At the crossroads of the journey between Taupo in the central North Island and the capital Wellington, Rugby heritage from every playing nation is showcased in the city of Palmerston North.
The city is a 2-3 hour drive from Napier, Wellington, Taupo and New Plymouth. All roads lead to the compact city centre, which is based around The Square - a popular inner city park and social hub surrounded by boutique stores and sprinkled with public art.
The name 'Manawatu' is derived from two words, Manawa and tu. Manawa refers to the heart - tu describes something that has come to a halt. The ancestor Hau uttered the words "ka tu taku manawa" meaning 'my heart stands still' at the sight of the awesome Manawatu River.
Palmerston North emerged from bush clad beginnings in the 1850s to become a major service centre for the lower North Island. Palmerston North (Māori: Te Papa-i-oea) was named after the third Viscount Palmerston (Henry John Temple).
One of the highlights of the region for Rugby fans is the New Zealand Rugby Museum - a place where you can experience Rugby culture, connect with the heroes, be physically challenged by the interactive exhibits, and gain a sense of just how compelling this much loved game is. The Museum contains New Zealand's biggest and most comprehensive collection of Rugby memorabilia and records, including some of the world's rarest Rugby artefacts.
Economy
Home to more than 70 major educational and research institutions, Linton Military Camp, Ohakea Airforce Base, and the Sport and Rugby Institute, Palmerston North is recognised as a centre of excellence for research, technology and education. As a result Palmerston North has a proud history of nurturing the entrepreneurial and innovative.
Population
Palmerston North, with a population of 79,300, is the eleventh largest city in New Zealand and the centre of the seventh largest urban area. As a result of the city's world class education institutions, Palmerston North is a young and cosmopolitan city with a third of the population aged between 15 and 30 years. Over 100 different cultures are represented within the city reflected in the variety of cuisine on offer. The wider Manawatu-Wanganui district has a population of 229,200.
Climate
Palmerston North and the wider Manawatu region enjoy a mild climate year around. The average daily maximum temperature ranges from 22°C in February to 12°C in July with an average of 20 days a year above 25°C. The average annual rainfall is 960mm with a peak in July.
