Hastings, New Zealand

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City in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Hastings

General Information
Name	Hastings, New Zealand
Native Name	Heretaunga
Other Names
Settlement Type	City
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	39°38 S°176
Map	250px
Population
Total	81,000
Density	auto per km²
Area
Total	5227 km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC
DST	UTC

Hastings (Māori: Heretaunga) is a city in the Hawke's Bay Region of the North Island of New Zealand. It is the administrative centre of the Hastings District, which also includes the nearby town of Havelock North and several smaller settlements. Hastings is known for its rich agricultural industry, particularly apple and wine production.

History

Hastings was founded in 1873 and named after Warren Hastings, the first Governor-General of India. The area was originally inhabited by the Māori people, specifically the Ngāti Kahungunu iwi. European settlers began to arrive in the mid-19th century, and the town quickly grew due to its fertile land and favorable climate.

In 1931, Hastings was significantly affected by the Hawke's Bay earthquake, which caused widespread damage and loss of life. The city was rebuilt with a focus on Art Deco architecture, similar to nearby Napier.

Economy

Hastings is a major hub for agriculture in New Zealand. The region's fertile soil and temperate climate make it ideal for growing a variety of crops, including apples, pears, and stone fruit. The area is also renowned for its viticulture, producing some of New Zealand's finest wines.

The city hosts several annual events that celebrate its agricultural heritage, including the Hawke's Bay A&P Show and the Blossom Festival.

Education

Hastings is home to a number of educational institutions, ranging from primary schools to secondary schools and tertiary education providers. Notable schools include Hastings Boys' High School, Hastings Girls' High School, and Karamu High School.

Transport

Hastings is well-connected by road, with State Highway 2 and State Highway 50 providing access to other parts of the North Island. The city is also served by the Hawke's Bay Airport, located in nearby Napier.

Public transport within the city is provided by a network of buses operated by Go Bus Transport.

Demographics

As of the 2022 census, Hastings has a population of approximately 81,000 people. The city has a diverse population, with a significant proportion of residents identifying as Māori or Pacific Islander.

Notable People

• John A. Lee, politician and writer
• Sam Neil, actor
• Piri Weepu, rugby player

Sister Cities

Hastings has several sister city relationships, including:

• Guilin, China
• Lugano, Switzerland
• Orange, Australia

See Also

• Hawke's Bay Region
• Napier, New Zealand
• Havelock North
• Hawke's Bay earthquake

External Links

• Hastings District Council