Palmerston North (Maori name – Te Papaioea) is situated on the banks of the Manawatu River with a population of over 80,000.
Mother Nature has endowed Palmerston North and the Manawatu area with endless opportunities to experience the great outdoors, from short walks in splendid native bush, half day walks through the spectacular Manawatu Gorge, to tramping in the majestic Ruahine or Tararua Ranges. The magnificent Manawatu Riverside Walkway and Bridle Track, along the banks of the Manawatu River, make this a haven for both walkers & cyclists.
Shopping to rival that found anywhere in New Zealand awaits the serious 'retail therapist', whilst connoisseurs of fine food, a good espresso or a great cafe will find themselves spoilt for choice. All of this is surrounding the stunning seven-acres park called ‘The Square’ in the centre of the city, and the amazingly beautiful public sculptures.
The complete refurbishment of the city's beautiful theatre, 'Regent on Broadway', the Centrepoint Theatre, and a multiplex cinema make Palmerston North a popular destination for enthusiasts of the screen and stage.
As well as the Massey University Sport & Rugby Institute, Palmerston North houses the iconic New Zealand Rugby Museum, which is a must-see for all rugby enthusiasts.
Palmerston North is a vibrant youthful city with the active student population converging on Massey University, UCOL (Universal College of Learning) and IPC (International Pacific College). Nearby are Linton Military Camp, the New Zealand Dairy Research Institute and Crown Research Institutes, all adding to a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Palmerston North Airport is approximately 5.5 km from the CBD. Favourable weather conditions mean Palmerston North Airport is open 99.97% of the year. The airport is a busy freight hub at night. Palmerston North’s geographical position makes it an ideal central location to access other parts of New Zealand easily.
The Tararua and Ruahine ranges are noted for being windy, and an ideal location for harnessing the power of the wind. The Tararua windfarm consists of 134 windmills and the Te Apiti windfarm has 55 windmills.
Palmerston North's climate is temperate with maximum daytime temperatures averaging 22 °C (72 °F) in summer and 12 °C (54 °F) in winter.
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 based in Palmerston North:
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Toyota New Zealand
- Higgins Group
- FMG Insurance
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New Zealand Pharmaceuticals Ltd
- Steelfort Engineering Ltd
- Quest Industries Ltd
The city has been able to maintain a complementary relationship between the modern conveniences and technology of big city life, and the quality and ease of small town lifestyle, offering the business sector, visitors and residents alike "the best of both worlds”.