Hamilton, New Zealand
Hamilton (Māori: Kirikiriroa) is an inland city in the North Island of New Zealand. Located on the banks of the Waikato River, it is the seat and most populous city of the Waikato region. With a territorial population of 185,300, it is the country's fourth most-populous city. Encompassing a land area of about 110 km2 (42 sq mi), Hamilton is part of the wider Hamilton Urban Area, which also encompasses the nearby towns of Ngāruawāhia, Te Awamutu and Cambridge. In 2020, Hamilton was awarded the title of most beautiful large city in New Zealand.
Hamilton
Kirikiriroa (Māori) | |
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City | |
Hamilton from Till's Lookout, from Whitiora to Fairfield Bridge, traffic on SH1, Māori Garden, Hamilton Station, city offices and WINTEC | |
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Coat of arms | |
| Nicknames: Hamiltron, the Tron, H-Town. Previously: the Fountain City. | |
Location of the Hamilton Territorial Authority | |
Hamilton Location of Hamilton, New Zealand | |
| Coordinates: 37°47′S 175°17′E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Island | North Island |
| Region | Waikato |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Paula Southgate |
| • Deputy Mayor | Angela O'Leary |
| • Territorial authority | Hamilton City Council |
| Area | |
| • Territorial | 110.8 km2 (42.8 sq mi) |
| • Urban | 110.37 km2 (42.61 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 40 m (131 ft) |
| Population (June 2023) | |
| • Territorial | 185,300 |
| • Density | 1,700/km2 (4,300/sq mi) |
| • Urban | 185,300 |
| • Urban density | 1,700/km2 (4,300/sq mi) |
| • Demonym | Hamiltonian |
| Time zone | UTC+12 (NZST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+13 (NZDT) |
| Postcode(s) | 3200, 3204, 3206, 3210, 3214, 3216 |
| Area code | 07 |
| Local iwi | Tainui |
| Website | www.hamilton.govt.nz www.waikatoregion.govt.nz |
The area now covered by the city was originally the site of several Māori villages, including Kirikiriroa, from which the city takes its Māori name. By the time English settlers arrived, most of these villages, which sat beside the Waikato River, were abandoned as a result of the Invasion of Waikato and land confiscation (Raupatu) by the Crown.
Initially an agricultural service centre, Hamilton now has a diverse economy and is the third fastest growing urban area in New Zealand, behind Pukekohe and Auckland. Hamilton Gardens is the region's most popular tourist attraction. Education and research and development play an important part in Hamilton's economy, as the city is home to approximately 40,000 tertiary students and 1,000 PhD-qualified scientists.