Gisborne

Gisborne is a city on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. It is the main urban center of the Gisborne District and the seat of local government in the Te Tai Rāwhiti region. The city lies at Poverty Bay's mouth and has a harbor that handles commercial fishing and related maritime activities.

The area around Gisborne has long been settled by Māori, chiefly the Ngāti Porou iwi. The first sustained European settlement occurred in the 1860s, and the town was renamed Gisborne in 1870 after the British colonial administrator William Gisborne. It was formerly known as Turanganui, a name that remains in use for nearby river and district features.

Gisborne sits on a broad plain facing the bay, with a temperate maritime climate. The area receives a good amount of sunshine, and rainfall is relatively moderate, supporting horticulture and viticulture in the surrounding region.

Local industries include farming, horticulture, fishing, and timber, with wine production in the nearby Gisborne wine region. The city is a cultural center for Te Tai Rāwhiti and hosts events that reflect Māori heritage as well as general arts and sport.

Gisborne is served by Gisborne Airport and road links via State Highway 2. The Port of Gisborne provides port facilities for regional goods. The population includes a significant Māori community and a mix of other New Zealanders.

Gisborne is often cited as one of the first places in the world to see the sunrise on New Year’s Day.