About Hamilton

Vibrant, diverse, green and thriving, Hamilton is one of New Zealand's fastest growing cities. Situated in the North Island, in the heart of the Waikato region. Hamilton is at the centre of one of the richest agricultural and pastoral areas in the world. Combining all the opportunities of a bustling and vibrant city with a relaxed, easy lifestyle, Hamilton provides a great environment in which to live, work and play.

Hamilton's climate and geography

• The largest inland city in New Zealand
• A land area of 98.6 km² (New Zealand's smallest city in terms of land area)
• Mean temperatures of 18.3° Celsius in January and 8.7° Celsius in July
• The Waikato River flows for 16.5 km through the city
• Home to one of the richest agricultural and pastoral areas in the world.

Hamilton's history

• Maori from the Tainui waka were the first recorded settlers in the Hamilton area
• The Maori name for Hamilton is Kirikiriroa
• Formal European settlement was established on 24 August 1864
• The borough of Hamilton was established on 27 October 1877
• Hamilton became a city on 13 December 1945
• By 2001 Hamilton's population had exceeded 120,000 people.

Hamilton's people

• Largest inland city, fourth largest urban area and seventh largest city
• Council projects that the city's population will increase from 131,400 in 2005 to over 159,000 by 2016
• Youthful population, with nearly half under 30 years of age
• Annual population increase of around 1.6 per cent (2004 to 2005 estimated population change).

Hamilton's economy

• New Zealand's highest export region, accounting on average for around 19 per cent of the country's total exports
• Key business clusters include ag-biotech, light aviation, transport logistics, light engineering, science and research and education
• 10,693 businesses were located within Hamilton as at February 2005
• Hamilton is now regarded by exporters as New Zealand's 'inland port' and a major transportation, storage and distribution centre
• Approximately 40,750 students were enrolled at major Hamilton tertiary education institutions in 2005
• Hamilton is central to a number of key attractions and events, e.g., the National Agricultural Fieldays (the biggest agricultural trade show in the southern hemisphere – over 1000 exhibitors, and 116,000 attendees in 2006, worth $290 million nationally, and $57 million to the Waikato economy). Hamilton has secured the rights to host the sole New Zealand round of the Australian V8 Supercars Street Race series (subject to Council obtaining a resource consent).

Hamilton's lifestyle

• The Waikato River provides a major focus for recreational pursuits, including water-based sports and walking and running on the city's extensive riverside walkways
• The south end of the central business district is home to a large number of diverse cafés, bars and restaurants
• Health needs are catered for with a wide range of high-quality private and public services, ranging from primary to highly specialised tertiary hospital services
• The city has a 26,350 capacity stadium (Waikato Stadium) and numerous parks and high quality venues for sports such as athletics, bowls, rugby, league, touch rugby, soccer, cycling, badminton, swimming, cricket, shooting, tennis and ten-pin bowling.