Online Encyclopedia
Hamilton, New Zealand
Hamilton is New Zealand's 4th largest metropolitan area. It is situated in the Waikato district about one and a half hours drive south of Auckland. The local iwi (Maori tribe) is Tainui.
Originally called Kirikiriroa when the first Maori inhabited the region, it was later renamed Hamilton after Captain Fane Charles Hamilton, the popular commander of HMS Esk , who was killed in the battle of Gate Pa , Tauranga. It is now popularly referred to as "Hamiltron, City of the Future." The city is located at the southernmost navigable reach of the Waikato River, amidst New Zealand's richest and most fertile agricultural land. Initially an agricultural service center, it now has a growing and diverse economy.
Education and research are important to the city, through the University of Waikato and through the agricultural research center at Ruakura, which has been responsible for much of New Zealand's innovation in agriculture. Hamilton annually hosts the national Fieldays at Mystery Creek, the southern hemisphere's largest agricultural trade exhibition. Manufacturing and retail are also important to the local economy, as is the provision of health services through the Waikato Base Hospital.
Hamilton is a rapidly growing small city of over 120,000 people, including 25,000 students. It is centrally located with around 1.5 million people - 40 percent of New Zealand's total population - living within a 250 kilometre radius. The city lies at a main rail and road nexus. Its airport has now been upgraded to service international flights.
| Hamilton | ||
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| Urban Area | Population | 179,000 |
| Extent |
north to Taupiri; south
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Territorial Authority |
Name | Hamilton City |
| Population | 125,000 | |
| Extent |
Te Rapa to Glenview;
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| See also |
Matamata-Piako District
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Regional Council |
Name | Waikato |
Because of its rapid growth, some consider its more recent suburbs lacking in character; however the centre of the city is vibrant and lively, with the Waikato river bisecting the city. In 2004, the city is a vibrant place enjoying the benefits of rapid growth and not yet suffering from the negative consequences.
Hamilton Gardens is the region's most popular tourist attraction and hosts the Hamilton Gardens Summer Festival each year. Other local attractions include Hamilton Zoo, the Waikato Museum of Art and Culture and the Art Post art gallery.
The local rugby union teams are Waikato (NPC) and the Chiefs (Super 12). The local colours are yellow, red and black hoops.
External links
- Hamilton City Council http://www.hcc.govt.nz/
- Waikato University http://www.waikato.ac.nz/
- Hamilton City Information Site http://www.hamiltoncity.co.nz/
- Hamilton Weather http://www.telstraclear.co.nz/weather/yourtown.cfm?hamilton/
- Independent Hamilton Information Site http://www.hamiltoninfo.co.nz/