Horowhenua District | |
---|---|
Territorial authority | |
Country | New Zealand |
Region | Manawatu-Wanganui |
District | Horowhenua District |
Wards | Levin, Waiopehu, Miranui, Kere Kere |
Seat | Levin |
Government | |
• Mayor | Michael Feyen |
• Deputy Mayor | Wayne Bishop |
Area | |
• Total | 1,063.60 km2 (410.66 sq mi) |
Population (June 2016) | |
• Total | 31,900 |
• Density | 30/km2 (78/sq mi) |
Time zone | NZST (UTC+12) |
• Summer (DST) | NZDT (UTC+13) |
Postcode(s) | Map of postcodes |
Website | Horowhenua District Council |
Horowhenua is a district on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand. It forms part of the Manawatu-Wanganui Region. Its name roughly means shaking or rippling earth.
Located north of Wellington and Kapiti, the district stretches from slightly north of the town of Otaki in the south to just south of Himatangi in the north, and from the coast to the summit of the Tararua Ranges.
The main town and seat of the district council is Levin, and other towns in the district include Foxton, Shannon, and Tokomaru. The population of the district is 31,900 (June 2016).
Much of the area was once an extensive wetland and the centre of a substantial flax industry. It has been progressively drained and converted to productive but flood-prone farmland, with a mixture of loam and peat based soils. Some parts of the wetland, particularly those around Lake Horowhenua are being returned to their former state as a conservation area, with the help of local Māori. One of the local tribal authorities is the Muaūpoko Tribal Authority.
Secondary
Primary
Intermediate
In rugby, a combined Horowhenua-Kapiti team represents the area in the amateur Heartland Championship.
In cricket, a Horowhenua-Kapiti team has competed in the Hawke Cup since 2002.