hamilton, are sometimes called Burbush and Baverstock. Part of Rotokauri was taken into Hamilton with the 10th city extension in November 1989. Until then it had been in the Waipa County Council area. The outskirts of Rotokauri have an impressive orchid farm, all under glass, exporting blooms across
206-531: A New World or Countdown supermarket, such as in Rototuna, Hillcrest and Glenview . Waikato The Waikato ( / ˈ w aɪ k ɑː t ɔː / ) is a region of the upper North Island of New Zealand. It covers the Waikato District , Waipa District , Matamata-Piako District , South Waikato District and Hamilton City , as well as Hauraki , Coromandel Peninsula , the northern King Country , much of
309-502: A bachelor's or higher degree, 66,924 (48.4%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 32,769 (23.7%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $ 42,200, compared with $ 41,500 nationally. 13,599 people (9.8%) earned over $ 100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 72,741 (52.6%) people were employed full-time, 16,971 (12.3%) were part-time, and 5,346 (3.9%) were unemployed. The main area of population growth
412-468: A city in 1945. In the latter 19th century, the areas of Te Rapa and Pukete were important sites for the kauri gum trade of the late 19th/early 20th centuries, being some of the southern-most locations where gum could be found. Beale Cottage is an 1872 listed building in Hamilton East. From 1985 MV Waipa Delta provided excursions along the river through the town centre. In 2009 Waipa Delta
515-588: A hospital at Kirikiriroa. Hamilton was settled by the 4th Waikato Regiment Militia, led by Captain William Steele. The 1st Regiment was at Tauranga , the 2nd at Pirongia , the 3rd at Cambridge and the 4th at Kirikiriroa. The first military settlers arrived on the Rangiriri on 24 August 1864. Members of Ngāti Wairere assembled on the banks of the river as the Rangiriri arrived and threw peaches at her. One of
618-478: A major junction with State Highway 3 south of the city centre, which contributes to congestion. The Hamilton City Council is building a 2/4-lane arterial road, Wairere Drive, through the northern and eastern suburbs to form a 25 km suburban ring road with State Highway 1, which is due for completion in early 2015, while the New Zealand Transport Agency plans to complete the Hamilton section of
721-553: A much wider variety of food from the Thames area. Missionaries had also established schools for Māori. Benjamin and Harriet Ashwell ran a school for 50 Māori girls aged 6–17 at Taupiri in 1853. The girls had been at the school for up to 3 years and could read and write in English and do mental arithmetic. At the time of the Waikato campaign of 1863 against the rebel Māori King Movement forces,
824-584: A number of hapū and iwi . The largest battle ever fought in New Zealand took place near Ohaupo about 1790–1805, between two competing alliances of hapū . During the latter stages of this volatile period, known as the Musket Wars (1807–1845), conflict led to a migration south to Taranaki and eventually Kapiti Island. In 1840 44 Waikato chiefs travelled north to the Manukau Heads and Manukau Harbour to sign
927-695: A population density of 107 people per km. Rotokauri had a population of 1,563 at the 2018 New Zealand census , an increase of 318 people (25.5%) since the 2013 census , and an increase of 447 people (40.1%) since the 2006 census . There were 501 households, comprising 798 males and 771 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.04 males per female, with 321 people (20.5%) aged under 15 years, 300 (19.2%) aged 15 to 29, 747 (47.8%) aged 30 to 64, and 201 (12.9%) aged 65 or older. Ethnicities were 84.8% European/ Pākehā , 12.7% Māori , 1.3% Pacific peoples , 9.0% Asian , and 1.9% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity. The percentage of people born overseas
1030-601: A population of 174,741 in the 2023 New Zealand census , an increase of 13,830 people (8.6%) since the 2018 census , and an increase of 33,129 people (23.4%) since the 2013 census . There were 85,437 males, 88,497 females and 807 people of other genders in 60,897 dwellings. 3.9% of people identified as LGBTIQ+ . The median age was 33.2 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 36,570 people (20.9%) aged under 15 years, 40,836 (23.4%) aged 15 to 29, 75,549 (43.2%) aged 30 to 64, and 21,783 (12.5%) aged 65 or older. Of those at least 15 years old, 30,033 (21.7%) people had
1133-970: A separate kingdom – the King Movement or Kingitanga – in opposition to the government, the colonial government, with the help of troops brought from Britain and Queenite Māori loyal to the Crown, pushed south from the main settlement of Auckland , fighting against Waikato raiders in Auckland before venturing into the Waikato to attack the combined hapu of the King Movement. During 1863 and 1864 fighting occurred at Pukekohe East, Titi hill, Burtts Farm, Galloway Redoubt, Kiri Kiri, Martyn's Farm, Patumahoe, Rhodes Clearing, Williamson's Clearing, Otau, Camerontown, Kakaramea and Wairoa ranges (all Auckland), Meremere , Rangiriri, Ngāruawāhia, Rangiaowhia (southwest of Cambridge), Hairini Ridge and Ōrākau (near Kihikihi), all resulting in defeat for
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#17328695209691236-510: A smaller region than the Waikato local government region. Two definitions that would meet with wide acceptance are those of the Waikato rugby football union and of Hamilton Waikato tourism. To the west, the region is bounded by the Tasman Sea . The coastal region is largely rough hill country, known locally as the Hakarimata Range , though it is more gently undulating in the north, closer to
1339-522: A stream, which feeds Lake Rotokauri . 37°46′15.31″S 175°12′27.83″E / 37.7709194°S 175.2077306°E / -37.7709194; 175.2077306 Hamilton, New Zealand Hamilton ( Māori : Kirikiriroa ) is an inland city in the North Island of New Zealand . Located on the banks of the Waikato River , it is the seat and most populous city of the Waikato region . With
1442-410: A territorial population of 192,000, it is the country's fourth most-populous city . Encompassing a land area of about 110 km (42 sq mi), Hamilton is part of the wider Hamilton Urban Area , which also encompasses the nearby towns of Ngāruawāhia , Te Awamutu and Cambridge . In 2020, Hamilton was awarded the title of most beautiful large city in New Zealand. Hamilton is now considered
1545-449: A variety of supplementary feeds in winter or during the infrequent summer droughts. Main feeds are hay, grass silage and chopped corn feed. The later is often fed out on a concrete pad to save transportation and wastage by trampling. The manufacturing sector in Waikato contributed $ 2,688 million in GDP in the year to March 2018, 11.1% of the regional GDP. According to the 2013 New Zealand census,
1648-557: A water wheel constructed, though possibly the flour mill wasn't completed. However, one article said Kirikiriroa flour was well known. Magistrate Gorst, estimated that Kirikiriroa had a population of about 78 before the Invasion of Waikato via the Waikato Wars of 1863–64. The government estimated the Waikato area had a Māori population of 3,400 at the same time. After the war in the Waikato, large areas of land (1.2 Million Acres), including
1751-479: A well-educated government agent, reported significant numbers of half-caste children in the Waikato in the late 1850s. However, in the Ngati Maniapoto iwi at least 7 Pakeha integrated successfully with the tribe from 1842, marrying Maori women. The best known are William Searancke, who became an important government agent, and Frenchman Louis Hetet, who became a successful trader. Their half-caste children lived with
1854-494: Is oceanic (Köppen: Cfb ), with highly moderated temperatures due to New Zealand's location surrounded by ocean. As the largest inland city in the country, winters are cool and mornings can feature the lowest temperatures of the North Island's main centres, dropping as low as −3 °C (27 °F) several times per year, experiencing on average 17.1 nights that drop below freezing. Nighttime temperatures are even cooler outside of
1957-531: Is a peat lake in Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park, 60 ha (150 acres) bought by the City Council in 1975. Like most of Waikato it would have been inundated by a flood of water and ignimbrite debris from Lake Taupō about 22,000 years ago. A peat bog formed in the hollow and restricted drainage. Work to restore the natural qualities of the park began in 2004. The lake drains north into
2060-497: Is also home to Vickers Aircraft Company , a startup aircraft manufacturer making a carbon fibre amphibious aircraft called the Wave . Recent years have seen the firm establishment of the New Zealand base of the British flight training organisation L3. L3 trains over 350 airline pilots a year at its crew training centre at Hamilton Airport . Tainui Group Holdings Ltd, the commercial arm of
2163-425: Is common during winter mornings, especially close to the Waikato River which runs through the city centre. Hamilton is one of the foggiest cities on earth, however, fog usually burns off by noon to produce sunny and calm winter days. Hamilton also has the lowest average wind speed of New Zealand's main centres as a result of its inland location, in a depression surrounded by high hills and mountains. Hamilton had
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#17328695209692266-402: Is focused on the northern end of the city although in 2012 the council made a decision to balance the city's growth by approving an urban development to the south. Traffic congestion is increasing due to population growth, though the council has undertaken many road development projects to try to keep up with the rapid growth. State Highway 1 runs through the western and southern suburbs and has
2369-580: Is home to New Zealand's largest aircraft manufacturer, Pacific Aerospace , which manufactured its 1,000th aircraft in August 2009, and previously Micro Aviation NZ which manufactured and exported high-quality microlight aircraft. It also has its largest concentration of trailer-boat manufacturers such as Buccaneer. Hamilton is also the home of Gallagher Group Ltd, a manufacturer and exporter of electric fencing and security systems. Employing 600 people Gallagher has been doing business in Hamilton since 1938. Hamilton
2472-685: Is home to two institutes of higher education, the University of Waikato and the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec). Research at the Ruakura research centres have been responsible for much of New Zealand's innovation in agriculture. Hamilton's main revenue source is the dairy industry, due to its location in the centre of New Zealand's largest dairying area. Hamilton annually hosts the National Agricultural Fieldays at Mystery Creek,
2575-688: Is in the Flagstaff -Rototuna area. With its large tertiary student population at Wintec and Waikato University , approximately 40,000 tertiary students, Hamilton has a significant transient population. Hamilton is the second fastest growing population centre after Auckland. People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 58.5% European ( Pākehā ); 25.4% Māori ; 6.8% Pasifika ; 22.8% Asian ; 2.7% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.0% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English
2678-457: Is the low average wind speed in the interior basin due to the sheltering influence of the hills and mountains to the west and south-west. The prevailing winter wind is from the south-west. The Waikato has very high sunshine hours by world standards, averaging 2200 hours per year or about 40% higher than in the UK. This results in rapid growth of grass, crops and ornamental plants. Hamilton Waikato takes in
2781-754: The 2018 census , and an increase of 95,130 people (23.6%) since the 2013 census . There were 246,723 males, 250,380 females and 1,671 people of other genders in 180,006 dwellings. 2.8% of people identified as LGBTIQ+ . The median age was 37.9 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 100,743 people (20.2%) aged under 15 years, 93,111 (18.7%) aged 15 to 29, 218,808 (43.9%) aged 30 to 64, and 86,109 (17.3%) aged 65 or older. People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 71.7% European ( Pākehā ); 25.2% Māori ; 5.2% Pasifika ; 12.2% Asian ; 1.4% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.3% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English
2884-573: The Claudelands Bridge , was opened in 1884. It was converted to a road traffic bridge in 1965. Hamilton reached 1,000 people in 1900, and the town of Frankton merged with the Hamilton Borough in 1917. Between 1912 and 1936, Hamilton expanded with new land in Claudelands (1912), Maeroa (1925), and Richmond – modern day Waikato Hospital and northern Melville (1936). Hamilton was proclaimed
2987-750: The Kingitanga forces. Eventually the rebel King Movement forces pulled back to positions in the area to the south of the Punui River in South Waikato, still known as the King Country , after 19 defeats by the British. Rewi's Last Stand , one of New Zealand's first motion pictures, in 1925, portrayed an entertaining, fictionalized version of the Ōrākau siege. The headquarters of the Māori King Movement are now at Turangawaewae Marae at Ngāruawāhia . After
3090-652: The Taupō District , and parts of the Rotorua Lakes District . It is governed by the Waikato Regional Council. The Waikato stretches from Coromandel Peninsula in the north, to the north-eastern slopes of Mount Ruapehu in the south, and spans the North Island from the west coast, through the Waikato and Hauraki to Coromandel Peninsula on the east coast. Broadly, the extent of the region is the Waikato River catchment. Other major catchments are those of
3193-865: The Tongariro , on the Central Plateau , draining the eastern side of Mount Ruapehu and its neighbours. The climate is mild and temperate with moderate rainfall of 1,200 to 1,600 mm (47 to 63 in) per annum, with the higher western hills having the most rain. Summers are drier with typical maximum temperatures of 22–28 degrees Celsius and overnight lows of 12–16 degrees. Summer droughts occur one year in ten. Typical winter maxima are 10–16 degrees Celsius, with lows generally ranging from 0–8 degrees. Depressions experience regular morning fog, under anticyclonic conditions, which burns off by late morning to produce many still, clear sunny days. Morning frosts are also common during winter anticyclones. Another distinctive feature
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3296-538: The Waihou , Piako , Awakino and Mokau rivers. The region is bounded by Auckland on the north, Bay of Plenty on the east, Hawke's Bay on the south-east, and Manawatū-Whanganui and Taranaki on the south. Waikato Region is the fourth largest region in the country in area and population: It has a land area of 23,901.09 km (9,228.26 sq mi) and a population of 536,200 (June 2024). The region encompasses all or part of eleven territorial authorities ,
3399-631: The Waikato tribe, is one of Hamilton's largest property developers. The Waikato tribe is one of the city's largest landowners. Tainui owns land at The Base , Centre Place, The Warehouse Central, University of Waikato, Wintec, the Courthouse, Fairfield College, and the Ruakura AgResearch centre. The Waikato tribe is a major shareholder of the Novotel Tainui and the Hotel Ibis . It has developed
3502-828: The Waikato Catchment Board . The Waikato United Council , was formulated under the Local Government Act 1974 , but due to objections excluded Thames/Coromandel district, though otherwise covered the present extent of the region. It was set up under the Town and Country Planning Act 1977 and the Waikato Region Constitution Order 1980. WUC covered Hamilton City , Huntly , Ngāruawāhia , Cambridge , Te Awamutu , Matamata , Putāruru and Tokoroa boroughs, Matamata , Raglan , Waikato , and Waipa counties, Ōtorohanga and Waitomo districts. It took over
3605-527: The Waikato Expressway by 2019, easing congestion taking State Highway 1 out of the city and bypassing it to the east. The rapid growth of Hamilton has brought with it the side effects of urban sprawl especially to the north east of the city in the Rototuna area. Further development is planned in the Rototuna and Peacocke suburbs. There has been significant development of lifestyle blocks adjacent to
3708-441: The 1890s invention of refrigeration. Dairying and the completion of the main trunk railway line at the turn of the century lead to a small, steady increase in population. After 1900, dairy production in the Waikato continued to grow, exporting butter and cheese mainly to Britain. Following major floods in 1907, a Waikato River Board was formed in 1911. However, it was reported as ineffective in 1921 and ceased to operate, though
3811-572: The CBD, Chartwell Shopping Centre and most recently Te Awa at The Base . After Farmers Hamilton moves from its existing site on corner of Alexandra and Collingwood streets into the redeveloped Centre Place in late 2013, each major mall will have the department store as an anchor tenant . The western suburb of Frankton is home to a smaller shopping centre and long-standing local furniture and home department store Forlongs . There are many other small suburban shopping centres or plazas, often centred on
3914-576: The Hamilton Hills, was removed by unemployed workers working with picks and shovels and model T Ford trucks. The Western remains of the hill are retained by a large concrete wall. The original hill ran from the present Wintec site eastwards to the old post office (now casino). The earth was taken 4 km north to partly fill the Maeroa gully adjacent to the Central Baptist Church on Ulster Street,
4017-632: The Hamilton Regional Planning Authority and mainly dealt with regional planning and civil defence. By 1989, WUC had committees for regional planning, civil defence, regional government, and the Waikato Regional Development Board. From 1987 it also included Thames-Coromandel District , Great Barrier Island , Hauraki Plains , Ohinemuri and Piako counties, and Morrinsville , Paeroa , Te Aroha and Waihi boroughs. On 1 November 1989, Waikato Regional Council
4120-652: The Hamilton Urban Area, in particular Tamahere , and Matangi . Hamilton's geography is largely the result of successive volcanic ash falls, plus debris, which swept down the Waikato River in at least two massive floods, created by ash blocking the outlet of Lake Taupō . In its present form the landscape originated around 20,000 years ago (20 kya ), after the Oruanui eruption of the Taupō Volcano . The dates given for
4223-774: The Kihikihi area by the introduction of such crops as peaches, maize and wheat. Missionaries brought in millers and helped Māori establish eight flour mills. These flourished until 1857, as they provided flour for the growing Auckland market in the 1850s and for a brief while were exporting to Australia. There were mills at Aotea , Kaitotehe , Karakariki, Kihikihi , Kirikiriroa , Kohanga, Kopatauaki, Mahoe , Mangaharakeke, Mangapapa, Mangarewarewa, Mangatawhiri , Matamata pā, Maungakawa , Maungatautari , Mohoaonui, Otawhao, Patetere, Rangataiki, Rangiaowhia , Taupō, Te Kopua, Te Rore , Tireke, Tuakau , Waitetuna , Whaingaroa and Whatawhata . The route used to travel to and from Auckland
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4326-653: The Treaty of Waitangi, officially making the Waikato area part of New Zealand. Three Ngāti Maniapoto chiefs signed, as did three Ngāti Haua chiefs but most signatories were Waikato. Chief Te Whero whero did not sign, "probably due to the lack of dignity compared to the Waitangi event". Unusually, the copy signed was in English. Between 1840 and 1860 the CMS missionaries of the Anglican church assisted Waikato Māori in revolutionising their economy in
4429-492: The Waikato Region increased by 5 per cent per year compared with 3.2 per cent for the national average. This faster growth can be attributed to rapidly growing dairy and business services industries, facilitated by proximity to the Auckland city, the main international gateway for New Zealand. Given the suitable geography and climate, the Waikato economy is strongly based on agriculture, especially dairy. Dairy farming has been
4532-401: The Waikato River are used for hydroelectricity , helped by several large artificial lakes in the region's south-east. The lowest and earliest-created such lake is Lake Karapiro , now developed as a world-class rowing centre, where the world championships were held in 2010. The river flows out of the country's largest lake, Lake Taupō , which is served by several important fishing rivers such as
4635-422: The Waikato use the nickname Mooloo to apply to themselves or to their region, particularly in relation to sporting endeavours. The word was likely first applied to the Waikato provincial rugby team . Its origin is related to the mascot of a pantomime-like milking cow used in parades, public events and sports matches — particularly rugby, reflecting the importance of the dairy industry to the region. Waikato hosts
4738-625: The area of the present city of Hamilton were confiscated by the Crown under the New Zealand Settlements Act 1863. Over the next year, most of these villages were abandoned as a result of the land confiscation , also known as Raupatu . After the Invasion of the Waikato and confiscation of the invaded land, militia-settlers were recruited in Melbourne and Sydney. On 10 August 1864 the government advertised for tenders to build 10 huts and
4841-557: The average dairy herd in the Waikato has progressively increased. It was about 320 cows in 2012 and in 2016 was about 351 (total Waikato herd 1.41m cows), milked in either a herringbone or automated rotary cowshed so a large herd can be milked in under two hours. The cows are kept on grassland pasture all year due to the mild climate. In the Waikato the original English grasses used by earlier settlers – browntop , fescue and Yorkshire Fog – have been replaced with higher producing Italian ryegrass and nitrogen-fixing white clover. Farmers use
4944-613: The census question. Hamilton is located in the administrative area of the Hamilton City Council . The current mayor of Hamilton is Paula Southgate , who was first elected to the position in 2019 and re-elected in 2022 . The current deputy mayor is Angela O'Leary. Hamilton City is itself part of the Waikato region, controlled administratively by the Waikato Regional Council . The city's coat of arms has received some criticism, being accused of not reflecting
5047-427: The census question. Of those at least 15 years old, 65,295 (16.4%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 212,241 (53.3%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 101,277 (25.4%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $ 40,300, compared with $ 41,500 nationally. 40,746 people (10.2%) earned over $ 100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15
5150-495: The city as an agricultural service centre, but it now has a diverse economy. Hamilton Gardens is the region's most popular tourist attraction. Education and research and development play an important part in Hamilton's economy, as the city is home to approximately 40,000 tertiary students and 1,000 PhD-qualified scientists. The settlement was named by Colonel William Moule after Captain John Fane Charles Hamilton ,
5253-493: The city takes its Māori name. Local Māori were the target of raids by Ngāpuhi during the Musket Wars , and several pā sites from this period can still be found beside the Waikato River. In December 2011 several rua or food storage pits were found near the Waikato River bank, close to the Waikato museum. In 1822, Kirikiriroa Pa was briefly abandoned to escape the Musket Wars. However, by the 1830s Ngati Wairere ’s principal pa
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#17328695209695356-505: The city to many outlying farms to the North East. This swampy, damp environment was at the time thought to be an ideal breeding ground for the TB bacillus, which was a major health hazard in the pioneering days. The first Hamilton hospital was constructed on a hill to avoid this problem. One of the reasons why population growth was so slow in Hamilton until the 1920s was the great difficulty in bridging
5459-410: The city. Likewise, summers can be some of the warmest in the country with on average 51.6 days with temperatures exceeding 25 °C (77 °F). Hamilton also features very high humidity (similar to tropical climates such as Singapore ) which can make temperatures feel much higher or lower than they are. Ground frosts are common and snow is possible but rare. The only recorded snowfall in modern times
5562-442: The colonial provinces of New Ulster (1841–1853) and Auckland (1853–1876) but was principally Māori. During the land wars of the 1860s, the Waikato was the scene of five battles in what is referred to as the Invasion of the Waikato . In retaliation for the help Waikato Māori (mainly Ngāti Maniapoto ) gave Taranaki Māori in their conflict over land in the earlier First Taranaki War , and the decision by some Waikato hapu to form
5665-534: The commander of HMS Esk , who was killed in the battle of Gate Pā , Tauranga . On 10 March 2013 a statue of Captain Hamilton was given to the city by the Gallagher Group ; a gesture that has since been viewed as controversial by some. On 12 June 2020, the Hamilton City Council removed the statue at the request of local Māori iwi Waikato Tainui . The statue's removal has been linked to calls for
5768-533: The elevation of the first Māori king there was a wide range of opinions among influential Māori with some such as Wirimu Tamihana's father advocating supporting the Crown while Te Heuheu of Tuwharetoa advocated all out war against the government. This view was initially unpopular as the king movement hoped to work alongside the crown. Māori were upset at the number of children that had been fathered by Pakeha, who had then disappeared. The children were left to be raised by their mothers with general hapu support. John Gorst,
5871-521: The end of the Australian gold rush, allowing importing of cheaper food, especially flour, from Australia. Even in the boom time of 1854–55, food grown by Waikato Māori, such as Ngāti Maniapoto, was taken to the Auckland market in very small amounts compared to food from the Waiheke Island -Thames area. In early 1855 Ngāti Maniapoto took only 3 canoes of potatoes to Auckland compared to 279 canoes containing
5974-618: The end of the war and the withdrawal of British and Australian troops, the region experienced a long period of economic recession after 1866. Most Māori had moved to the King Country and European settlers were more attracted to the South Island with its large gold discovery in Otago and the more easily farmed Canterbury Plains. The Waikato had poor land access and was not suitable for sheep farming which dominated livestock production in New Zealand until
6077-601: The eruption vary. A 2007 study said it was between 22.5 and 14 kya. Another in 2004 put it 26.5 kya. After the eruption Lake Taupō rose to about 145 m (476 ft) above the present lake. Around 20 kya. the ash dam eroded and the lake rapidly fell some 75 m (246 ft), creating massive floods. The ash they carried formed the main Hinuera Surface into an alluvial fan of volcanic ash, which extends north of Hamilton and drops about 60 m (200 ft) from Karapiro . The Waikato changed its course from flowing into
6180-417: The fastest growing city in the country. The area now covered by the city began as the site of several Māori villages, including Kirikiriroa, from which the city takes its Māori name. By the time English settlers arrived, most of these villages, which sat beside the Waikato River, were abandoned as a result of the Invasion of Waikato and land confiscation ( Raupatu ) by the Crown. The settlers developed
6283-582: The first brickworks opened in Hamilton. The road from Auckland reached Hamilton in 1867 and the railway in December 1877. That same month, the towns of Hamilton West and Hamilton East merged under a single borough council. The first traffic bridge between Hamilton West and Hamilton East, known as the Union Bridge, opened in 1879. It was replaced by the Victoria Bridge in 1910. The first railway bridge,
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#17328695209696386-407: The government's expense. This upset the older chiefs, who wanted the strong Māori leader Te Wherowhero to return from Mangere to his lands at Tamahere (South Hamilton) to rein in the out-of-control young chief magistrates. The Waikato has a prominent history, particularly regarding relationships between Māori and European in early colonial New Zealand. The Waikato was within the defined boundaries of
6489-405: The hillier west margins, and crops such as maize. The area around Cambridge has many thoroughbred stables. The north of the region around Te Kauwhata produces some of New Zealand's best wines. Dozens of small shallow lakes lie in this area, the largest of which is Lake Waikare . To the east, the land rises towards the forested slopes of the Kaimai and Mamaku Ranges . The upper reaches of
6592-400: The history and diversity of the city, with suggestions that it should be changed. Hamilton has three electorate MPs in the New Zealand Parliament . Both Hamilton East and Hamilton West electorates are considered bellwether seats . The electorates are currently represented by: General electorates: Māori electorate : Education and research are important to the city—Hamilton
6695-448: The iwi, and some became leading figures. What tipped the balance was conflict and criminal activity within the Waikato region. Influential chiefs said the treaty had promised the government would help maintain peace. They asked for government magistrates and courts. The government attempted to fulfil these requests but many of the young men who put themselves forward for the positions simply saw that they had an opportunity to get wealthy at
6798-1129: The lake are ideal for jogging, walking, and cycling. These trails offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscapes, providing a tranquil setting for exercise enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Beerescourt ; Bader; Crawshaw ; Deanwell ; Dinsdale ; Fitzroy ; Forest Lake ; Frankton ; Glenview ; Grandview Heights ; Hamilton Central ; Hamilton North ; Hamilton West ; Livingstone ; Maeroa ; Melville ; Nawton ; Peacocke ; Pukete ; Rotokauri ; St Andrews ; Stonebridge ; Te Rapa ; Temple View ; Thornton ; Western Heights ; Whitiora . Ashmore ; Callum Brae ; Chartwell ; Chedworth Park ; Claudelands; Enderley ; Fairfield ; Fairview Downs ; Flagstaff ; Hamilton East ; Harrowfield ; Hillcrest ; Huntington ; Magellan Rise ; Queenwood ; Ruakura ; Riverlea ; Rototuna; Silverdale ; Somerset Heights ; St James Park ; St Petersburg . Cambridge ; Te Awamutu ; Ngāruawāhia ; Taupiri ; Horotiu ; Horsham Downs ; Huntly ; Gordonton ; Ōhaupō ; Ngāhinapōuri ; Te Kowhai ; Whatawhata ; Tamahere ; Matangi ; Tauwhare ; Rukuhia ; Kihikihi . Hamilton's climate
6901-424: The land is largely pastoral farmland created by European settlers draining the extensive natural swamps, although it also contains undrained peat swamp such as the 200 km (77 sq mi) peat dome south of Ngatea. It is in the broad undulating Waikato Plains that most of the region's population resides, and the land is intensively farmed with both livestock, mainly dairy cattle but with sheep farming on
7004-562: The large retail centre The Base in the old Te Rapa airforce base site which was returned to Tainui, following confiscation in the 1860s, as part of a 1995 Treaty of Waitangi settlement. In mid-2010, The Base was further expanded with Te Awa Mall complex stage 1. Many large retailers such as Farmers and other nationwide speciality chains have located at Te Awa. In 2011 a further stage was opened, with cinemas, restaurants, shops and an underground carpark. The city's three major covered shopping malls are Centre Place (formerly Downtown Plaza ) in
7107-488: The local government areas of Hamilton City, the southern part of Waikato district, Waipa district, most of Matamata-Piako district and the South Waikato district. Hamilton Waikato tourism takes in additionally the northern part of Waikato district (Tuakau and other centres), the northern King Country (Waitomo and Ōtorohanga districts), and the Te Aroha district. The parts of Waikato region beyond these limits are usually identified as Thames Valley and/or Hauraki/Coromandel (for
7210-684: The main agricultural activity since the late nineteenth century. Within the Waikato region, small co-operative dairy companies were widespread during the 20th century. Towards the end of the 20th century, frequent mergers of co-operative dairy companies occurred, which ultimately ended in the formation of New Zealand wide dairy co-operative Fonterra in 2001. In 2007, dairy farming and dairy processing combined contributed $ 2 billion (13%) to GRP, which had risen to $ 2.4bn by 2014, but only 13,683 (7.6%) of jobs in 2016. Dairy farms are mainly family owned (2,608 of 4,020 farms in 2016) with owners employing sharemilkers in many cases (1,412 sharemilkers). The size of
7313-421: The main road heading north. Lake Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake) began forming about 20,000 years ago (20 kya). Originally it was part of an ancient river system that was cut off by deposition material and became two small lakes divided by a narrow peninsula. With higher rainfall and drainage from the extensive peat land to the west, the water level rose so the narrow peninsula was drowned so forming one larger lake. To
7416-416: The many arms of the deep swampy gullies that cross the city. Hamilton has 6 major dendritic gully complexes with the 15 km long, 12 branch, Kirikiriroa system being in the north of the city and the southern Mystery creek-Kaipaki gully complex being the largest. Others are Mangakotukutuku, Mangaonua and Waitawhiriwhiri. In the 1930s, Garden Place Hill, one of the many small hills sometimes referred to as
7519-542: The most of any region of New Zealand. It is centred on the Waikato which consists of Waikato District , Matamata-Piako District , Waipa District , South Waikato District and Hamilton City . In descending order of land area the eleven territorial authorities are Taupō District (part), Waikato District, Waitomo District (part), Thames-Coromandel District , Ōtorohanga District , South Waikato District, Matamata-Piako District, Waipa District, Hauraki District , Rotorua Lakes District (part), and Hamilton City. The name for
7622-419: The mouth of the Waikato River. The coast is punctured by three large natural harbours: Raglan Harbour , Aotea Harbour , and Kawhia Harbour . The area around Raglan is noted for its volcanic black sand beaches and for its fine surfing conditions at Manu Bay and Ruapuke beach. To the east of the coastal hills lies the broad alluvial plain of the Waikato River. This region has a wet temperate climate, and
7725-517: The need for a replacement was considered in 1933. Hauraki Catchment Board was set up in 1946. Major floods also occurred in 1953 and 1956. Waikato Valley Authority was established by the Waikato Valley Authority Act on 26 October 1956. The Water and Soil Conservation Act 1967 extended it to become a Catchment/Regional Water Board. The Ministry of Works and Development Abolition Act 1988, left WVA with that work and it became
7828-439: The north the lake is 8 m deep and in the southern (hospital) end 6 m deep. The old dividing peninsula, the start of which is still visible above water on the eastern side, is only 2 m below the surface. Lake Rotoroa offers a diverse range of recreational activities, including walking trails , picnic areas, and water sports , making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The well-maintained paths around
7931-485: The north-eastern part of Waikato region) and Taupō, on the Volcanic or Central Plateau (for the south-eastern part of the region). Waikato Region covers 23,900.95 km (9,228.21 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 536,200 as of June 2024, with a population density of 22 people per km . Waikato Region had a population of 498,771 in the 2023 New Zealand census , an increase of 40,569 people (8.9%) since
8034-417: The passengers, Teresa Vowless, passed her baby to another passenger and leapt overboard in order to be the first settler ashore. Many of the soldier/settlers who intended to farm after the 1863 war, walked off their land in 1868 due to its poor quality. Much of the land was swampy or under water. In 1868 Hamilton's population, which was about 1,000 in 1864, dropped to 300 as farmers left. On 22 December 1875
8137-554: The population was estimated by the government at about 3,500 Māori. During the late 1850s Maniapoto in particular become disgruntled in their dealings with Pakeha. They complained about the way they were treated in Auckland by traders but their chief complaint was that the government was underpaying them for land they were selling. The average price paid by government was 6d per acre but it was sold to settlers for 10/- per acre. The government argued that it had to pay for surveying and administration costs but to Māori it seemed unfair. Before
8240-413: The region is taken from the Waikato River ; waikato is a Māori word traditionally translated as "flowing water" (specifically, wai = "water" and kato = "the pull of the river current in the sea"). When Waikato is used in spoken language some people use it in the definite article , "the Waikato", whereas some people do not use "the". It is unknown why a difference is made. "The" usually refers to
8343-532: The removal of statues of figures associated with colonialism and racism in New Zealand and the world, which were precipitated by the protests related to the murder of George Floyd . A local Māori elder Taitimu Maipi, who had vandalised the statue in 2018, has also called for the city to be renamed Kirikiriroa, its original Māori name. The area now covered by the city was originally the site of several Māori villages (kāinga), including Te Parapara, Pukete, Miropiko and Kirikiriroa ("long stretch of gravel'), from which
8446-406: The sea at Thames at about that time, possibly just because sediment built up. The peat lakes and bogs also formed about that time; carbon dating gives maximum ages of 22.5 to 17 kya. Due to an ice age , vegetation was slow to restabilise the ash, so dunes formed up to 25 m (82 ft) above the local Hinuera surface. The current Waikato valley had cut into the debris by about 12 kya. and
8549-515: The sea route across the Manukau to Ihumatao (where Auckland International Airport is now). The main tribe to use this route and the main traders were the Maniapoto tribe. They occupied an area of fertile land south of Te Awamutu at Kihikihi and Rangiaowhia. Maniapoto sold wheat, peaches, potatoes and other food to Auckland and bought back shirts, sugar, tobacco and rum. The boom time ended in 1856–1857 with
8652-749: The sector employed 18,519 people, or 9.9% of the region's employed population. With a large dairy farming industry, the Waikato also has a large dairy processing industry. Fonterra operates dairy processing plants at Te Rapa , Te Awamutu, Hautapu , Waitoa , Tīrau and Lichfield . Other dairy processing plants include Tatua Dairy Company 's plant at Tatuanui , and Open Country Dairy's plant at Horotiu and Waharoa . The Waikato region has eight major freezing works : AFFCO at Horotiu, Greenlea at Hamilton and Morrinsville, Silver Fern Farms at Te Aroha and Waitoa, Te Kuiti Meat Processors and Universal Beef Packers at Te Kuiti, and Crusader Meats at Benneydale. The Kinleith Mill south of Tokoroa processes wood from
8755-585: The southern hemisphere's biggest agricultural trade exhibition. Mystery Creek is the country's largest event centre and hosts other events of national importance, such as Parachute Christian Music Festival , the National Car Show and the National Boat Show. Manufacturing and retail are also important to the local economy, as is the provision of health services through the Waikato Hospital. The city
8858-482: The southern parts of Franklin District. That seems to be the only legislation naming it 'Environment Waikato', which had been its operating name until 2011, shortly after the 'Rates Control Team' won about half the seats in the 2010 election. In the 2010 local government elections, the Waikato Region had the country's lowest rate of returned votes. Since then the percentage turnout has declined further. The people of
8961-614: The surrounding forests into pulp and paper. Before the arrival of Europeans, the Waikato contained the third most densely populated part of New Zealand, after Northland/Auckland and the Bay of Plenty. The Waikato rohe (area) was inhabited by iwi (tribes) such as those of the Tainui confederation, including Waikato and Ngāti Toa . Between about 1750 and 1842 the area was subject to a large number of invasions by other Māori iwi and hapu confederations and large scale population migrations took place by
9064-483: The urban and peri-urban areas). The region also includes the smaller towns of Huntly , Matamata , Morrinsville , Ngāruawāhia , Ōtorohanga , Paeroa , Putāruru , Raglan , Te Aroha , Te Kauwhata , Te Kūiti , Thames , Tīrau , Tuakau , Tūrangi , Whangamatā and Whitianga . The subnational gross domestic product (GDP) of the Waikato region was estimated at NZ$ 25.84 billion in the year to March 2019, 8.5% of New Zealand's national GDP. The subnational GDP per capita
9167-423: The west of the city, and an extensive network of gullies, the terrain of the city is relatively flat. In some areas such as Te Rapa, one old path of an ancient river can be traced. The relatively soft and unconsolidated soil material is still being actively eroded by rain and runoff. In its natural state, Hamilton and environs was very swampy in winter with 30 small lakes connected to surrounding peatlands. Hamilton
9270-434: The world, and providing ample local employment. The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of " kauri tree lake" for Rotokauri . Prior to the 1863 invasion of the Waikato the area was occupied by Ngāti Koura , Ngāti Ruru and Ngāti Ngamurikaitaua, all being Tainui hapū . Rotokauri covers 22.74 km (8.78 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 2,440 as of June 2024, with
9373-561: Was 18.2, compared with 27.1% nationally. Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 48.9% had no religion, 38.6% were Christian , 0.4% had Māori religious beliefs , 1.0% were Hindu , 1.3% were Muslim , 1.0% were Buddhist and 2.3% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 300 (24.2%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 180 (14.5%) people had no formal qualifications. 345 people (27.8%) earned over $ 70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15
9476-532: Was Kirikiriroa, where the missionaries, who arrived at that time, estimated 200 people lived permanently. A chapel and house were built at Kirikiriroa for visiting clergy, presumably after Benjamin Ashwell established his mission near Taupiri. Between 1845 and 1855, crops such as wheat, fruit and potatoes were exported to Auckland, with up to 50 canoes serving Kirikiriroa. Imports included blankets, clothing, axes, sugar, rum, and tobacco. Millstones were acquired and
9579-620: Was by dray to the Puniu stream, along the Waipā River to its junction with the Waikato. Near the Waikato Heads travellers entered the small Awaroa River . During summer it was necessary to push or pull the waka through to the Manukau Harbour at Waiuku. By the 1850s a small bullock track had been established to Auckland via the settlements of Mauku, Drury, Papakura and Otahuhu, or waka could take
9682-495: Was established by the Local Government (Waikato Region) Reorganisation Order 1989. from 40 former authorities: - 2 catchment boards (Hauraki and Waikato), 3 united councils (Waikato, Thames Valley and part of Tongariro ), 12 noxious plants authorities, 11 pest destruction boards and 12 drainage boards. The Land Transport Act 1998 added transport to WRC's responsibilities. From 1 November 2010 Environment Waikato took over
9785-459: Was estimated at $ 54,128 in the same period. In the year to March 2018, primary industries contributed $ 3.14 billion (13.0%) to the regional GDP, goods-producing industries contributed $ 5.70 billion (23.5%), service industries contributed $ 13.35 billion (55.0%), and taxes and duties contributed $ 2.08 billion (8.6%). Between 2000 and 2004, Waikato economic growth was lower than the national average. But from 2004 to 2007, real gross regional product for
9888-523: Was further modified by the 181 CE Hatepe eruption , when again Lake Taupō level fell 34 m (112 ft), generating a 20 km (4.8 cu mi) flood, equivalent to 5 years' normal flow in just a few weeks. About 800 years ago, aggradation began raising the river bed by about 8 m (26 ft). With the exceptions of the many low hills such as those around the University of Waikato , Hamilton Lake, Beerescourt, Sylvester Road, Pukete, and to
9991-408: Was light snowflakes in mid-August 2011 during a prolonged cold period that saw snowfall as far north as Dargaville . Hamilton receives considerable precipitation amounting to around 1,100 mm over 125 days per year. This coupled with annual sunshine hours of around 2,000 makes Hamilton and the surrounding Waikato an extremely fertile region. Typically summers are dry and winters are wet. Fog
10094-409: Was moved to provide trips on Waitematā Harbour in Auckland, but replaced by a smaller boat. That too ceased operation and the pontoon at Parana Park was removed in 2013. The Delta moved to Taupō in 2012. The former Golden Bay vessel, Cynthia Dew, ran 4 days a week on the river from 2012, but was in liquidation in December 2022. As of 2016, the city continues to grow rapidly. Development
10197-557: Was spoken by 94.0%, Māori language by 6.8%, Samoan by 0.9% and other languages by 20.6%. No language could be spoken by 2.6% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.6%. The percentage of people born overseas was 30.1, compared with 28.8% nationally. Religious affiliations were 32.4% Christian , 4.4% Hindu , 2.7% Islam , 1.5% Māori religious beliefs , 1.3% Buddhist , 0.4% New Age , 0.1% Jewish , and 3.2% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 47.8%, and 6.3% of people did not answer
10300-556: Was spoken by 95.9%, Māori language by 6.3%, Samoan by 0.6% and other languages by 12.4%. No language could be spoken by 2.2% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.5%. The percentage of people born overseas was 21.7, compared with 28.8% nationally. Religious affiliations were 30.6% Christian , 2.2% Hindu , 1.2% Islam , 1.8% Māori religious beliefs , 0.9% Buddhist , 0.5% New Age , 0.1% Jewish , and 2.2% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 53.5%, and 7.4% of people did not answer
10403-504: Was surrounded by 7 large peat bogs such as Komakorau to the North and Rukuhia and Moanatuatua to the South, as well as many smaller ones all of which have now been drained with only small remnants remaining. The total area of peat bog was about 655 km . Early photos of Hamilton East show carts buried up to their axles in thick mud. Up until the 1880s it was possible to row and drag a dinghy from
10506-507: Was that 200,928 (50.5%) people were employed full-time, 53,667 (13.5%) were part-time, and 12,165 (3.1%) were unemployed. The largest city in the Waikato Region is Hamilton , with an urban population of 192,000 (June 2024). It is home to the University of Waikato and the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec). Other major towns in the region are Tokoroa , Te Awamutu , Cambridge and Taupō with respective populations of 14,650, 14,150, 22,500 and 27,000. (These populations include
10609-399: Was that 717 (57.7%) people were employed full-time, 189 (15.2%) were part-time, and 24 (1.9%) were unemployed. Rotokauri School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students with a roll of 215 as of August 2024. The school opened in 1911. Waiwhakareke, or Horseshoe Lake (neither name is official ) is the second largest lake in Hamilton, covering 3 ha (7.4 acres). It
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