Alex Walker

Mayor

Mayors Message

Welcome to Central Hawke's Bay. A visit to our district which extends from just north of Norsewood in the South, to the top of the Te Aute Hill in the North, from the Ruahine Ranges in the West to to the Pacific Ocean in the East would require more than just a day trip.

Our population is 13500 and the two main towns are Waipukurau (4000 pop.) the main service town for our large farming area and Waipawa (2000 pop.) which is becoming a destination town similar to Tirau and Greytown. State Highways 2 and 50 span the length of the Council and along side these are the Villages of Takapau, Ongaonga, Tikokino and Otane, all worth a visit, all have cafes and their own "personality".

Among the walking tracks and huts in the Ruahines the most famous is Sunrise Track. An easy three hour walk takes you to the twenty bed hut. First in first served basis.

Our coast has seven fabulous beaches, Kairakau, Mangakuri, Pourerere, Aramoana, Blackhead, Porangahau and Whangaehu. They all have ocean type sandy beaches, safe for swimming, reefs for diving and channels or places for launching boats.

Our "jewel in the crown" is our Heated Pool, Gym complex situated by Russell Park in Waipukurau. Our new cycle trails start from here and at the present time funds are being raised for All Weather Turfs, Splash Pads and Skate Park. Next door to Russell Park are the Show Grounds, Rugby Park and Tennis and Squash Courts. C.H.B. also boasts five Golf Courses, an Aerodrome, a Cricket Ground, a Race Course, a Polo Ground and a Gun Club.

Between these two main towns flow the Tuki Tuki and Waipawa Rivers, world renowned for fly fishing.

By now you will have realised even a weekend would not be long enough to take in all C.H.B. has to offer. There are plenty of Motels, Camping grounds (with cabins) and homestays.

Come, Stay, Enjoy.

• +64 27 860 7752
• alex.walker@chbdc.govt.nz

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