ABOUT PALMERSTON NORTH

BUSINESS

Healthcare & Social Assistance
The largest employer in Palmerston North is the healthcare and social assistance sector, employing approximately 15% of all employees in the City (and 11% of national employment in the sector). Many organisations in these areas provide services to New Zealand and the Manawatu Region that are crucial to the wellbeing and prosperity of its citizens. This sector has experienced significant growth in the last decade, being the largest generator of new jobs for the Region. Major organisations in this sector include: MidCentral Health, Crest Hospital, and MASH Trust.

Manufacturing
Manufacturing is a major industry in Manawatu and employs a significant percentage of the local workforce, particularly in food processing and metal fabrication for agriculture and transport sectors. In addition, local research and innovation offers opportunities within this sector for increasing productivity through improved equipment design. Major organisations in this sector include: Steelfort, Profab, New Zealand Pharmaceuticals, AEC, OBO.

Retail
Manawatu is a regional retail trading centre that attracts shoppers from all over the lower North Island. Confidence in the City has been reflected by the substantial recent investment by Kiwi Income Properties in the expansion of The Plaza inner-city shopping mall. The high proportion of students and professional residents, coupled with the many visitors, means that the City has a level of retail sales greater than its population alone would suggest. In turn Feilding is the regional rural service centre and offers a thriving rural town centre with an Edwardian theme, complete with a farmers market, agricultural supply stores and the Feilding Saleyards, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

Visitors & Tourism
The Manawatu Region acts as a key gateway to a number of tourist activities, while also being the heart of The Country Road experience, encouraging travellers to visit and interact with the local community. Major attractions include Te Apiti – Manawatu Gorge, Te Manawa Museum, New Zealand Rugby Museum, Coach House Museum, and the Victoria Esplanade Gardens. Palmerston North City is also regularly home to many conventions, sporting tournaments, trade shows, meetings and exhibitions. This success is due in part to the education, research and science institutions based here, but also due to Palmerston North City’s excellent location, transport access and facilities.

EDUCATION

Massey University
Palmerston North City is the original home base for Massey University. Massey’s Manawatu Campus is the largest institution for the life sciences, agricultural, horticultural and veterinary teaching and research in New Zealand

IPU New Zealand Tertiary Institute
IPU New Zealand has a dynamic, international focus in Palmerston North City. The main programmes offered are in international business, international relations, Japanese studies, English language studies, environmental studies, ecotourism and international sports.

English Teaching College
English Teaching College (ETC) offers an excellent range of full and part-time English programmes to support study from beginners to advanced academic.

THINGS TO DO

Coach House Museum
Feilding’s Coach House Museum is home to an outstanding collection of rural NZ heritage, showcasing over 140 years of history. Visit the Coach House and enjoy a fascinating historical journey through the lives of early settlers and the development of the Region.

Feilding on a Friday
Feilding is a beautiful town, and on Fridays it really comes alive with much to see and do. The iconic Feilding Saleyards Guided Tour is a must-do where you can meet the local farmers and watch live cattle and sheep auctions. Then pop over to the Feilding Farmers’ Market and try out local produce and tasty artisan products like wine, cheese, breads, honeys and more.

New Zealand Rugby Museum
Experience the journey of the sport that shaped a nation. Discover some of the world’s rarest rugby artefacts, and learn about some of the rugby greats. Get active in the ‘Have A Go’ area and tackle, scrum,  jump, sprint and kick like the rugby legends.

Owlcatraz
Owlcatraz is a native bird and wildlife park featuring rare and interesting animals set amongst native bush and farmland. Learn the legends of Ruru, and see how the high tech enclosure mimics the exact weather patterns of the Owls natural environment.

Mangaweka Adventure Company  
The Rangitikei River’s deep gorges are unique, serving up mild to wild journeys, from one hour scenic paddles to four-day adventures. Take the kids on the Papa Gorge family fun rafting trip and book in to the campground, or grab some mates for the half day raft and kayak combo.

River Valley Rafting
Discover the magic and beauty of the Rangitikei River on world class river rafting tours, from the intensity of a half day on the Grade 5 sections, gentle family floating trips to multi day wilderness adventures. After a day of adventure, enjoy a restful stay in the on-site River Valley Lodge.

Te Manawa
The cultural heart of Palmerston North City, Te Manawa is a museum of art, science and history. Learn about the Manawatu region’s nationally significant taonga, as well as contemporary art, science and heritage collections.

The Herb Farm
Set on four acres of themed gardens, the family owned business has been producing 100 percent natural skincare and healing products sustainably on-site for the past 20 years. Enjoy fresh, local produce when dining in the cafe and feel your cares melt away during a much deserved pampering session in the beauty retreat.

Tui HQ
Home of all things Tui, including the iconic Tui Tower in Mangatainoka. Enjoy a guided tour to hear the fascinating history of one of New Zealand’s favourite brews in the museum of ‘His-Tui’, and go through the factory to see how it’s made. Indulge in a beer tasting, including a special brew that is only served here and nowhere else.