|
Here you will find information about the many services and activities of Tararua, including Council plans, meetings and decisions, community projects and regional strategies.
There are some great communities waiting to be discovered in Tararua. Each has a unique identity, story to tell and experience to share. From the hardship tales of the Scandinavian settlers who felled the Seventy Mile Bush, to the pioneers who established farming on the region's rugged east coast at Herbertville and Akitio. These communities are one of the features that make this region unique in New Zealand.
The Tararua District was formed in 1989 in the national rationalisation and amalgamation of local authorities. The district is geographically one of the larger administered by a local authority in New Zealand and includes one of the largest roading networks. The district population however is relatively small - there is a population of 17,634 as at the last census in 2006.
The Tararua District, (totalling 424,000 hectares) is of near-rectangular shape, its north-west corner near Norsewood, its north-east corner near Cape Turnagain, its south-west corner at Mt Bruce and its south-east corner at Mataikona on the coast. The Tararua District is affectionately known as New Zealand's River Region because of the hundreds of rivers and streams that traverse its borders. The largest being the Manawatu River and its tributaries (Mangahao, Mangatainoka, Makakahi, Makuri and Tiraumea rivers).
The Waewaepa and Puketoi Ranges, running parallel to the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges, are located in the middle of the district and separate the Manawatu river valley to the west from the coastal hill country to the east. Much of the district's native bush has been cleared and the land is now mostly used for pastoral sheep, cattle, dairy farming, although there are also large areas devoted to forestry.
The five commercial centres in the district include Pahiatua, Eketahuna, Norsewood, Woodville and Dannevirke, all with their own special characteristics. Dannevirke and Pahiatua provide services for large rural communities and are well equipped with retailing, banking, accounting, legal advisory and insurance services. Parking is not a problem. Woodville is at the junction of two State Highways and a twenty minute drive to Palmerston North. Eketahuna, Woodville and Norsewood have retailing services, manufacturing businesses and cater for an increasing tourist trade.
The primary industry in Tararua is agriculture with over a third of the district's workers employed in this sector. Tararua has a wealth of resources, the greatest being the farmland that grows top quality stock, producing wool, meat and dairy products of a particularly high standard. Tararua also has several manufacturing and processing industries that currently employ a significant number of staff.
Urban Tararua has matched farming development with services and industry to provide for the needs of the rural community. There is evidence of an increasing trend for people to live in Tararua, taking advantage of the lifestyle and low cost of living.
Domestic tourism is emerging as an area of growth with a significant number of new businesses developing in this sector. Tararua District is set to become a hotspot for tourists, with free wireless internet being installed.
Rich in pioneering heritage and history, Tararua offers a diverse range of activities, sports and entertainment. Our high-speed broadband connection in commercial areas means you will always be connected to your markets around the country and the rest of the world.
Tararua is a great place to raise a family. Safe caring communities, first class facilities and a feast of outdoor activities - no school zoning means you can choose the school best for your child whether small and rural or large and urban.
State Highway 2 is the main route through the region. Travel North from Wellington or South from Hawke's Bay to come to this region. It is quickly becoming known as the place to live with its natural beauty, friendly people and uncrowded lifestyle. Here we are, we are real New Zealand, but we deliver what we promise - a natural and genuine experience.
 |
