On the sunshine coast.

Hastings is the largest city in Hawkes Bay. As of 2003 it's population is 59,432.

Founded in the 1850s, Hastings was originally named Hicksville, after a prominent local settler. However, the locals changed the name to Hastings for an unknown reason.

The climate is dry and temperate. Hawke's Bay is renowned for its horticulture with large orchards and vineyards on the plains. In the hilly parts of the region sheep and cattle farming predominates, with forestry blocks in the roughest areas.

One trivial fact is that the region has a hill with the longest place name in New Zealand, and one of the longest in the world.  Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu  is an unremarkable hill in southern Hawkes Bay, not far from Waipukurau.

Situated on the Heretaunga Plains, Hastings is dead flat with no natural landmarks. The local area is very productive, with orchards and vineyards surrounding the city. The main industries are agricultural, with freezing works and canneries major employers.

Hastings has a sunny climate, and sits close to the larger city of Napier which is located north along the coast from the city centre.