THE NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT

Geography

The New Plymouth District is one of the largest districts in New Zealand and covers an area of 232,400 hectares. The District includes the city of New Plymouth, towns such as Waitara, Inglewood, Urenui, Okato, Bell Block, Oakura and many other smaller rural communities. The focus of the landscape is Mt Taranaki/Egmont (height 2518m) and the Egmont National Park (33,000 hectares).

Climate

New Plymouth has a warm, moist, temperate climate with average summer afternoon temperatures of 21‑22 o Celsius and average winter afternoon temperatures are 13-14 o . The average annual rainfall is 1,436mm.

Population

Taranaki has a population of around 100,500 - nearly two thirds of Taranaki's total population live in the New Plymouth District. 

History

Maori inhabited the Taranaki region from as early as 800 AD. The first European settlers came out to New Plymouth from Plymouth, England on the William Bryan, the Amelia Thompson and the Oriental in 1841 and New Plymouth became one of the first formal settlements in New Zealand. European settlement expanded along the coast and inland into what is now the New Plymouth District and Taranaki.

Economy

The local economy is based mainly on agriculture, particularly the dairy industry, with other significant industries including horticulture, heavy and light engineering, manufacturing and tourism. Energy and related industries are also important. On-shore oil was discovered as early as 1865 from the Alpha well in Moturoa. In the late 1970's the offshore Maui A well began production of natural gas. 

Cultural Facilities

The district is well endowed with cultural facilities and opportunities. The Taranaki Museum is now part of the Puke Ariki complex and houses one of the richest collections of Taonga and heritage in New Zealand while the contemporary art focus of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery has an international reputation (including housing the Len Lye collection). The district has many theatre groups and the TSB Showplace and Bowl of Brooklands are actively supported by the council.

Parks and Gardens

The area's climate is ideal for the parks, reserves and gardens which are a highlight of the District. Pukeiti Rhododendron gardens on the slopes of Mt Taranaki/Egmont attract visitors from all over the world to the annual rhododendron festival. New Plymouth's Pukekura Park is one of the most beautiful in New Zealand and its Christmas lighting display is a highlight of the district's “Festival of Lights” and a major tourist attraction.

Sport and Recreation

All major and most minor sporting codes are represented by clubs in New Plymouth and compete with other areas in New Zealand.

Mt Taranaki/Egmont and the Kaitake and Pouakai Ranges are within 30 minutes drive of New Plymouth and provide for bush walks, tramping, summer and winter alpine climbing, rock climbing and skiing.

The sea and beaches on New Plymouth's doorstep plus the other Taranaki coastal areas provide for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, yachting, fishing and other water sports. Streams and rivers flowing from the mountain to the sea provide for fishing and canoeing. New Plymouth has an aquatic centre with a 25 metre covered heated pool for all year swimming, and a large indoor stadium catering for indoor sports.