ManawatWhanganui

Manawatū-Whanganui is a region on the central North Island of New Zealand. It is named for the two major river valleys it encompasses, the Manawatū River and the Whanganui River, and is characterized by plains along these rivers flanked by mountain ranges such as the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges. The region includes a mix of urban centers, towns, and rural communities and features a diverse landscape that supports agriculture, forests, and outdoor recreation.

Governing and communities: Regional governance is provided by Horizons Regional Council. Territorial authorities within the region include Palmerston North City, Manawatū District, Horowhenua District, Rangitīkei District, Tararua District, and Whanganui District. The region’s population centers include Palmerston North, the largest city, and Whanganui, along with other towns such as Feilding, Levin, and Dannevirke.

Economy and culture: The economy is rooted in agriculture, including dairy farming, cropping, and horticulture, with food processing and forestry sectors contributing as well. Tourism and recreation are important, leveraging the region’s rivers, ranges, and parks for activities such as river journeys, tramping, and scenic drives. The area holds a rich Māori heritage, with history shaped by the iwi and hapū associated with the Manawatū and Whanganui rivers, and this heritage remains a central aspect of regional identity.

History and outlook: European settlement in the 19th and 20th centuries drove development in farming, transportation, and urban growth. Today the region continues to balance rural economies with urban services, environmental management, and opportunities in tourism and education, while addressing natural resource and infrastructure needs.