Feilding

Feilding is a town in the Manawatū-Whanganui region of New Zealand, located in the Manawatū District on the North Island. It sits about 25 kilometers northeast of Palmerston North and lies near the Manawatu River, serving as the commercial and service center for the surrounding agricultural areas.

The origins of the name Feilding are not definitively recorded. The town developed in the late 19th century during European settlement and the expansion of railway and irrigation schemes in the region, growing as a planned agricultural town that supported farming communities.

Feilding’s economy is closely tied to agriculture, including dairying, cropping, and horticulture. It hosts markets, retailers, and service industries that support rural industries. A prominent nearby feature is the Manfeild: Circuit Chris Amon, a motorsport facility that hosts national events and racing clubs. The area also runs rural exhibitions such as the Feilding A&P Show, reflecting the district’s agricultural character.

The town provides a range of amenities, including educational institutions and healthcare facilities, and serves as the administrative center of the Manawatū District. Feilding is linked by road to Palmerston North and other towns, with regional rail connections facilitating travel within the lower North Island.