About

The region has long been a vital contributor to New Zealand’s economic wellbeing, forged on a buoyant food industry and a prosperous energy and production sector. Both have taken Taranaki to the world. With the advent of COVID-19, that world has now changed but Taranaki’s strong foundations in food, agriculture, engineering, energy, IT, logistics, hospitality, manufacturing, and the visitor industry, coupled with a can-do attitude ‘like no other’ will ensure the region not only recovers but lays the foundation for an even stronger and better future. Global expectation for greater sustainability practices, social procurement, low-emission, green or renewable energy solutions, and regenerative, low-carbon footprint food and drink production are helping to shape Taranaki’s direction and growth. Visitors looking for authenticity and a connection to culture, history and people through immersive natural experiences are shaping the region’s story. Those looking to invest, whether through calling Taranaki home or establishing a commercial presence, are helping to define its future. Digital connectivity and the ability to conduct business globally with a click of a mouse are cementing its desirability as a lifestyle choice. Taranaki has huge potential in this new environment. People from the Taranaki community, along with local government, business and iwi leaders have united in planning around opportunities, coming together to develop a long-term vision of a modern, high-value economy – detailed in the Taranaki 2050 Roadmap.

This includes actively encouraging investment and innovation. It is this enduring vision that places Taranaki in a good position for swift economic recovery. New initiatives are already underway in Taranaki. Hydrogen, smart grids, and a range of renewable energy technologies are being investigated and implemented. Investments are being made in providing high-value premium food and fibre products. The number of visitors to the region had almost doubled in the past decade, prior to COVID-19, as a result of infrastructure development, enterprise start-ups, and increased awareness of the region as a unique and compelling visitor destination. The New Zealand Government is investing in the region’s long-term vision through a number of key projects, including the National New Energy Development Centre, a major upgrade to the region’s hospital, roading infrastructure enhancements, and the development of the Taranaki Crossing, a significant visitor offering. At a regional level, local government has invested in a contemporary new airport terminal to better service the region’s accessibility.

Source: Venture Taranaki Investment Prospectus

Regional Population
126,400

Regional GDP
$8,885 million

GDP per capita
$70,626

Building Consents
$336m

Average house prices
$630k

Retail spending
2.1B

Tourism
$259 million

Sunshine hours
2,592

Yarrows Bakery
17km

Fonterra Whareroa
7km

Yarrows Bakery
17km

Fonterra Wahreora
7km

South Taranaki is a district steeped in history. From Parihaka Pā – the home of 19th century prophet Te Whiti and symbol of peace and passive resistance across the world – to Turuturu Mōkai – the scene of bloody battles and beheadings – South Taranaki is a history-lover’s heaven. Like a set out of Lord of the Rings, South Taranaki was previously covered in dense forest, with the now extinct Moa, Huia and Takahē roaming the land. Early Māori made the incredible journey by waka from their homeland in the eastern islands of Polynesia, known as Hawaiiki. Turi led his people from the Aotea waka overland from Kāwhia to Pātea, while those in Kurahaupō travelled from their landing place at Ōrākei to Taranaki. When Europeans arrived in Aotearoa, Māori had occupied the coast of South Taranaki for many hundreds of years, clearing land closest to the coast for cultivation and leaving the interior bush largely intact. By this time, a sophisticated Māori culture had developed with fortified villages or pā located throughout the district. Missionaries arrived in early 1840 and the 1860s saw the start of European settlement in South Taranaki.

Early attempts by Europeans to acquire land quickly lead to Māori resolving not to sell any land between Ōkurukuru and Kai Iwi. As Māori resentment to European settlement built up, the Taranaki Wars began, spanning nine years, from 1860. Chief Tītokowaru organised his people to take up arms against the settlement of their land and settlers were harassed until they abandoned the area. In 1865, Governor Grey proclaimed all the land between the Stony River and Waitōtara to be confiscated. While the Wars ended in 1869, Māori resistance was not finished and Parihaka became a rallying point for Māori of many tribes. The followers of Te Whiti and Tohu were hard-working and peaceful, the village provided food for all and the elders kept law and order. In November 1881, troops invaded Parihaka but found no resistance. Te Whiti and Tohu were taken from Parihaka and incarcerated in Addington Jail for an indefinite period, without trial. Fortunately, in early 1883, a report came from Britain criticising the treatment of Māori in the colony and the pair were quickly released. The end of hostilities encouraged Europeans to re-settle in South Taranaki.

Early communities made their living from flax milling, saw milling, trading in cocksfoot grass and an edible fungus known as Taranaki Wool. When sufficient land had been converted to pasture, dairying began to intensify and co-operative dairy factories were established. At Opunake and Patea, wharves were constructed to cope with the growth in trade, although both facilities were later closed down as land transport improved and became more commercial. Opunake opened one of the first co-operative dairy factories in 1885, leading the way to become the district’s biggest industry. During the 1890s, Taranaki’s population grew faster than anywhere else in New Zealand. The first 20 years in the 20th century saw 95 butter and 21 cheese factories change to 26 butter and 116 cheese factories. When milk tanker collections started in 1956, it was to be less than 20 years before the 115 dairy factories dotted around the province closed down in favour of what is now the largest single-site dairy factory in the Southern Hemisphere at Hawera.

Source: South Taranaki Lifestyle Booklet