Palmerston North
Encyclopedia
Palmerston North is the main city of the Manawatu-Wanganui
region of the North Island
of New Zealand
. It is an inland city with a population of and is the country's seventh largest city and eighth largest urban area. Palmerston North is located in the eastern Manawatu Plains
near the north bank of the Manawatu River
. The city covers an area of 325.94 square kilometres (126 sq mi) and one million people live within a two-hour drive (200 km/120 mile radius). It is about 140 km (87 mi) north of the capital, Wellington
. The city is 35 km (22 mi) from the river's mouth and 12 km (7 mi) from the end of the Manawatu Gorge
.
The official limits of the city take in rural areas to the south and north-east of the main urban area, extending to the Tararua Range
s and including the town of Ashhurst
at the mouth of the Manawatu Gorge. This is a rich and fertile agricultural area.
Area In Public Reserves : 5.54 square kilometres (1,369 acre)
Highest Point (Elevation): 760 metres (2,493 ft) above sea level (in the ranges south-east of Scotts Road)
Lowest Point (Elevation) : 10 metres (33 ft) above sea level (river bank near Te Puna Road)
Typical Urban Area Elevation : 20–40 metres (65–130 ft)
Length Of River (Within City Boundary) : 29.9 km (18.6 mi) (Manawatu River) & 2.6 km (1.6 mi) (Pohangina River)
) living in the area known as Te Ahu-a-Turanga, when a trader, Jack Duff, became the earliest known European to explore the area in 1830. He came on a whaling ship, and explored 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 forest and he proceeded through the dense bush and forest and discovered it for Europeans.
The Government surveyed the area in 1866-67. The original subdivision of Palmerston North was made in 1866, in the natural clearing in the Papaioea Forest, as found by Hartley. A township was laid out by J.T. Stewart, an employee of the Wellington Provincial Government.
Stewart's plan consisted of a series of wide and straight streets, laid out in a rectangular pattern, with the focal point being an open space of 17 acres (7 ha) subsequently known as The Square. Landmarks named after Stewart included Stewart Crescent in Palmerston North and Mt Stewart, near Sanson.
The four original streets meeting at the Square are now called Fitzherbert Avenue (from the south), Main Street East, Main Street West and Rangitikei Street. As the settlement grew, the forest diminished to make way for farms, and today virtually no remnant of it survives.
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. The population was approximately 800 people and sawmilling was the main industry of the district. The arrival of the railway in 1886 saw an increase in the speed of growth, and by 1900 the population was 6,000. By this time the town was at the centre of a lucrative agricultural district.
In 1930, the population reached the 20,000 threshold and Palmerston North was officially proclaimed a city. 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 International Airport
. After the war, growth was rapid; the population rising to over 50,000 by the mid 1970s.
in the South Island
, though locals still widely refer to the city simply as Palmerston or "Palmy".
Locals are known as Palmerstonians.
In the ranges that flank the city there is often sustained wind, especially in spring. Much of this land is within the city boundaries and these ranges have the reputation of providing the most consistent wind in the country.
Close to the city is the largest electricity-generating wind farm
in the southern hemisphere, with 158 turbines in the Tararua
and Ruahine Range
s providing power for approximately 30,000 homes.
Of the population, 36,345 (48.1%) were male and 39,192 (51.9%) female. The city had a median age of 32.4 years, 2.5 years below the national median age of 35.9 years. People aged 65 years and over made up 11.6% of the population, compared to 12.3% nationally, and people under 15 years made up 20.3% of the population, compared to 21.5% nationally. Due to Palmerston North being a university city, approximately 36% of the population is aged between 15.0 and 24.9 years.
Palmerston North's ethnicity was made up of (national figure in brackets): 71.4% European (67.6%), 15.4% Maori (14.7%), 7.4% Asian (9.2%), 3.7% Pacific Islanders (6.9%), 1.1% Middle Eastern/Latin American/African (0.9%), 12.5% 'New Zealanders' (11.1%), and 0.05% Other (0.04%).
Palmerston North City had an unemployment rate of 5.3% of people 15 years and over, compared to 5.1% nationally. The average annual income of all people 15 years and over was $
23,100, compared with $24,400 nationally. Of those, 44.9% earned under $20,000, compared with 43.2% nationally, while 15.4% earned over $50,000, compared to 18.0% nationally.
A large proportion of its population consists of students attending Massey University
, Universal College of Learning
(UCOL) and International Pacific College
or the various Papaioea Campuses of Te Wananga o Aotearoa during the student year. Over half of the city's population is under the age of 33 and the city has been marketed as 'Student City'.
; the Massey University Sport and Recreation Institute at the Massey University campus, Turitea; Universal College of Learning
(UCOL) and Linton Army Camp
.
44,870 employees worked in Palmerston North in February 2006, 2.5% of employees in New Zealand. The largest industry in terms of employees was the health and community services industry, which employed 14.9% of employees in the city. The retail trade industry employed 13.3% of employees in the city.
The Māori name for the Square is Te Marae o Hine. Te Peeti Te Awe Awe was one member of a Māori contingent who gathered around 1878 to choose a Māori name for The Square. The meaning of the name is The Courtyard of the Daughter of Peace chosen in the hope that all people and all races would live together in enduring peace.
There are a number of parks in the city. The foremost is the Victoria Esplanade along the northern bank of the Manawatu River, to the west of Fitzherbert Avenue. The esplanade includes gardens, children's play areas, an aviary
, a miniature railway, walking tracks, and sports fields (Ongley-Manawaroa Park).
trial grounds) and "Knowledge City" or "Student City" (referring to the city's many academic institutions).
The current slogan, "Young Heart, Easy Living", indicates that Palmerston North is a city of young people and people with a youthful attitude.
's Central District.
Palmerston North is a positive 7th in a list of the best places for low crime figures (2008). Overall, crime dropped by 10% in the past year (2008). Violent crime has increased by 5% in the past year but this is compared with an 11% rise nationally. Satisfaction with safety in public places at night has remained at its 2007 level.
The premier multi-sports venue in Palmerston North is Arena Manawatu. The main stadium of Arena Manawatu is known as FMG Stadium. Other important venues include Memorial Park, Manawaroa-Ongley Park, Skoglund Park, Vautier Park and Massey University sports fields.
Like the rest of New Zealand, Rugby Union
is a popular sport in the winter. The city is the home of the Manawatu Turbos
. The Turbos play in the ITM Cup, the premiere competition in New Zealand provincial rugby. The home ground is at FMG Stadium
. The Manawatu Cyclones (Women's rugby team) also plays at FMG Stadium.
Palmerston North has been confirmed as a venue for two matches of the 2011 Rugby World Cup
from 28 September to 2 October at Arena Manawatu.
Robertson Holden International Speedway is a popular participant and spectator sport. The local team is known as the Palmerston North Panthers. The raceway is at FMG Stadium (the track encircles the sports field).
Basketball
is played at the premier level in Palmerston North. The Manawatu Jets, formerly the Palmerston North Jets, play in the NZBL. Their home is at the B & M Centre (indoor arena) of Arena Manawatu. Netball
is also played here at a local level and sometimes the Central Pulse (ANZ Championship team) and New Zealand Silver Ferns play here.
Hockey
is played at a premier level. The main venue is at the Twin Turfs, between Fitzherbert Park and Victoria Esplanade. Hockey in Manawatu is governed by Hockey Manawatu.
Cricket
is popular in the city. The Central Districts Stags
is the region's premier cricket team and plays in the national State Championship
. The team includes of a number of players born and raised or live in Palmerston North. Fitzherbert Park is the premiere cricket ground in Palmerston North and is a home ground of the Central Districts. Fitzherbert Park
hosted the 2010 U-19 Cricket World Cup in which 16 teams from around the world took part along with hosts New Zealand. Manawaroa-Ongley Park is another important cricket venue.
Football is another important sport in Palmerston North. The local team, YoungHeart Manawatu
is one of 8 franchise teams competing in the New Zealand Football Championship
, the premier national competition. The team formerly played at FMG Stadium, now at Memorial Park
.
Two large golf courses are here. Administered by Palmerston North Golf Club and Manawatu Golf Club.
Local clubs and venues exist, catering for sports such as those above and athletics, archery, badminton, bowls, croquet, squash and other minority sports. Secondary School and Age Group sport is highly participated in and actively encouraged.
State Highway 3 is the main State Highway
in Palmerston North. This enters the city from the north-west as Rangitikei Street before turning left into Grey Street, north of the Square. The highway continues along Princess Street to Main Street East, where it continues eastwards as it exits Palmerston North and Ashhurst as Napier Road.
State Highway 1
, New Zealand's main highway, passes about 25 km (16 mi) to the west of the city.
Rangitikei Street is the main portal allowing inwards and outwards traffic to and from the north.
Main Street is the main east-west thoroughfare, broken only by The Square.
Fitzherbert Avenue is the main south portal, crossing the Fitzherbert Bridge, the only bridge over the Manawatu River close to the city. (The other bridge is Fitzherbert East Road in Ashhurst, 14 km (9 mi) away.) Massey University
and International Pacific College (IPC), as well as some of the newly developed residential areas (Summerhill, Aokautere), are located east of the river.
Tremaine Avenue in the north of the city is the longest single road.
in terms of bicycle modal share. However, there has been a large decline in bicycle use, falling steadily from 13% of all commuting trips in 1986 to 5.42% in 2006, significantly faster than any other transport mode.
Palmerston North has a fairly comprehensive 65km on-road bicycle lane network, particularly in high traffic areas, to make it safer for people to get around the city by bike.
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.
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.
Occasional regional services run to the nearby towns of Linton, Ashhurst and Feilding.
Intercity routes are operated by Intercity
and Nakedbus
. Intercity's routes run south (to Wellington
), north (towards Auckland
, via Wanganui
, Rotorua
and Taupo
, or Napier
) and east (to Masterton
) from a terminus at the intersection of Main and Pitt Sts. Naked Bus runs from outside the iSite in The Square.
in the suburb of Milson is a secondary international airport. Domestic services are operated mostly by Air New Zealand
. There have been no international services since Freedom Air
ceased to operate in March 2008, and proposed replacement carrier OzJet
cancelled its plans only four days before they were due to commence.
Palmerston North International Airport is the operational base of the Massey University
School of Aviation, and by night is as a busy domestic freight hub.
in The Square. The station was moved and the track diverted 2.5 km (2 mi) to the north by the Milson Deviation in 1959-1963; work on the deviation had started in 1926. There are only two passenger trains: the weekday-only Capital Connection commuter train once a day to and from Wellington, and the Overlander to Auckland and Wellington.
Near the current railway station, the North Island Main Trunk railway is joined by the Palmerston North - Gisborne Line
, which runs through the Manawatu Gorge
to Woodville and Hawke's Bay, with a connection to the Wairarapa Line
at Woodville
.
.
Tertiary Education Institutions
Secondary schools
and 15 Councillors. The Council's functions are broken down into seven units: City Future, City Contact, City Corporate, City Enterprises, Community and Commercial Services, City Library
and City Networks. The Chief Executive is Paddy Clifford.
The current mayor is Jono Naylor
, who prior to his election as mayor, was a councillor representing Hokowhitu. Elections for Mayor and local government occur nationwide every three years, with the next election to take place in 2013.
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.
The electorate is represented (2008- ) by Iain Lees-Galloway of Labour.
Rangitīkei
The large electorate of Rangitikei extends south to Palmerston North's southern and eastern ward (Ashhurst-Fitzherbert). Therefore completely surrounding the electorate of Palmerston North (the only electorate thus surrounded completely by another).
The electorate is represented (1999-2011) by Simon Power of National. Simon Power has confirmed his retirement from politics at the 2011 General Election.
The electorate is represented by Tariana Turia of the Maori Party.
, as designated by Sister Cities NZ (SCI): Missoula
, Montana
, United States
Guiyang
, People's Republic of China
Local groups include the Manawatu Sinfonia and Manawatu Youth Orchestra (MYO) who perform throughout the year. Both these groups rehearse at Square Edge under the guidance of Mr Schwabe, the conductor who has been present within the musical community of Palmerston North for a number of years now. The Manawatu Youth Orchestra will celebrate its 50th year in September 2011. Within the community there is also the Manawatu Concert Band (MCB) which holds its practices at Freyberg High School.
Manawatu-Wanganui
Manawatu-Wanganui is a region in the lower half of the North Island of New Zealand, around the cities of Palmerston North and Whanganui. It is administered by the Horizons Regional Council.-Administration:...
region of the North Island
North Island
The North Island is one of the two main islands of New Zealand, separated from the much less populous South Island by Cook Strait. The island is in area, making it the world's 14th-largest island...
of New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
. It is an inland city with a population of and is the country's seventh largest city and eighth largest urban area. Palmerston North is located in the eastern Manawatu Plains
Manawatu Plains
Some of the most fertile land in the southwestern North Island of New Zealand is located on the floodplains of the Manawatu and Rangitikei Rivers, in an area known as the Manawatu Plains....
near the north bank of the Manawatu River
Manawatu River
The Manawatu River is a major river of the southern North Island of New Zealand.The river has its headwaters to the northwest of Norsewood in the Ruahine Ranges of southern Hawke's Bay. It flows initially eastward before turning south-west near Ormondville, flowing 40 km before turning...
. The city covers an area of 325.94 square kilometres (126 sq mi) and one million people live within a two-hour drive (200 km/120 mile radius). It is about 140 km (87 mi) north of the capital, Wellington
Wellington
Wellington is the capital city and third most populous urban area of New Zealand, although it is likely to have surpassed Christchurch due to the exodus following the Canterbury Earthquake. It is at the southwestern tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range...
. The city is 35 km (22 mi) from the river's mouth and 12 km (7 mi) from the end of the Manawatu Gorge
Manawatu Gorge
The Manawatu Gorge runs between the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges of the North Island of New Zealand, linking the Manawatu and Hawke's Bay regions...
.
The official limits of the city take in rural areas to the south and north-east of the main urban area, extending to the Tararua Range
Tararua Range
The Tararua Range is one of several mountain ranges in the North Island of New Zealand which form a ridge running parallel with the east coast of the island between East Cape and Wellington....
s and including the town of Ashhurst
Ashhurst
Ashhurst is a small town in the Manawatu-Wanganui region of New Zealand's North Island.-Location, features:Ashhurst is sited 14 kilometres northeast of the city of Palmerston North and is a small rural town....
at the mouth of the Manawatu Gorge. This is a rich and fertile agricultural area.
Physical environment
Land Area : 325.94 square kilometres (80,541.5 acre)Area In Public Reserves : 5.54 square kilometres (1,369 acre)
Highest Point (Elevation): 760 metres (2,493 ft) above sea level (in the ranges south-east of Scotts Road)
Lowest Point (Elevation) : 10 metres (33 ft) above sea level (river bank near Te Puna Road)
Typical Urban Area Elevation : 20–40 metres (65–130 ft)
Length Of River (Within City Boundary) : 29.9 km (18.6 mi) (Manawatu River) & 2.6 km (1.6 mi) (Pohangina River)
History
Ngāti Rangitāne were the local Māori iwi (tangata whenuaTangata Whenua
Tāngata whenua is a Māori term of the indigenous peoples of New Zealand and literally means "people of the land", from tāngata, 'people' and whenua land.-Meanings:...
) living in the area known as Te Ahu-a-Turanga, when a trader, Jack Duff, became the earliest known European to explore the area in 1830. He came on a whaling ship, and explored 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 forest and he proceeded through the dense bush and forest and discovered it for Europeans.
The Government surveyed the area in 1866-67. The original subdivision of Palmerston North was made in 1866, in the natural clearing in the Papaioea Forest, as found by Hartley. A township was laid out by J.T. Stewart, an employee of the Wellington Provincial Government.
Stewart's plan consisted of a series of wide and straight streets, laid out in a rectangular pattern, with the focal point being an open space of 17 acres (7 ha) subsequently known as The Square. Landmarks named after Stewart included Stewart Crescent in Palmerston North and Mt Stewart, near Sanson.
The four original streets meeting at the Square are now called Fitzherbert Avenue (from the south), Main Street East, Main Street West and Rangitikei Street. As the settlement grew, the forest diminished to make way for farms, and today virtually no remnant of it survives.
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. The population was approximately 800 people and sawmilling was the main industry of the district. The arrival of the railway in 1886 saw an increase in the speed of growth, and by 1900 the population was 6,000. By this time the town was at the centre of a lucrative agricultural district.
In 1930, the population reached the 20,000 threshold and Palmerston North was officially proclaimed a city. Development was slow due to the great depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
and World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. An airport was established at Milson in 1936, which is now Palmerston North International Airport
Palmerston North International Airport
Palmerston North International Airport is located on the outskirts of the suburb of Milson in Palmerston North, New Zealand, north-east of the City central area. Although the airport has not had a regular international flight since the end of March 2008, the official name, Palmerston North...
. After the war, growth was rapid; the population rising to over 50,000 by the mid 1970s.
Name
The city was first named "Palmerston", in honour of Viscount Palmerston, a former Prime Minister of Great Britain. The suffix "North” was added in 1871 by the Post Office to distinguish the settlement from PalmerstonPalmerston, New Zealand
The town of Palmerston, in New Zealand's South Island lies 50 kilometres to the north of the city of Dunedin. It is the largest town in the Waihemo Ward of the Waitaki District with a population of 890 residents...
in the South Island
South Island
The South Island is the larger of the two major islands of New Zealand, the other being the more populous North Island. It is bordered to the north by Cook Strait, to the west by the Tasman Sea, to the south and east by the Pacific Ocean...
, though locals still widely refer to the city simply as Palmerston or "Palmy".
Locals are known as Palmerstonians.
Māori name
The Māori transliteration of Palmerston is "Pamutana", but this is largely unused, with Papa-i-oea (commonly contracted to Papaioea) being the preferred option, e.g. Te Kura Kōhine o Papaioea (Palmerston North Girls' High School) and Te Hohipera o Papaioea (Palmerston North Hospital). Papa-i-oea is believed to mean "How beautiful it is".Climate
Palmerston North's climate is temperate with maximum daytime temperatures averaging 22 °C (72 °F) in summer and 12 °C (54 °F) in winter. On average temperatures rise above 25 °C (77 °F) on 20 days of the year. Annual rainfall is approximately 960 mm (37.8 in) with rain occurring approximately 5% of the time. There are on average 200 rain-free days each year.In the ranges that flank the city there is often sustained wind, especially in spring. Much of this land is within the city boundaries and these ranges have the reputation of providing the most consistent wind in the country.
Close to the city is the largest electricity-generating wind farm
Wind farm
A wind farm is a group of wind turbines in the same location used to produce electric power. A large wind farm may consist of several hundred individual wind turbines, and cover an extended area of hundreds of square miles, but the land between the turbines may be used for agricultural or other...
in the southern hemisphere, with 158 turbines in the Tararua
Tararua Range
The Tararua Range is one of several mountain ranges in the North Island of New Zealand which form a ridge running parallel with the east coast of the island between East Cape and Wellington....
and Ruahine Range
Ruahine Range
The Ruahine Range is one of several mountain ranges in the North Island of New Zealand which form a ridge running parallel with the east coast of the island between East Cape and Wellington....
s providing power for approximately 30,000 homes.
Demographics
At the 2006 census, Palmerston North had a population of 75,543, an increase of 3507 people (4.9%) since the 2001 census. There were 27,849 occupied dwellings, 1,662 unoccupied dwellings, and 189 dwellings under construction.Of the population, 36,345 (48.1%) were male and 39,192 (51.9%) female. The city had a median age of 32.4 years, 2.5 years below the national median age of 35.9 years. People aged 65 years and over made up 11.6% of the population, compared to 12.3% nationally, and people under 15 years made up 20.3% of the population, compared to 21.5% nationally. Due to Palmerston North being a university city, approximately 36% of the population is aged between 15.0 and 24.9 years.
Palmerston North's ethnicity was made up of (national figure in brackets): 71.4% European (67.6%), 15.4% Maori (14.7%), 7.4% Asian (9.2%), 3.7% Pacific Islanders (6.9%), 1.1% Middle Eastern/Latin American/African (0.9%), 12.5% 'New Zealanders' (11.1%), and 0.05% Other (0.04%).
Palmerston North City had an unemployment rate of 5.3% of people 15 years and over, compared to 5.1% nationally. The average annual income of all people 15 years and over was $
New Zealand dollar
The New Zealand dollar is the currency of New Zealand. It also circulates in the Cook Islands , Niue, Tokelau, and the Pitcairn Islands. It is divided into 100 cents....
23,100, compared with $24,400 nationally. Of those, 44.9% earned under $20,000, compared with 43.2% nationally, while 15.4% earned over $50,000, compared to 18.0% nationally.
A large proportion of its population consists of students attending Massey University
Massey University
Massey University is one of New Zealand's largest universities with approximately 36,000 students, 20,000 of whom are extramural students.The University has campuses in Palmerston North , Wellington and Auckland . Massey offers most of its degrees extramurally within New Zealand and internationally...
, Universal College of Learning
Universal College of Learning
The Universal College of Learning is a New Zealand Government TEI located primarily in Palmerston North but has campuses also in the other parts of the lower North Island.-Facilities:...
(UCOL) and International Pacific College
International Pacific College
The International Pacific College is a tertiary education provider offering NZQA-accredited diplomas and graduate diplomas as well as bachelor's and master's degree...
or the various Papaioea Campuses of Te Wananga o Aotearoa during the student year. Over half of the city's population is under the age of 33 and the city has been marketed as 'Student City'.
Economy
The tertiary education sector provides NZ$1.4 billion a year to the local economy and the education sector accounted for 11.3% 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 UniversityMassey University
Massey University is one of New Zealand's largest universities with approximately 36,000 students, 20,000 of whom are extramural students.The University has campuses in Palmerston North , Wellington and Auckland . Massey offers most of its degrees extramurally within New Zealand and internationally...
; the Massey University Sport and Recreation Institute at the Massey University campus, Turitea; Universal College of Learning
Universal College of Learning
The Universal College of Learning is a New Zealand Government TEI located primarily in Palmerston North but has campuses also in the other parts of the lower North Island.-Facilities:...
(UCOL) and Linton Army Camp
Linton Army Camp
Linton Army Camp is the largest New Zealand Army base and is home to the 2nd Land Force Group. It is located just south of Palmerston North.Units based at Linton:* HQ 2 Land Force Group* 16 Field Regiment...
.
44,870 employees worked in Palmerston North in February 2006, 2.5% of employees in New Zealand. The largest industry in terms of employees was the health and community services industry, which employed 14.9% of employees in the city. The retail trade industry employed 13.3% of employees in the city.
The Square
The city's main streets are arranged in a grid around The Square, a seven-hectare park of lawn, trees, lakes, fountains, and gardens in the centre of the city. This park contains the city's war memorial, a memorial to Te Peeti Te Awe Awe, the Rangitāne chief who was instrumental in the sale of Palmerston North district to the government in 1865, and a clock tower with an illuminated cross.The Māori name for the Square is Te Marae o Hine. Te Peeti Te Awe Awe was one member of a Māori contingent who gathered around 1878 to choose a Māori name for The Square. The meaning of the name is The Courtyard of the Daughter of Peace chosen in the hope that all people and all races would live together in enduring peace.
There are a number of parks in the city. The foremost is the Victoria Esplanade along the northern bank of the Manawatu River, to the west of Fitzherbert Avenue. The esplanade includes gardens, children's play areas, an aviary
Aviary
An aviary is a large enclosure for confining birds. Unlike cages, aviaries allow birds a larger living space where they can fly; hence, aviaries are also sometimes known as flight cages...
, a miniature railway, walking tracks, and sports fields (Ongley-Manawaroa Park).
The Plaza
The Plaza is the largest shopping centre in the Manawatu region and a key shopping centre in the lower North Island, boasting over 100 stores. See: The Plaza Shopping CentreThe Plaza Shopping Centre
The Plaza Shopping Centre is a shopping mall in Palmerston North, New Zealand owned by Kiwi Income Property Trust. It is the biggest mall in the Manawatu region....
City promotion
The city has used many descriptions in advertising and promotion, including "Rose City" (referring to its international roseRose
A rose is a woody perennial of the genus Rosa, within the family Rosaceae. There are over 100 species. They form a group of erect shrubs, and climbing or trailing plants, with stems that are often armed with sharp prickles. Flowers are large and showy, in colours ranging from white through yellows...
trial grounds) and "Knowledge City" or "Student City" (referring to the city's many academic institutions).
The current slogan, "Young Heart, Easy Living", indicates that Palmerston North is a city of young people and people with a youthful attitude.
Crime and policing
Palmerston North is the main centre of the New Zealand PoliceNew Zealand Police
The New Zealand Police is the national police force of New Zealand, responsible for enforcing criminal law, enhancing public safety, maintaining order and keeping the peace throughout New Zealand...
's Central District.
Palmerston North is a positive 7th in a list of the best places for low crime figures (2008). Overall, crime dropped by 10% in the past year (2008). Violent crime has increased by 5% in the past year but this is compared with an 11% rise nationally. Satisfaction with safety in public places at night has remained at its 2007 level.
Sport
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 the province of Manawatu.The premier multi-sports venue in Palmerston North is Arena Manawatu. The main stadium of Arena Manawatu is known as FMG Stadium. Other important venues include Memorial Park, Manawaroa-Ongley Park, Skoglund Park, Vautier Park and Massey University sports fields.
Like the rest of New Zealand, Rugby Union
Rugby union
Rugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
is a popular sport in the winter. The city is the home of the Manawatu Turbos
Manawatu Rugby Union
Manawatu Rugby Union is the governing body of the sport of Rugby union in the Manawatu rugby province. The Union is based in the city of Palmerston North but has a catchment area from nearby towns in the province, including Feilding, Rongotea, Linton, Bulls, Pahiatua, Dannevirke and...
. The Turbos play in the ITM Cup, the premiere competition in New Zealand provincial rugby. The home ground is at FMG Stadium
Arena Manawatu
Arena Manawatu is the current name of the 180,000 square metre publicly owned recreational complex just west of the Palmerston North city centre in the Manawatu-Wanganui region of New Zealand.It has three linked indoor stadiums, with movable tiered seating...
. The Manawatu Cyclones (Women's rugby team) also plays at FMG Stadium.
Palmerston North has been confirmed as a venue for two matches of the 2011 Rugby World Cup
2011 Rugby World Cup
The 2011 Rugby World Cup was the seventh Rugby World Cup, a quadrennial international rugby union competition inaugurated in 1987. The International Rugby Board selected New Zealand as the host country in preference to Japan and South Africa at a meeting in Dublin on 17 November 2005...
from 28 September to 2 October at Arena Manawatu.
Robertson Holden International Speedway is a popular participant and spectator sport. The local team is known as the Palmerston North Panthers. The raceway is at FMG Stadium (the track encircles the sports field).
Basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
is played at the premier level in Palmerston North. The Manawatu Jets, formerly the Palmerston North Jets, play in the NZBL. Their home is at the B & M Centre (indoor arena) of Arena Manawatu. Netball
Netball
Netball is a ball sport played between two teams of seven players. Its development, derived from early versions of basketball, began in England in the 1890s. By 1960 international playing rules had been standardised for the game, and the International Federation of Netball and Women's Basketball ...
is also played here at a local level and sometimes the Central Pulse (ANZ Championship team) and New Zealand Silver Ferns play here.
Hockey
Hockey
Hockey is a family of sports in which two teams play against each other by trying to maneuver a ball or a puck into the opponent's goal using a hockey stick.-Etymology:...
is played at a premier level. The main venue is at the Twin Turfs, between Fitzherbert Park and Victoria Esplanade. Hockey in Manawatu is governed by Hockey Manawatu.
Cricket
Cricket
Cricket is a bat-and-ball game played between two teams of 11 players on an oval-shaped field, at the centre of which is a rectangular 22-yard long pitch. One team bats, trying to score as many runs as possible while the other team bowls and fields, trying to dismiss the batsmen and thus limit the...
is popular in the city. The Central Districts Stags
Central Districts Stags
The Central Districts Stags are a New Zealand first class cricket team based in central New Zealand. It competes in the State Championship first class competition and the State Shield domestic one day competition...
is the region's premier cricket team and plays in the national State Championship
State Championship
New Zealand has had a domestic first-class cricket championship since the 1906–07 season. It is currently known as the Plunket Shield, reintroducing the name used in the early stages for the 2009–10 season.-Plunket Shield:...
. The team includes of a number of players born and raised or live in Palmerston North. Fitzherbert Park is the premiere cricket ground in Palmerston North and is a home ground of the Central Districts. Fitzherbert Park
Fitzherbert Park
Fitzherbert Park is a cricket ground in Palmerston North in New Zealand, a home ground of the Central Districts. In February 2000, New Zealand Women defeated England Women at the ground....
hosted the 2010 U-19 Cricket World Cup in which 16 teams from around the world took part along with hosts New Zealand. Manawaroa-Ongley Park is another important cricket venue.
Football is another important sport in Palmerston North. The local team, YoungHeart Manawatu
YoungHeart Manawatu
YoungHeart Manawatu is a football club is based in Palmerston North, New Zealand. It participates in the ASB Premiership and their home ground is Memorial Park.- History :...
is one of 8 franchise teams competing in the New Zealand Football Championship
New Zealand Football Championship
The New Zealand Football Championship is the national association football league in New Zealand. It is a professional/semi-professional status Association football sports Franchise league that is operated by New Zealand Football...
, the premier national competition. The team formerly played at FMG Stadium, now at Memorial Park
Memorial Park
Memorial Park may refer to:In the United States:* Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California* Memorial Park * Memorial Park, Houston, Texas* Memorial Park , Nebraska...
.
Two large golf courses are here. Administered by Palmerston North Golf Club and Manawatu Golf Club.
Local clubs and venues exist, catering for sports such as those above and athletics, archery, badminton, bowls, croquet, squash and other minority sports. Secondary School and Age Group sport is highly participated in and actively encouraged.
Road
The city is arranged in a grid pattern and is a significant road and rail junction. As such it is an important distribution hub for the lower North Island, with many freight distribution centres based here.State Highway 3 is the main State Highway
New Zealand State Highway network
The New Zealand State Highway network is the major national highway network in New Zealand. Just under 100 roads in both the North and South Islands are State Highways...
in Palmerston North. This enters the city from the north-west as Rangitikei Street before turning left into Grey Street, north of the Square. The highway continues along Princess Street to Main Street East, where it continues eastwards as it exits Palmerston North and Ashhurst as Napier Road.
State Highway 1
State Highway 1 (New Zealand)
State Highway 1 is the longest and most significant road in the New Zealand roading network, running the length of both main islands. It appears on road maps as SH 1 and on road signs as a white number 1 on a red shield, but it has the official designations SH 1N in the North Island, SH 1S in the...
, New Zealand's main highway, passes about 25 km (16 mi) to the west of the city.
Rangitikei Street is the main portal allowing inwards and outwards traffic to and from the north.
Main Street is the main east-west thoroughfare, broken only by The Square.
Massey University
Massey University is one of New Zealand's largest universities with approximately 36,000 students, 20,000 of whom are extramural students.The University has campuses in Palmerston North , Wellington and Auckland . Massey offers most of its degrees extramurally within New Zealand and internationally...
and International Pacific College (IPC), as well as some of the newly developed residential areas (Summerhill, Aokautere), are located east of the river.
Tremaine Avenue in the north of the city is the longest single road.
Bicycle
Palmerston North is perceived as being better for cycling than most New Zealand cities, with 2001 figures putting it a close second only to BlenheimBlenheim, New Zealand
Blenheim is the most populous town in the region of Marlborough, in the north east of the South Island of New Zealand, and the seat of the regional council. It has a population of The area which surrounds the town is well known as a centre of New Zealand's wine industry...
in terms of bicycle modal share. However, there has been a large decline in bicycle use, falling steadily from 13% of all commuting trips in 1986 to 5.42% in 2006, significantly faster than any other transport mode.
Palmerston North has a fairly comprehensive 65km on-road bicycle lane network, particularly in high traffic areas, to make it safer for people to get around the city by bike.
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.
Rebecca Oaten, the so-called 'Helmet Lady' who campaigned nationwide in the late 1980s for a New Zealand bicycle helmet law
Bicycle helmets in New Zealand
Bicycle helmets are mandatory in New Zealand, the only country with a helmet law enforced nationwide, requiring bicycle riders of all ages to wear helmets...
, is from Palmerston North.
Bus
Five urban buses and one campus bus leave the terminal in Main Street East (in front of Palmerston North Courthouse) at least every half hour. Services are coordinated by Horizons Regional Council and a Masterton-based bus company, Tranzit.Occasional regional services run to the nearby towns of Linton, Ashhurst and Feilding.
Intercity routes are operated by Intercity
Intercity (New Zealand)
InterCity Group Ltd is a passenger transport and tourism company and operates New Zealand's largest coach network and ferries and cruises in the Bay of Islands...
and Nakedbus
Nakedbus.com
Nakedbus.com is a provider of low-cost intercity bus transport services around New Zealand. It uses concepts such as yield management and no-frills to provide low fares...
. Intercity's routes run south (to Wellington
Wellington
Wellington is the capital city and third most populous urban area of New Zealand, although it is likely to have surpassed Christchurch due to the exodus following the Canterbury Earthquake. It is at the southwestern tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range...
), north (towards Auckland
Auckland
The Auckland metropolitan area , in the North Island of New Zealand, is the largest and most populous urban area in the country with residents, percent of the country's population. Auckland also has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world...
, via Wanganui
Wanganui
Whanganui , also spelled Wanganui, is an urban area and district on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It is part of the Manawatu-Wanganui region....
, Rotorua
Rotorua
Rotorua is a city on the southern shores of the lake of the same name, in the Bay of Plenty region of the North Island of New Zealand. The city is the seat of the Rotorua District, a territorial authority encompassing the city and several other nearby towns...
and Taupo
Taupo
Taupo is a town on the shore of Lake Taupo in the centre of the North Island of New Zealand. It is the seat of the Taupo District Council and lies in the southern Waikato Region....
, or Napier
Napier, New Zealand
Napier is a New Zealand city with a seaport, located in Hawke's Bay on the eastern coast of the North Island. The population of Napier is about About 18 kilometres south of Napier is the inland city of Hastings. These two neighboring cities are often called "The Twin Cities" or "The Bay Cities"...
) and east (to Masterton
Masterton
Masterton is a large town and local government district in the Wellington Region of New Zealand. It is the largest town in the Wairarapa, a region separated from Wellington by the Rimutaka ranges...
) from a terminus at the intersection of Main and Pitt Sts. Naked Bus runs from outside the iSite in The Square.
Air
Palmerston North International AirportPalmerston North International Airport
Palmerston North International Airport is located on the outskirts of the suburb of Milson in Palmerston North, New Zealand, north-east of the City central area. Although the airport has not had a regular international flight since the end of March 2008, the official name, Palmerston North...
in the suburb of Milson is a secondary international airport. Domestic services are operated mostly by Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand Limited is the national airline and flag carrier of New Zealand. Based in Auckland, New Zealand, the airline operates scheduled passenger flights to 26 domestic destinations and 24 international destinations in 15 countries across Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania, and is...
. There have been no international services since Freedom Air
Freedom Air
Freedom Air was Air New Zealand Group's low-cost airline which operated from December 1995 to March 2008. It ran scheduled passenger services from New Zealand to Australia and Fiji and charter services within New Zealand...
ceased to operate in March 2008, and proposed replacement carrier OzJet
OzJet
Ozjet Airlines Pty Ltd was a scheduled and charter airline with its head office in Tullamarine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, operating within Australasia from Melbourne Airport, Sydney Airport and Perth Airport. In 2008 the airline was sold to HeavyLift Cargo Airlines, and on 20 May 2009 it...
cancelled its plans only four days before they were due to commence.
Palmerston North International Airport is the operational base of the Massey University
Massey University
Massey University is one of New Zealand's largest universities with approximately 36,000 students, 20,000 of whom are extramural students.The University has campuses in Palmerston North , Wellington and Auckland . Massey offers most of its degrees extramurally within New Zealand and internationally...
School of Aviation, and by night is as a busy domestic freight hub.
Rail
Until 1964, the railway ran through the city centre, with Palmerston North Railway StationPalmerston North Railway Station
Palmerston North Railway Station is a station on the North Island Main Trunk serving the city of Palmerston North in the Manawatu-Wanganui region of New Zealand...
in The Square. The station was moved and the track diverted 2.5 km (2 mi) to the north by the Milson Deviation in 1959-1963; work on the deviation had started in 1926. There are only two passenger trains: the weekday-only Capital Connection commuter train once a day to and from Wellington, and the Overlander to Auckland and Wellington.
Near the current railway station, the North Island Main Trunk railway is joined by the Palmerston North - Gisborne Line
Palmerston North - Gisborne Line
The Palmerston North – Gisborne Line is a secondary main line railway in the North Island of New Zealand. It branches from the North Island Main Trunk Railway in Palmerston North and runs east through the Manawatu Gorge to Woodville, where it meets the Wairarapa Line, and then proceeds to...
, which runs through the Manawatu Gorge
Manawatu Gorge
The Manawatu Gorge runs between the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges of the North Island of New Zealand, linking the Manawatu and Hawke's Bay regions...
to Woodville and Hawke's Bay, with a connection to the Wairarapa Line
Wairarapa Line
The Wairarapa Line is a secondary railway line in the south-east of the North Island of New Zealand, connecting the capital city of Wellington with the Wairarapa region. The line ends at Woodville, where it joins the Palmerston North - Gisborne Line...
at Woodville
Woodville railway station
Woodville railway station could refer to one of several similarly named railway stations:* Woodville railway station, Adelaide* Woodville Railway Station, New Zealand* Woodville railway station, a closed British railway station...
.
Education
The large number of students from Massey, UCOL and IPC bring a youth culture to the city, helping to support the many cafes and bars. Highbury is the home of the Papaioea Campus of Te Wānanga o AotearoaTe Wananga o Aotearoa
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is a tertiary education provider, specifically a wānanga, in New Zealand. The organisation was established to improve the social and economic wellbeing of those who had previously had negative experiences with the secondary education system...
.
Tertiary Education Institutions
| School Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Massey University Massey University Massey University is one of New Zealand's largest universities with approximately 36,000 students, 20,000 of whom are extramural students.The University has campuses in Palmerston North , Wellington and Auckland . Massey offers most of its degrees extramurally within New Zealand and internationally... |
Turitea |
| Massey University College of Education | Hokowhitu |
| Universal College of Learning Universal College of Learning The Universal College of Learning is a New Zealand Government TEI located primarily in Palmerston North but has campuses also in the other parts of the lower North Island.-Facilities:... |
Palmerston North Central |
| International Pacific College International Pacific College The International Pacific College is a tertiary education provider offering NZQA-accredited diplomas and graduate diplomas as well as bachelor's and master's degree... |
Aokautere |
| Te Wānanga o Aotearoa | Highbury |
Secondary schools
| School Name | Location |
|---|---|
| St Peter's College St Peter's College, Palmerston North St Peter's College is a Catholic Integrated co-educational College Year 7-13 of approximately 800 students. It is located in the northern Palmerston North suburb of Milson.... |
Milson Milson, Palmerston North -Location & Population:Milson is located to the north of the city. There are two ways to access Milson from Palmerston North Central. Milson Line is one way, the other is Rangitikei Street. It is a fairly recently established suburb... |
| Palmerston North Boys' High School Palmerston North Boys' High School Palmerston North Boys' High School is a state secondary school for boys located in Palmerston North, New Zealand.-Location:Palmerston North Boys' High School is located on Featherston Street, between the intersections of Rangitikei Street and North Street.... (PNBHS) |
Palmerston North Hospital Area Palmerston North Hospital Area Palmerston North Hospital Area is a suburb of Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand.-Location, population and features:Palmerston North Hospital Area is located in the north of the city and had a usually resident population of 2,739... |
| Palmerston North Girls High School Palmerston North Girls High School Palmerston North Girls' High School is a large secondary school for girls, located in the suburb of West End in the city of Palmerston North, New Zealand.-Location:... (PNGHS) |
West End |
| Queen Elizabeth College Queen Elizabeth College, Palmerston North -Facilities:Queen Elizabeth College has many facilities and resources for its students, such as:* Two gyms* A music suite* Te Matui * Arts suite... (QEC) |
Palmerston North Hospital Area Palmerston North Hospital Area Palmerston North Hospital Area is a suburb of Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand.-Location, population and features:Palmerston North Hospital Area is located in the north of the city and had a usually resident population of 2,739... |
| Freyberg High School Freyberg High School Freyberg High School is a State Co-Educational Secondary School in the suburb of Roslyn, Palmerston North, New Zealand.The school is located at the end of Freyberg Street, Palmerston North and is bordered by Skoglund Park on the east and Ross Intermediate School on the west. To the north are the... (FHS) |
Roslyn Roslyn, Palmerston North Roslyn is a suburb in the city of Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand.-History:Roslyn was named in 1918 after Charles Mackintosh Ross, who was the local draper. Unfortunately, when the Post Office was established here, there was already a Roslyn in Dunedin... |
| Awatapu College Awatapu College Awatapu College is a State co-educational Secondary School in Awapuni, Palmerston North, New Zealand.-Location and History:The school is located at the bend of Botanical Road, opposite West End School. It is built upon a drained ancient lagoon, known to the local Maori as "Awatapu" meaning... |
Awapuni South Awapuni, Palmerston North Awapuni is an area and constituent ward of Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand. It is located south west of Palmerston North Central.-Awapuni North:Awapuni North is relatively residential area and had a resident population of 3,405 .... |
| Longburn Adventist College Longburn Adventist College Longburn Adventist College is an integrated co-educational Christian school in New Zealand for years 7 to 13. It is located just west of Palmerston North in the Manawatu District in the small dairy town of Longburn... (LAC) |
Longburn |
Governance
The Council consists of a MayorMayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
and 15 Councillors. The Council's functions are broken down into seven units: City Future, City Contact, City Corporate, City Enterprises, Community and Commercial Services, City Library
Palmerston North City Library
The Palmerston North City Library is the main public library provided by the Palmerston North City Council for the residents of Palmerston North, New Zealand.-Purpose:...
and City Networks. The Chief Executive is Paddy Clifford.
The current mayor is Jono Naylor
Jono Naylor
Jono Naylor is a New Zealand local politician for the city of Palmerston North. Naylor became a member of the city council in 2001 and was elected Mayor in 2007, defeating incumbent Heather Tanguay....
, who prior to his election as mayor, was a councillor representing Hokowhitu. Elections for Mayor and local government occur nationwide every three years, with the next election to take place in 2013.
Representation
Palmerston North City is divided into five wards since Ashhurst and Fitzherbert wards have amalgamated. Four of these are urban and one rural.History
Palmerston North attained city status in 1930.On 1 November 1989, New Zealand local government authorities were reorganised. Palmerston North City boundaries were extended to include Ashhurst
Ashhurst
Ashhurst is a small town in the Manawatu-Wanganui region of New Zealand's North Island.-Location, features:Ashhurst is sited 14 kilometres northeast of the city of Palmerston North and is a small rural town....
, Linton
Linton Army Camp
Linton Army Camp is the largest New Zealand Army base and is home to the 2nd Land Force Group. It is located just south of Palmerston North.Units based at Linton:* HQ 2 Land Force Group* 16 Field Regiment...
and Turitea through amalgamation of parts of the former Kairanga County, Oroua County and Ashhurst Town Council.
Palmerston North
The boundaries of the electorate of Palmerston North are currently co-terminus with the four urban wards of the PNCC.The electorate is represented (2008- ) by Iain Lees-Galloway of Labour.
RangitīkeiRangitikei (New Zealand electorate)rightRangitīkei is a New Zealand Parliamentary electorate, returning one Member of Parliament to the New Zealand House of Representatives. The current MP for Rangitīkei is Simon Power of the National Party...
The large electorate of Rangitikei extends south to Palmerston North's southern and eastern ward (Ashhurst-Fitzherbert). Therefore completely surrounding the electorate of Palmerston North (the only electorate thus surrounded completely by another).The electorate is represented (1999-2011) by Simon Power of National. Simon Power has confirmed his retirement from politics at the 2011 General Election.
Te Tai Hauauru
This large Maori electorate includes all of the Palmerston North area.The electorate is represented by Tariana Turia of the Maori Party.
Sister cities
Palmerston North has two sister citiesTown twinning
Twin towns and sister cities are two of many terms used to describe the cooperative agreements between towns, cities, and even counties in geographically and politically distinct areas to promote cultural and commercial ties.- Terminology :...
, as designated by Sister Cities NZ (SCI): Missoula
Missoula, Montana
Missoula is a city located in western Montana and is the county seat of Missoula County. The 2010 Census put the population of Missoula at 66,788 and the population of Missoula County at 109,299. Missoula is the principal city of the Missoula Metropolitan Area...
, Montana
Montana
Montana is a state in the Western United States. The western third of Montana contains numerous mountain ranges. Smaller, "island ranges" are found in the central third of the state, for a total of 77 named ranges of the Rocky Mountains. This geographical fact is reflected in the state's name,...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
Guiyang
Guiyang
Guiyang is the capital of Guizhou province of Southwest China. It is located in the centre of the province, situated on the east of the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau, and on the north bank of the Nanming River, a branch of the Wu River. The city has an elevation of about 1,100 meters...
, People's Republic of China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
Musical scene
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. Both these groups rehearse at Square Edge under the guidance of Mr Schwabe, the conductor who has been present within the musical community of Palmerston North for a number of years now. The Manawatu Youth Orchestra will celebrate its 50th year in September 2011. Within the community there is also the Manawatu Concert Band (MCB) which holds its practices at Freyberg High School.
- SwampfestSwampfestSwampFest is an annual musical festival that showcases Palmerston North bands. SF was originally timed to coincide with New Zealand Music Month , but in 2009 Switched to September to match The Stomach's 21st birthday. SF is known for showcasing up-and-coming as well as established artists, all...
, annual musical festival