Palmerston North

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Template:Short description Template:For Template:Use dmy dates Template:Use New Zealand English Template:Infobox settlement

Palmerston North (Template:IPAc-en; Template:Langx, colloquially known as Palmerston or Palmy)<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> is a city in the North Island of New Zealand and the seat of the Manawatū-Whanganui region. Located in the eastern Manawatū Plains, the city is near the north bank of the Manawatū River, Template:Convert from the river's mouth, and Template:Convert from the end of the Manawatū Gorge, about Template:Convert north of the capital, Wellington. Palmerston North is the country's eighth-largest urban area, with an urban population of Template:NZ population data 2018 The estimated population of Palmerston North city is Template:NZ population data 2018

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 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 Template:Convert.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref>

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,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> believed to mean "How beautiful it is".<ref name="autogenerated1">Template:Cite web</ref> In 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".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Early Palmerston North relied on public works and sawmilling. The west coast railway 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 the New Zealand Rugby Museum),<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and several performing arts venues.

History

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Early settlement

Ngāti Rangitāne were the local Māori iwi (tangata whenua) living in the area known as Te Ahu-ā-Tūranga,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> when a trader, Jack Duff, became the earliest known European to explore the area Template:Circa. 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 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.<ref name="McKinnon">Template:Cite encyclopedia</ref><ref name="autogenerated1" />

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 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,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> was shown the Papaioea clearing by the Rangitāne chief, Te Hirawanu, and noted its suitability for a "good site for a township".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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 the Wellington Provincial Council (under whose jurisdiction the new purchase fell) and made the original survey and subdivision in the Papaioea forest clearing.<ref name="McKinnon"/> 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 was an open space of Template:Convert 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. Template:Citation needed

Among the first settlers included Scandinavians, who arrived in 1871. They established settlements at Awapuni and Whakarongo/Stoney Creek.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Later 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.Template:Citation needed

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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> By 1875 there were newspapers, a doctor and a post office.<ref name="McKinnon"/>

Palmerston North Square 1878

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.

Growing population

View of the (Chief) Post Office in Palmerston North, (opened in 1906) with the business premises of G H Bennett (booksellers, stationers & newsagents) behind a hedge centre left. There are a number of people, and horses & carriages outside the post office. Photograph taken by William A Price.

By 1877, when 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<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and sawmilling was the main industry of the district. Template:Citation needed

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. Template:Citation needed The opening of the nearby Longburn Freezing Works provided employment, while the Borough Council instigated more infrastructural schemes such as the sewerage system. The Railway through the Manawatū Gorge to Napier was completed in 1891. Template:Citation needed

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 the end of the decade, the Boer War broke out in South Africa and men from Palmerston North were among the volunteers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

By 1900 the population had reached 6,000.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the 1910s, Palmerston North's growth was steady. The population in 1911 about 10,991 (excluding Māori).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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, 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.

City status

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 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.

Hoffman Continuous Kiln on Featherston Street

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 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.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> In 1953, the boundaries would further extend to include Awapuni,<ref name=":0"/> 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 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.<ref name=":0"/> In 1963, Massey University College of Manawatu was formed by 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.<ref name=":0"/>

In 1969, volunteers established 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

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 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 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 the Manawatū District to Palmerston North City.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Geography

Looking southeast towards Palmerston North city centre from Palmerston North Hospital. In the distance is Tararua Range.

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 is Template:Convert above sea level. This is in the Tararua ranges, south-east of Scotts Road.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The lowest point is Template:Convert 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 Template:Convert dedicated to public reserves.

The length of the Manawatū river within the city boundary is Template:Convert and its tributary at Ashhurst, the Pohangina, is Template:Convert.

Climate

Palmerston North's climate is temperate (Köppen Cfb), with warm summer afternoon temperatures of 20 – Template:Convert in summer and Template:Convert in winter. On average temperatures rise above Template:Convert on 20 days of the year. Annual rainfall is approximately Template:Convert with rain occurring approximately 5% of the time. There are on average 200 rain-free days each year.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

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.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Close to the city is the largest electricity-generating series of wind farms in the southern hemisphere, with 286 turbines in the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges providing power for approximately 50,000 homes.

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Demographics

Palmerston North territorial authority

Palmerston North City covers Template:Convert<ref name="Area"/> and had an estimated population of Template:NZ population data 2018 as of Template:NZ population data 2018 with a population density of Template:Decimals people per km2. This comprises Template:NZ population data 2018 people in the Palmerston North urban area, Template:NZ population data 2018 people in the Ashhurst urban area, and Template:Decimals people in the surrounding settlements and rural area. Template:Historical populations

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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 4.1% of people identified as LGBTIQ+. The median age 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.<ref name="Census 2023"/>

Largest groups of overseas-born residents<ref name="NZdotstat">Template:Cite web</ref>
Nationality Population (2018)
England 2,748
India 1,539
China 1,440
Australia 1,155
South Africa 903
Philippines 693
Fiji 528
United States 468
Samoa 441
Malaysia 390

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 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 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 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.<ref name="Census 2023">Template:Cite web</ref>

Population density in the 2023 census

Palmerston North urban area

Palmerston North's urban area covers Template:Convert<ref name="Area">Template:Cite web</ref> and had an estimated population of Template:NZ population data 2018 as of Template:NZ population data 2018 with a population density of Template:Decimals people per km2. Template:Historical populations The urban area had a population of 78,021 in the 2023 New Zealand census, an increase of 1,740 people (2.3%) since 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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name="Census 2023 UA"/>

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 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 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 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.<ref name="Census 2023 UA">Template:Cite web</ref>

Governance

Palmerston North City Council

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Palmerston North Civic Administration Building

Palmerston North is governed by a city council consisting of the Mayor and 15 councillors, elected on a citywide basis.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 2017 the Council voted to create a Māori ward, but the decision was overturned by a city-wide referendum in May 2018.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 2021, Palmerston North City Council decided to establish Māori and general wards under the Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Act 2021.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref> 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.<ref name=":1" />

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 the single transferable vote (STV) system introduced, replacing first past the post (FPP).

Name Affiliation (if any) Notes
Grant Smith Independent Mayor of Palmerston North
Debi Marshall-Lobb Independent Deputy Mayor
Brent Barrett Green Party Councillor
Roly Fitzgerald Independent Councillor
Rachel Bowen Independent Councillor
Mark Arnott Independent Councillor
Vaughan Dennison Independent Councillor
Kaydee Zabelin Green Party Councillor
Lew Findlay Independent Councillor
Pat Handcock Independent Councillor
Leonie Hapeta Independent Councillor
Lorna Johnson Labour Party Councillor
Billy Meehan Independent Councillor
Orphée Mickalad Independent Councillor
Karen Naylor Independent Councillor
William Wood Independent Councillor<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The council's functions are broken down into six units: Planning, Customer, Finance, People & Performance, Infrastructure, and Chief Executive.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The Chief Executive is Waid Crockett, who replaced Heather Shotter in 2022.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Horizons (Manawatū-Whanganui) Regional Council

Template:Main Palmerston North is the seat of the council.

For electoral and regional representation purposes, Palmerston North City constitutes the Palmerston North constituency and is represented by 4 councillors.

Central governance

Palmerston North is covered by two general electorates and one Māori electorate.

The Palmerston North electorate covers the Palmerston North urban area north of the Manawatū River. The Rangitīkei electorate covers the remainder of the territorial authority, including the Palmerston North urban area south of the Manawatū River.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Since the 2023 general election, the electorates have been held by Tangi Utikere of the Labour Party and Suze Redmayne of the National Party respectively.<ref name="2023 results">Template:Cite web</ref> The Te Tai Hauaūru Māori electorate, held by Debbie Ngarewa-Packer of the Te Pāti Māori Party, covers Palmerston North.<ref name="2023 results" />

Justice

The Palmerston North Courthouse in Main Street (east) is a combined District and High Court and serves the city and surrounding area.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Economy

Although Palmerston North has 1.9% of the population of New Zealand, 2.5% of the nation's employees work in the city. The important sectors are tertiary education, research and central government (Defence force).<ref name="autogenerated2">Template:Cite web</ref>

According to the 2023 census, around 51,800 people worked in Palmerston North. The largest industries were health care and social assistance (6,654 people, 12.8%), public administration and safety (5,961 people, 10.1%), education and training (5,520 people, 10.7%), retail trade (4,743 people, 9.2%), and manufacturing (4.572 people, 8.8%).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The tertiary education sector provides NZ$500 million a year to the local economy<ref name="autogenerated2" /> and the education sector accounted for 11.3%<ref name="stats">Template:Cite web</ref> of the Palmerston North workforce in February 2006.

Palmerston North has economic strengths in research, especially in the bio-industry, defence, distribution and smart business sectors. The city is home to more than 70 major educational and research institutions, including New Zealand's fastest expanding university, Massey University; the Massey University Sport and Recreation Institute at the Massey University campus, Turitea; Universal College of Learning (UCOL) and Linton Army Camp.

Business innovation

Palmerston North has a long history of innovation in the business sector. A number of firms founded in or near the city have become nationally or internationally renowned.

Companies with national head offices currently or previously based in Palmerston North include:

In July 2025 it was reported there are over 120 technology companies in the region.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Ezibuy

The well-known retailer EziBuy was established in Palmerston North in 1978 by brothers Peter and Gerard Gillespie and operated successfully for many years. The Gillespies sold the business to Woolworths Limited in 2013 when it was the largest fashion and homeware multi-channel retailer in Australasia, mailing over 23 million catalogues and processing more than 1.75 million orders annually.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After a number of subsequent changes of ownership the business was put into liquidation in July 2023 with creditors owed more than $100 million.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Glaxo

One of the largest and well known businesses to have started in the region is GSK (GlaxoSmithKline).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Glaxo had its beginnings in Bunnythorpe, now a part of Palmerston North.

Amenities and attractions

Template:More citations needed section Palmerston North has a number of facilities and attractions. It is also the gateway to attractions in other parts of the region, such as Tongariro National Park, Ruahine and Tararua Ranges. When Palmerston North Airport serviced international flights, the city was also an international gateway to Hawke's Bay, Whanganui and Taranaki.

Retail

The Plaza Shopping Centre is the largest shopping mall in the Manawatū-Whanganui region and a key shopping centre in the lower North Island, boasting over 100 stores. The mall was originally developed by the Premier Drapery Company (PDC) department store and opened in 1986 as the PDC Plaza. After PDC went into receivership in 1988, the mall was sold and assumed its current name in 1990.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The shopping centre underwent refurbishment and expansion between 2008 and 2010.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Downtown on Broadway combines retail and boutique shopping and Event Cinemas.

The Square

The Square in 1908 with the railway line running through the middle
Palmerston North, Square Edge

Originally part of the Papaioea clearing, The Square is a seven-hectare park of lawn, trees, lakes, fountains, and gardens in the centre of the city. It is the city's original park and also the centrepoint from whence the city's main streets are arranged.

The Square contains the city's war memorial and a memorial dedicated to Te Peeti Te Aweawe, the Rangitāne chief instrumental in the sale of Palmerston North district to the government in 1865.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Near the centre of the park is the Hopwood Clock Tower with its illuminated cross and coloured lights. Also here is the city's iSite, the Civic Building (seat of the City Council), the City Library, Square Edge and the commercial heart of Palmerston North's CBD. Retail stores (including the Plaza) and eateries line the road surrounding the park.

In around 1878, a Māori contingent, including Te Aweawe, gathered together to choose a Māori name for The Square. They chose Te Marae o Hine, meaning "The Courtyard of the Daughter of Peace". This name reflected their hope that all people of all races would live together in enduring peace.

Palmerston North flag in front of the Clock Tower, The Square

Parks and recreational facilities

Palmerston North and its surroundings feature roughly 100 parks and reserves.

Dugald McKenzie Rose Garden, Victoria Esplanade.

Most notable is Victoria Esplanade, a Template:Convert park located along the northern bank of the Manawatū River west of Fitzherbert Avenue. It was opened in 1897 to commemorate the 60th Jubilee of Queen Victoria's reign, and includes a native bush reserve along the river bank, formal botanical gardens, playgrounds and the Café Esplanade, all connected with walking and bicycle tracks.<ref name="pncc-esplanade">Template:Cite web</ref> Located within the Esplanade are several attractions. The Peter Black Conservatory is a large tropical greenhouse built in 1941 and refurbished in 2014. The Wildbase Recovery visitor centre and aviary for recovering wildlife opened in 2019 and is run in partnership with Massey University's Veterinary Hospital.<ref name="ms-wildbase">Template:Cite news</ref> The volunteer-operated Esplanade Scenic Railway features a Template:Convert miniature railway track offering 20-minute rides through native bush. New Zealand's largest rose garden, the Template:Convert Dugald McKenzie Rose Garden, is the site of the New Zealand international rose trials and contributed to the city's one-time nickname, "Rose City". It was recognised in 2003 by the World Federation of Rose Societies as one of the finest rose gardens in the world.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Adjacent to the Esplanade are the multi-sport playing fields of Ongley and Manawaroa Parks, the twin turf hockey fields and Fitzherbert Park, the premier cricket ground.

Elsewhere in the city are parks for sports like rugby, such as Coronation Park, Bill Brown Park and Colquhoun Park (also used for softball/baseball); and football: Skoglund Park (home of the Central Football Federation) and Celaeno Park. The Hokowhitu Lagoon is also located nearby the Esplanade and is a popular site for recreational kayaking and canoeing.

The Lido Aquatic Centre is Palmerston North's largest aquatic centre. Freyberg Community Pool is an all-year indoor swimming pool complex located next to Freyberg High School in Roslyn.

Memorial Park has a splash pad, pool, playground, football pitch and a duck pond, within easy reach of the city centre.

Riverbank development

He Ara Kotahi Bridge.

The city council since 2012 has been beautifying the banks of the Manawatū River, opening up previously neglected areas into more accessible recreational parks and reserves. Part of this development is He Ara Kotahi, a Template:Convert pedestrian and cycle track that connects the city to Massey University, adjacent research institutes and Linton Military Camp, all located on the south side of the Manawatū River.<ref name="pncc_HeAr">Template:Cite web</ref> The opening in 2019 included the opening of Palmerston North's second bridge, a Template:Convert pedestrian bridge connecting the Holiday Park on Dittmer Drive to the track across the river. As well as a recreational asset, He Ara Kotahi was designed to be a pedestrian and cycle commuter route between the city bridge and Massey University, to improve safety and relieve vehicle traffic volumes on the Fitzherbert Bridge. The remainder of the track to Linton crosses tributary streams with boardwalks and four smaller bridges.<ref name="ms-hearakotahi">Template:Cite news</ref>

Libraries

Palmerston North has a main public library with five branches and one mobile library. The central Palmerston North Library is located in the Square and houses the main collections. The other four are located in Ashhurst, Awapuni, Linton, Roslyn and Te Pātikitiki (Highbury).

Youth Space

Near the Square is the Youth Space, which opened in September 2011 as a dedicated place for Palmerston North's many young people to congregate in a safe environment.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Youth space is free to all, and provides table-tennis, gaming consoles, musical instruments, library books, iPads, a kitchen, and other services.

Culture

Arts

Te Manawa is the cultural museum of art, science and history. Attached to Te Manawa is the New Zealand Rugby Museum. There are many small independent galleries. Many of New Zealand's best-known artists came from or live in Palmerston North. The list includes Rita Angus, John Bevan Ford, Shane Cotton, Paul Dibble, Pat Hanly, Brent Harris, Bob Jahnke, John Panting, Carl Sydow and Tim Wilson.<ref name="creativegiants.co.nz">Template:Cite web</ref> Palmerston North's first artist in residence was Hinerangitoariari in 1992.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Performing arts

Poster from Centrepoint Theatre (1983)

Palmerston North houses multiple theatres which regularly host musical performances, theatrical plays and formal events. These theatres include

  • Regent on Broadway Theatre is a 1393-seat multipurpose performing arts facility.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Centrepoint Theatre is a prominent professional theatre and the only one outside the main centres of New Zealand.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
  • Globe Theatre is a small community theatre of around 200 seats, opened in November 1982 as a partnership between the City Council and the Manawatu Theatre Society: both parties contributed capital funds to enable the building to be constructed. The building was designed by local architect, Brian Elliot, who returned to design the Theatre's major redevelopments in 2014, with the addition of a second auditorium and an extension to the foyer and café/bar area. The redevelopment won a New Zealand Architecture Award for Elliot's work.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Top comics including John Clarke, Jeremy Corbett, Tom Scott all come from Palmerston North as do stage, television and film performers Shane Cortese and Alison Quigan<ref name="creativegiants.co.nz" /> and drag performer Spankie Jackzon.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Music

Palmerston North has a thriving musical scene, with many national and international acts touring through the town, and many local acts performing regularly.

Local groups include the Manawatu Sinfonia and Manawatu Youth Orchestra (MYO) who perform throughout the year. The Manawatu Youth Orchestra celebrated its 50th year in September 2011.

Palmerston North is also home to the Palmerston North Brass Band. Founded in 1868 by army troops stationed in the region, the Palmerston North Brass Band technically pre-dates the city of Palmerston North. In 2018, the band celebrated its 150th anniversary.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Religion

Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Palmerston North

Palmerston North is a cathedral city, and the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North. The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, Palmerston North is its cathedral. The Diocese of Palmerston North is led by Bishop John Adams, who was consecrated in September 2023.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

All Saints Anglican Church, Palmerston North (c.1914)

In the Anglican Communion, Palmerston North is under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Wellington, under Bishop Justin Duckworth. Palmerston North is also in the Anglican Hui Amorangi of Te Pīhopatanga o Te Upoko o Te Ika, under current Pīhopa Rev. Muru Walters.

There are also many other churches with denominations such as Adventist (Mosaic Community Church and Palmerston North Seventh Day Adventist Church), Apostolic, Assembly of God (AOG), Baptist, Brethren, Christian Scientist, Church of Christ, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Jehovah's Witnesses, Lutheran, Methodist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian and Religious Society of Friends.

There are Sikh gurdwara near the CBD and in Awapuni. There are Islamic centres in Milson and West End, and an Islamic prayer centre at Massey University.

Sport

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Arena Manawatu

Participation in sport is an important and popular pastime in Palmerston North. Representation at a national level is predominantly provincial-based, meaning most sports teams representing Palmerston North also draw their players from other towns from around Manawatu.

The premier multi-sports venue in Palmerston North is Arena Manawatu, which is known as the Central Energy Trust Arena after its headline sponsors. The main stadium (Arena One) is the home of the Manawatu Turbos rugby union team and the Robertson Holden International Speedway. There are indoor venues at Arena Manawatu were netball, basketball, volleyball and Badminton are played.

Other important venues include Memorial Park, Fitzherbert Park, Celaeno Park, Manawaroa/Ongley Park, Skoglund Park, Vautier Park and Massey University sports fields.

Club Sport League Venue
Manawatu Turbos Rugby union Bunnings NPC CET Arena
Manawatu Cyclones Rugby union Farah Palmer Cup CET Arena
Hurricanes Rugby union Super Rugby CET Arena #
Central Pulse Netball ANZ Championship Fly Palmy Arena
Central Districts Cricket Plunket Shield, Ford Trophy, T20 Fitzherbert Park#
Manawatu Jets Basketball NBL Fly Palmy Arena
  • # : not based in Manawatu, however, home ground when playing in Manawatu.

Infrastructure and services

Health

Palmerston North Hospital is the city's main public hospital, and is the seat of the MidCentral District Health Board. The hospital is the major trauma centre for Palmerston North, Otaki, and the Manawatu, Horowhenua and Tararua districts.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

There were two private hospitals, Aorangi and Southern Cross. In 2012, these two private surgical hospitals merged and are now known as Crest Hospital.

Electricity

The Palmerston North Municipal Electricity Department (MED) was formed in 1924 to supply the city with electricity. The Manawatu-Oroua Electric Power Board (EPB) supplied the surrounding rural areas. Electricity was initially generated at the Keith Street power station until the transmission lines from Mangahao Power Station to Bunnythorpe substation were completed in March 1925.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Keith Street power station continued to regularly generate electricity until the Inter-Island HVDC link was commissioned in 1965, when it was relegated to standby duty before finally being decommissioned in 1992.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The Palmerston North MED and Mawawatu Oroua EPB were dissolved in the late 1990s with the government electricity sector reforms. The retail business was sold to Genesis Energy while the lines business became part of Powerco. Today, Powerco continues to operate the local distribution network,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> with electricity fed from two Transpower substations, at Bunnythorpe and at Linton. There is now a competitive electricity retail market, although Genesis continues to be the dominant retailer in the city.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Four wind farms are located on the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges bordering Palmerston North: Te Āpiti Wind Farm, Tararua Wind Farm, Te Rere Hau Wind Farm, and Turitea Wind Farm. The four farms together have a maximum output of 520 MW.

Natural gas

Palmerston North was one of the original nine towns and cities in New Zealand to be supplied with natural gas when the Kapuni gas field entered production in 1970 and a 260 km high-pressure pipeline from Kapuni south to Wellington (including a 27 km lateral pipeline from Himatangi to supply Palmerston North) was completed. The high-pressure transmission pipelines supplying the city are now owned and operated by First Gas, with Powerco owning and operating the medium and low-pressure distribution pipelines within the city.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In the 2023 census, 24.4% of Palmerston North homes used fixed gas heaters as a main source of heating, the highest in New Zealand.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Internet and telephone

Fibre to the premises is being deployed in Palmerston North as part of the Government's Ultra-Fast Broadband programme. Template:As of, the fibre roll-out in the city is 94 percent complete, with a 42.2 percent uptake rate.<ref name="mbie.govt.nz">Template:Cite web</ref>

Water and sewage

The majority of Palmerston North's water supply is drawn from the Turitea Stream, in the Tararua Range south of the city. The supply is supplemented by four artesian wells, at Papaioea Park, Takaro Park, Keith Street and Roberts Line.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The waterworks first opened in 1889<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and was extended in 1906,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> but the first sewers, septic tanks and filter beds not until 1907. The first sewage works was at Maxwells Line.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Sewage is now treated at the nearby Tōtara Road, before discharging to the river.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> An upgrade is being planned to reduce pollution.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Transport

Palmerston North is a significant road and rail junction. As such, it is an important distribution hub for the Central and lower North Island, with many freight distribution centres based here.

Road

Palmerston North's arterial roads are arranged in a grid pattern. There are four main dual-carriageway roads radiating from The Square, splitting the city into four quadrants: Rangitikei Street to the north, Fitzherbert Avenue to the south, and Main Street to the east and west.

State highways

Palmerston North is served by four state highways:

  • State Highway 3 runs northwest–southeast from SH 1 at Sanson through central Palmerston North (via Rangitikei Street, Grey Street, Princess Street and Main Street East), to SH 2 at Woodville. The section from Sanson forms the main route from the upper North Island, Taranaki and Whanganui into Palmerston North, while the section from Woodville forms the main route from the Hawke's Bay into Palmerston North.
  • State Highway 57 runs southwest–northeast from SH 1 at Ohau, south of Levin, through the southern outskirts of Palmerston North to SH 3 east of Ashhurst. It forms the main route from Wellington to southern and eastern Palmerston North.
  • State Highway 56 runs southwest–northeast from SH 57 at Makeura, northeast of Shannon, New Zealand, to the intersection of Pioneer Highway and Maxwells Line in the suburb of Awapuni. It forms the main route from Wellington to northern and western Palmerston North.
  • State Highway 54 runs north–south from SH 1 at Vinegar Hill, north of Hunterville, through Feilding to SH 3 at Newbury, on the northern Palmerston North border. It provides an alternative route from the Upper North island into Palmerston North

Cycling

Palmerston North is perceived as being better for cycling than most New Zealand cities, with 2001 figures putting it a close second only to Blenheim in terms of bicycle modal share.<ref>Hamilton Alternatives to Roading Study (HARTS). "Assessment of Walking and Cycling"Template:Dead link. October 2005. Retrieved 1 September 2011.</ref> However, by 2006, cycling to work had almost halved in a decade to 5.4%<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and the 2013 census found that, in the central city, only 6 cycled, but 690 travelled by motor vehicle.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The Manawatu River Pathway is great for family or beginners riders, as it is all flat to mildly contoured, with some limestone sections, as well as wide cement paths. The track has many access points to this trail, which runs for over 9 km between Maxwells Line in the West to Riverside Drive in the East. A new 3 km section has been added between Ashhurst and Raukawa Road, with plans to link this to the existing path over the next two years, making over 22 km of scenic tracks to explore alongside the river.

Palmerston North has a fairly comprehensive 65 km<ref name="Horizons">Horizons Regional Council. "Annual Report on the Implementation of the Regional Land Transport Strategy", 2009–10. September 2010. Retrieved 1 September 2011.</ref> on-road bicycle lane network, particularly in high traffic areas, to make it safer for people to get around the city by bike.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> All local buses have racks for two cycles.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The cycle lane network has been criticised for a number of reasons. Motor traffic is often too fast, and there is no physical barrier between bicyclists and motorists. Most bicycle lanes in the city are marked out with parking spaces for motorist parking, making those lanes 'pointless' and raising the risk of motorists opening car doors into the path of passing bicyclists.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Rebecca Oaten, the so-called 'Helmet Lady' who campaigned nationwide in the late 1980s for a New Zealand bicycle helmet law, is from Palmerston North.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Bus

Template:See also After much discussion about introducing a tramway system to Palmerston North, including an ambitious tram subway under the central railway station, a £60,000 loan was taken out in 1912 for a tramway scheme. Support, however, was wavering and there were disagreements within the council over the mode of the trams, one of the proposals was from battery trams similar to the ones that ran in Gisborne. Eventually, the decision to install tramways in Palmerston North was rescinded by a referendum and in 1920 the die was cast for a motorbus system to begin in Palmerston North. The first buses arrived in Palmerston North by late 1921.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Urban services are coordinated by Horizons Regional Council, through Masterton-based bus company, Tranzit. Go cards were replaced by Bee Cards on 20 July 2020.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The city's urban bus services are unique in New Zealand in that rides are offered free to tertiary students. Palmerston North is the first city to operate all electric bus fleet in the country since February 2024.<ref name="Electric Bus">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Palmerston North has eight cross-city bus routes (101–108) that connect the city's suburbs, passing through the Main Street Bus Hub (MSBH) adjacent to The Square. Routes 101–107 run every 15 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes off-peak; route 108 operates as a weekday-only shopper service. An additional outer service, Route 114, connects Ashhurst with the city centre several times daily. Routes 121, 122, and 123 provide direct weekday-only services between suburban areas and Massey University, running towards Massey in the morning and returning in the afternoon.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Tertiary students are eligible for free bus travel, funded through university parking fees.

Daily services run to the nearby towns of Linton, Feilding (311 bus via Palmerston North Airport), Foxton, Levin and Marton.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Inter-regional routes are operated by Intercity and Tranzit. Intercity's routes run south (to Wellington), north (towards Auckland, via Whanganui, Rotorua and Taupō, or Napier) and east (to Masterton) from the bus terminal in The Square, Palmerston North.

Air

Palmerston North Airport Terminal Building

Palmerston North Airport is located in the suburb of Milson, approximately Template:Convert north of the central business district. It is a regional gateway to the central North Island region.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The airport has regular services to domestic destinations including Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton and Nelson operated by Air New Zealand and Originair.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> International services operated out of Palmerston North between 1996 and 2008, with Freedom Air connecting Palmerston North with Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast and Nadi.

The airport can be accessed by bus. 2 bus routes: 101 (Airport-Massey University) and 311 (Palmerston North-Feilding via Airport) connects the airport and city centre within 20 mins.

The airport is presently the operational base of the Massey University School of Aviation.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The airport is also a freight hub for Parcelair.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The runway at Palmerston North Airport, 07/25, is orientated true east–west, which requires aircraft on a long approach to runway 25 to cross the Tararua Range. On 9 June 1995, four people were killed when Ansett New Zealand Flight 703 crashed into the range while on approach to runway 25, after the Dash 8's right landing gear jammed and the pilots failed to monitor the flight path while carrying out the alternate gear extension procedure.<ref name="taic">Template:Cite web</ref>

Rail

Platform at Palmerston North Railway Station

Palmerston North is on the North Island Main Trunk Railway. There are two passenger trains run by KiwiRail: the weekday-only Capital Connection commuter train once a day to and from Wellington, and the Northern Explorer to and from Auckland and Wellington.

Until 1964, the railway ran through the city centre, with Palmerston North railway station in The Square. The station was moved, and the track diverted Template:Convert to the north by the Milson Deviation in 1959–1963; work on the deviation had started in 1926.

Near the current railway station, the North Island Main Trunk railway is joined by the Palmerston North - Gisborne Line, which runs through the Manawatū Gorge to Woodville and Hawke's Bay. A connection to the Wairarapa Line is at Woodville.

Education

Palmerston North is considered "the student city" of New Zealand's North Island. It is an important base for tertiary institutions. The home campuses of Massey University, Universal College of Learning (UCOL) and Institute of the Pacific United (IPU)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> are here. A large proportion of Palmerston North's population consists of students attending these institutions or the various Papaioea Campuses of Te Wananga o Aotearoa during the student year.

Tertiary Education Institutions
School name Location
Massey University Turitea
Universal College of Learning Palmerston North Central
Institute of the Pacific United Aokautere
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Various locations around Palmerston North
The Design School The Square Palmerston North
Primary and Secondary Schools

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Palmerston North has five state secondary schools: Palmerston North Boys' High School and Queen Elizabeth College in the north, Freyberg High School in the north-east, Palmerston North Girls High School in the south, and Awatapu College in the south-west. The city also has one state-integrated Catholic secondary school, St Peter's College.

Palmerston North also has one special character secondary school: Cornerstone Christian School, Palmerston North

Media

The major daily newspaper in Palmerston North is the Manawatu Standard,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> while the weekly community newspaper is the Guardian.

Palmerston North is part of the wider Manawatū radio market, the sixth-largest in New Zealand with 157,000 listeners aged 10 and over. The largest commercial stations by share as of May 2025 are Newstalk ZB (12.7%), Magic (9.8%), The Breeze (8.7%), The Sound (8.5%), and Mai FM (8.1%).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Local radio stations or national stations with local breakouts include More FM (formerly "2XS") featuring the popular "Mike West in the Morning" breakfast show from 6am-10am.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Sister station The Breeze also has a local breakfast show from 6am-10am hosted by Burnzee.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Radio Control is the local alternative student radio station, featuring local personality Abi Symes on "The Continental Breakfast" from 7 am to 9 am. Access Manawatu 999AM is a local community station and Kia Ora FM is the local Iwi station.

The city's main television and FM radio transmitter is located atop Wharite Peak, Template:Convert northeast of the city centre. The first transmitter at the site was commissioned in 1963 to relay Wellington's WNTV1 channel (now part of TVNZ 1). The current main transmitter was built in 1966.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Sister cities

Palmerston North has four sister cities:<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Notable people

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Planes named after the city

See also

References

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