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NEW PLYMOUTH IN THE TARANAKI DISTRICT OF NEW ZEALAND
Located
on the North Island's west coast, New Plymouth District
has a population of almost 70,000 - nearly two thirds
of the total population of the Taranaki region. It is
situated midway between the major metropolitan centres
of Auckland and Wellington and only a four and a half
hour drive along scenic highways from either of these
- or 50 minutes by air.
New Plymouth is surrounded by a spectacularly beautiful
environment from its stunning coastline offering some
of the best surfing conditions in the country, and a
marine park conservation area, to impressive Mount Taranaki
and the Egmont National Park which is a mecca for trampers
and climbers. The area's climate is ideal for the parks,
reserves and gardens which have become a highlight of
the district and a drawcard for visitors.
The diverse local economy includes agriculture with
a strong dairying emphasis as well as aquaculture, floraculture,
horticulture and forestry. Also very important are petrochemicals
and energy, heavy engineering, manufacturing, education,
leisure and recreation. Tourism has had an increasingly
international profile because of the impressive range
of natural attractions close by.
The energy sector is particularly important and the
New Plymouth District provides the base for New Zealand's
major oil, gas and petrochemical industries which in
turn provides a solid commercial and employment base
for the region. Overseas investment has been encouraged
and has created a flourishing energy industry and associated
businesses
.Frequent direct flights operate out of the modern New
Plymouth Airport to the major international gateways
of Auckland, Wellington and other cities. There are
also connections to east coast centres and the South
Island. Air New Zealand is the major airline operating
through Taranaki and uses New Plymouth Airport as its
service base for its North Island operations, flying
33-seater Saab aircraft.New Plymouth has the only deepwater
port on New Zealand's west coast. Port Taranaki is one
of the country's largest ports on a cargo tonnage basis
with more than five million tonnes of trade each year.
Maori Legend
Maori history recalls how Te Maunga o Taranaki (Mount
Taranaki) once lived in the centre of New Zealand's
North Island with other mountain gods, Tongariro, Ruapehu
and Ngauruhoe. Nearby stood the lovely maid Pihanga,
with her cloak of deep green bush and all the mountain
gods were in love with her. What had been a long, peaceful
existence for the mountain gods was disturbed when Taranaki
could no longer keep his feelings in control and dared
to make advances to Pihanga. A mighty conflict between
Tongariro and Taranaki ensued, which shook the foundations
of the earth. The mountains belched forth their anger
and darkness clouded the sky. When peace finally came
to the land, Tongariro, considerably lowered in height,
stood close by Pihanga's side. Taranaki, wild with grief
and anger tore himself from his roots with a mighty
wrench and left his homeland. Weeping, he plunged recklessly
towards the setting sun, gouging out the Wanganui River
as he went, and upon reaching the ocean, turned north.
While he slumbered overnight, the Pouakai Ranges thrust
out a spur and trapped Taranaki in the place he now
rests.
Today, the majestic mountain, known as either Mount
Egmont or Taranaki, surrounded by lush, green countryside,
blue sea and skies, protects the fertile region of Taranaki.
It also provides unique recreational and educational
opportunities for the region's residents and visitors.
Dominating our weather and everyday life with its ever
changing moods, the mountain provides excellent climbing
(with care and planning), skiing, tramping and photography.
The mountain is the source of over 50 rivers and streams
and is a botanically unique area containing a wide variety
of vegetation from sub-tropical semi-coastal forests
in the Kaitake Ranges through to sub-alpine herb fields
at 1800 metres on the main cone. Many bird species can
also be found in the forests surrounding the mountain.
Volcanic activity began in Taranaki some 1.7 million
years ago. Mount Taranaki (2518m) and Fanthams Peak
(1692m) comprise the volcano, the youngest of four Taranaki
volcanic centres. Paritutu and Sugar Loaf Islands/Nga
Motu are spine of lava pushed up from a volcano and
have been dated to 1.75 million years. The Kaitake Range
was the next volcano to form and volcanic activity began
500,000 years ago. The Pouakai Range volcanic activity
began about 250,000 years ago and 120,000 years ago,
the volcano was formed and is where nearly all volcanic
activity in Taranaki has occurred since. The last evidence
of volcanic activity on the mountain occurred around
1755AD, some 230 years ago.
Maori history predicts that one day Taranaki will return
to Pihanga and that it is unwise to live along the path
between the two mountains. When covered with a veil
of mist and rain, Taranaki is said to be weeping for
his lost Pihanga. But for now the mountain stands amid
its own cloak of deep green bush, a majestic icon for
the region. Already well known for its unpredictability,
Mount Egmont/Taranaki may some day provide a spectacular
challenge.
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