Waipawa

Waipawa is the second largest city in the district of Central Hawke's Bay district in the east of the North Island of New Zealand. The place is the oldest European settlement in the country of New Zealand. At the 2001 census the town had 1,872 inhabitants, a decrease of 2 % since 1996.

The municipality is located 7 km north-east of Waipukurau and 46 km south-west of Hastings on the north bank of the Waipawa River, a tributary of the River Tukituki.

The place was initially named after Frederick Abbott, who received 9,600 acres of land here, on which he wanted to keep 2,000 sheep, 20 cattle and 2 horses. Since he was always the Waipawa River crossed on his way south at a place called these Wade Abbott's Ford From 25 February 1860, he auctioned his land to settlers and a church was built Abbottsford. This originally only a few houses. There was soon a church, courthouse, four hotels, two pubs, two shops, a blacksmith and other small businesses. Also, the Census Bureau, the district had its headquarters here Later, the place was named for the place of Māori " Waipawa " ( Dark Water ). The early 1900s was the Waipawa Municipal Theatre still in use built.

In the village is the main office of the District Council. He also has a primary school, a library and a campsite.

Main employers are three carriers and a packaging operation by Mr Apple Waipawa, where in season 2.2 million boxes of apples are packed for export.

Some houses from the 1860s still exist. A small museum dedicated to the history of settlers located on the main road.