Hastings, New Zealand
Hastings (/ˈheɪstɪŋz/; Māori: Heretaunga) is an inland city of New Zealand and is one of the two major urban areas in Hawke's Bay, on the east coast of the North Island. The population of Hastings (including Flaxmere) is 51,500 (as of June 2023), with a further 15,200 people in Havelock North and 2,090 in Clive. Hastings is about 18 kilometres inland of the coastal city of Napier. These two neighbouring cities are often called "The Bay Cities" or "The Twin Cities".
Hastings
Heretaunga (Māori) | |
|---|---|
City | |
From top, left to right: Saint Matthew's Church, Hastings CBD at Night, Toitoi Events Centre, Nga Pou o Heretaunga, Tukituki Valley | |
|
Coat of arms | |
| Nickname: Fruit Bowl of New Zealand | |
| Motto(s): Urbis Et Ruris Concordia (Town and Country in Harmony); | |
| Coordinates: 39°38′30″S 176°50′40″E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Hawke's Bay |
| Territorial authority | Hastings District |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Sandra Hazlehurst |
| • Deputy Mayor | Tania Kerr |
| Area | |
| • District | 5,226.62 km2 (2,018.01 sq mi) |
| • Urban | 24.43 km2 (9.43 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 11 m (36 ft) |
| Population (June 2023) | |
| • District | 91,900 |
| • Density | 18/km2 (46/sq mi) |
| • Urban | 51,500 |
| • Urban density | 2,100/km2 (5,500/sq mi) |
| Postcode(s) | 4120, 4122 |
| Website | HastingsDC.govt.nz |
The city is the administrative centre of the Hastings District. Since the merger of the surrounding and satellite settlements, Hastings has grown to become one of the largest urban areas in Hawke's Bay.
Hastings District is a food production region. The fertile Heretaunga Plains surrounding the city produce stone fruits, pome fruit, kiwifruit and vegetables, and the area is one of New Zealand's major red wine producers. Associated business include food processing, agricultural services, rural finance and freight. Hastings is the major service centre for the surrounding inland pastoral communities and tourism.