• New Zealand Regions
      • Hawke's Bay
      • Bay of Plenty
      • Waikato
      • Whanganui
      • Manawatu
      • Northland
      • Auckland
      • Gisborne
      • Taranaki
      • Wellington
      • West Coast
      • Nelson
      • Canterbury
      • Otago
      • Marlborough
      • Southland
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      Hawke's Bay

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      Beaches, wineries and Art Deco. The Hawke's Bay has a diverse economy, including business services that support its sectors to be the second largest contributor to regional GDP in the country. A popular tourist destination, the region has some of the countries best restaurants as well as stunning scenery, markets and festivals.

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      Bay of Plenty

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      The Bay of Plenty is officially New Zealand's sunniest destination, enjoying short-lived winters and long summer days. The Region offers some of the country's most spectacular views and many ways to enjoy the pristine scenery and natural wonders. Visitors also enjoy exploring the Bay's Māori heritage and pre-European roots.

      Districts

      OpotikiOpotiki iSiteKawerauWhakatane

      Waikato

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      The Waikato is known for its rolling plains, fertile land and the mighty Waikato River. The region is the fourth largest regional economy in New Zealand, with a strong focus on primary production and associated manufacturing.

      Districts

      South WaikatoWaikato District

      Whanganui

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      Welcome to Whanganui. This is our place; where history is full of stories, legends and rich legacy. Where a thriving arts scene, creativity and evolving culture inspire our modern lives. Where breath-taking natural landscapes capture imaginations at every turn.

      Manawatu

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      Located in the lower North Island, Manawatu is heartland New Zealand, offering an authentic Kiwi experience.

      The main in the region are Palmerston North, most notable for Massey University. Palmerston has a vibrant, arts and culture scene.

      The region's economy is based on food production and processing, research and education. The region is also home for the New Zealand defence force.

      Northland

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      Northland was originally home to some of our country's first human inhabitants. Today, it is one of the fastest growing regions in New Zealand and home to nearly 189,000 people. Rich in culture and history, the region boasts a stunning natural environment.

      Auckland

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      Auckland Region stretches from the the beaches of the Pacific Ocean in the east to the expansive beaches of the rugged west coast of the Tasman Sea. Auckland City, the largest urban area in New Zealand is considered the main economic center of New Zealand and a popular destination for international students and travellers.

      Gisborne

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      Gisborne is a Region on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. It's known for wineries and surf beaches such as Makorori. The region has maintained a strong Maori heritage. The region's economy is made up mainly of agriculture, horticulture and forestry.

      Taranaki

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      Taranaki is a coastal and mountainous region on the western side of New Zealand's North Island. Its landscape is dominated by Mount Taranaki, its namesake volcano, which lies within the rainforested Egmont National Park.

      The port city of New Plymouth is the area's cultural and commercial hub. Taranaki's economy is diverse and includes dairy, oil and gas. The region is the highest contributor or national GDP per capita. 

      Wellington

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      The Wellington Region covers Wellington city in the south, Upper and Lower Hutt valleys to the north-east, and Porirua to the north-west. The region takes its name from Wellington, New Zealand's capital city.

      Wellington is famous for its arts and culture scene and is also the centre of New Zealand's film industry.

      West Coast

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      The West Coast, or as some locals call it, the "Wild West", is a long thin region that runs down the South Island's west coast.

      The region has the lowest population in all of New Zealand. It is famous for its rugged natural scenery such as the Pancake Rocks, the Blue Pools of Haast, and the glaciers.

      The main industries in the region are dairy farming and mining. Tourism also plays an important role.

      Nelson – Tasman

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      Nelson Tasman is an extraordinary, vibrant region where art and businesses thrive together among a stunning natural landscape. With one in five people internationally born, Nelson Tasman has 48 different cultures living in its environs.

      The region prides its self on being New Zealand’s leading Research and Development areas, with the highest proportion of people working in the research, science and tech sectors out of anywhere in New Zealand.

      Canterbury

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      Canterbury is a region on New Zealand’s South Island marked by grassy plains, clear lakes and snow-capped mountains. Its largest city, Christchurch, is famed for its art scene and green spaces.

      Otago

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      There are few places in the world which will leave you with a lasting sense of difference. Central Otago is undoubtedly one of them from its landscapes, its seasons, its people, its products and experiences.

      Marlborough

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      Marlborough Region is on the north-eastern corner of the South Island. The region is well known for its winemaking industry, and the Marlborough Sounds, an extensive network of coastal waterways, peninsulas and islands.

      Apart from the wine industry, aquaculture, agriculture and tourism play an important role in the local economy.

      Southland

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      Southland is New Zealand’s most southerly region and includes the World Heritage ranked Fiordland National Park.

      The region's only city Invercargill offers a relaxed pace of life with wide streets, little traffic, spacious parks and gardens, striking Victorian and Edwardian architecture and impressive sporting facilities including New Zealand’s first indoor velodrome. Southland's location is such that views of Aurora Australis or the Southern Lights are common.

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‘Renaissance’ development key to Hamilton’s future

Attention: This article was automatically translated and is still waiting on one of our editors to approve the translated content. 
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Hamilton City Council has signalled its visionary project, “Victoria on the River” to be an anchor development for the city’s future.
The Council is seeking formal expressions of interest from developers who would work in partnership to transform the 2017 square metre site at 242-266 Victoria Street.
Currently there are two existing buildings which are heritage listed, however only the facades need to be retained, allowing modern buildings to be built behind them.
Paula Southgate, Hamilton City’s mayor considers the proposed development to add to the renaissance of the central business district.
“We inherited some pretty old buildings that were not in great shape, and it doesn’t make sense, in the current climate of renewal of the CBD, to leave them in poor shape,” Southgate said. “It makes sense to jump on the enthusiasm that everybody has for the CBD and get crackin’.”
Southgate believes that with the current work already underway, including the Waikato Regional Theatre, the new development will complement the others.
“Just imagine that whole strip, full of quality restaurants, commercial activity, high-quality apartments on top. It will be like the coming of age of our CBD.”
As councils funds are being invested, the Mayor said it is essential that the process is transparent and can withstand robust scrutiny. She has made it very clear to council’s staff that the development is being done on public property with public funds.
“It’s got to be done with full transparency and that’s been my message to council staff,” she said. “This is a public property we’re developing on ratepayers’ behalf, so they must be kept informed.”
Edwards White Architects have produce impressions and concept drawings of how the future development might look, however Southgate is open to seeing other ideas being considered.
“The final detailed design may look a little different to those drawings. The exciting part of having an open process is you don’t know what great ideas will walk through the door and inspire people,” said Southgate.
The idea for the proposed multi-storey development started during the last term of Council when the property was purchased for $6.49 million in August 2018.
The Council’s CBD and River Plan Advisory Group, chaired by deputy mayor, Geoff Taylor said that the development had already received interest from several developers.
Taylor acknowledged that the purchase was controversial at the time and those involved were not popular, but the Council had a vision of what is possible for the properties.
“The future of Hamilton’s central city rests on that area and how we open it up to the river.” enthused Taylor. “To me, it’s an extension of VOTR [Victoria on the River] which has opened up our eyes to the amazing opportunities in terms of view shafts from our central city.”
“And it’s all about the awesome flow in the river precinct we are trying to create from VOTR south to the [Waikato Regional] theatre, jetty, reshaped museum front, pedestrian bridge and Aranui sports hub.”

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