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94-698: New Plymouth ( Māori : Ngāmotu ) is the major city of the Taranaki region on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand . It is named after the English city of Plymouth , in Devon , from where the first English settlers to New Plymouth migrated. The New Plymouth District , which includes New Plymouth City and several smaller towns, is the 10th largest district (out of 67) in New Zealand, and has

188-474: A Waitangi Tribunal report on the situation in 1996 led to some debate on the matter. In a speech to a group of psychologists, Associate Minister of Māori Affairs Tariana Turia compared the suppression of Taranaki Māori to the Holocaust , provoking a vigorous reaction around New Zealand, with Prime Minister Helen Clark among those voicing criticism. The subnational gross domestic product (GDP) of Taranaki

282-576: A Provincial Council. Each Provincial Council consisted of no less than nine members, elected by men over the age of 21 years, owning freehold estate, living in the district and with a £50 or above income per annum. Since Māori land was owned collectively not on individual title as was required, most Māori could not vote. Superintendents were elected directly at the same time as Provincial Councils. Provinces were able to make laws (ordinances) in all areas, except for: Provincial councils could sit for no more than four years. The Constitution allowed for

376-511: A campaign of passive resistance against government land confiscation, which culminated in a raid by colonial troops on 5 November 1881. The confiscations, subsequently acknowledged by the New Zealand Government as unjust and illegal, began in 1865 and soon included the entire Taranaki district. Towns including Normanby , Hāwera and Carlyle ( Patea ) were established on land confiscated as military settlements. The release of

470-579: A critical care paramedic) and two operational managers during the day. At night, four ambulances are on duty and one rapid response vehicle. Volunteer-crewed first response units are based in Opunake and Urenui. There are 13 police stations in the region, including three in New Plymouth and others are based in the main towns. The Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust provides search, rescue and patient transfer missions when required. The MBB/Kawasaki BK 117

564-543: A family"). The city also won three awards at the 11th International Awards for Liveable Communities held in Dongguan, China, 6–10 November 2008: An 18 km (11 mi) railway link between New Plymouth and Waitara was completed in 1875; this later became the Waitara Branch . The next year, work began on a line south to Stratford , which was reached in 1879, followed by Hāwera in 1881. This line, known as

658-577: A few hundred and to 1,500. Total losses among the imperial, volunteer, and militia troops are estimated to have been 238, while Māori casualties totalled about 200. An uneasy truce was negotiated a year later, only to be broken in April 1863 as tensions over land occupation boiled over again. A total of 5,000 troops fought in the Second Taranaki War against about 1,500 men, women and children. The style of warfare differed markedly from that of

752-718: A governor elected by the General Assembly. Only the latter proposal was rejected by the Parliament of the United Kingdom when it adopted Grey's constitution. The Constitution established: By the Act, the provinces had the authority to pass provincial legislation, although the governor had a reserve power of veto such legislation, and the right of the Crown to disallow provincial Acts within two years of their passage

846-575: A million acres (4,000 km ) of land. The present main highway on the inland side of Mount Taranaki follows the path taken by the colonial forces under Major General Trevor Chute as they marched, with great difficulty, from Patea to New Plymouth in 1866. Armed Māori resistance continued in South Taranaki until early 1869, led by the warrior Tītokowaru , who reclaimed land almost as far south as Wanganui . A decade later, spiritual leader Te Whiti o Rongomai , based at Parihaka , launched

940-526: A new, democratic style of government had to be established to replace the dictatorial Crown Colony system. The New Zealand Company , which was established in 1839, proposed that New Zealand should have representative institutions, and this was consistent with the findings of the Durham Report , which was commissioned during 1838 following the rebellions in Upper and Lower Canada . The first settlement of

1034-536: A partner 20 years later by Dow Chemicals of Michigan . The company ran a factory at Paritutu making the herbicide 2,4,5-T . A 2005 study found that people who lived close to the Ivon Watkins-Dow plant between 1962 and 1987 were likely to have dioxin levels on average four times higher than the general public. In some groups, the level was as much as seven times as high. A Public Health Medicine senior adviser has claimed that based on international findings,

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1128-399: A population of 130,800 as of Statistics New Zealand's June 2024, 2.5 percent of New Zealand's population. It has a population density of 18 people per km . It is the tenth most populous region of New Zealand . Taranaki Region had a population of 126,015 in the 2023 New Zealand census , an increase of 8,454 people (7.2%) since the 2018 census , and an increase of 16,407 people (15.0%) since

1222-558: A population of 90,000 – about two-thirds of the total population of the Taranaki Region and 1.7% of New Zealand's population. This includes New Plymouth City (60,100), Waitara (7,680), Inglewood (3,960), Ōakura (1,720), Ōkato (561) and Urenui (429). The city itself is a service centre for the region's principal economic activities, including intensive pastoral activities (mainly dairy farming ) as well as oil , natural gas and petrochemical exploration and production. It

1316-457: A quorum of five), who were at least 21 years old and British subjects. Legislative Councillors held their seats for life, unless they resigned, or were bankrupted or swore allegiance to a foreign power. The Constitution stated the governor was empowered to grant, refuse and reserve assent to Bills passed by the General Assembly. The governor could also return Bills to the General Assembly with suggested amendments. The Sovereign could instruct

1410-633: A refinery opened in 1913. Production ceased about 1972. The city was one of the original nine towns and cities in New Zealand to be supplied with natural gas when the Kapuni gas field in South Taranaki entered production in 1970. The offshore Maui A well began production of natural gas in the late 1970s, sparking a flourishing energy and petrochemical industry . As Maui A's resources decline, new sites in Taranaki are being developed in an effort to find more commercial petrochemical reserves. Powerco operates

1504-435: A reputation as an events centre, with major festivals (the annual TSB Bank Festival of Lights, Taranaki Powerco Garden Spectacular, WOMAD and the biennial Taranaki Arts Festival), sports fixtures (including international rugby, surfing, cricket and tennis matches, and the annual ITU World Cup Triathlon) and concerts (from Sir Elton John , Jack Johnson , REM , John Farnham and Fleetwood Mac ). With its rich volcanic soil,

1598-433: A result, almost all of the Act was suspended for six years pending the new Act of 1852, the only operative part of the 1846 Act being the creation of New Zealand's first provinces, New Ulster Province and New Munster Province . In the meantime, Grey drafted his own Constitution Act while camping on Mount Ruapehu . Grey's draft established both provincial and central representative assemblies, allowed for Māori districts and

1692-434: A six-weekly cycle. The Policy and Monitoring standing committees have delegated authority from the council to make final decisions on certain matters, and they make recommendations to the council on all others. The four community boards–Clifton, Waitara, Inglewood and Kaitake–as well as the subcommittees and working parties can make recommendations to the standing committees for them to consider. The third standing committee,

1786-686: A trading post at Ngāmotu after arriving on the trading vessel Adventure . Barrett traded with the local Māori and helped negotiate the purchase of land from them on behalf of the New Zealand Company . Settlers were selected by the Plymouth Company, which was set up to attract emigrants from the West Country of England, and which took over land initially purchased by the New Zealand Company. The grid plan for

1880-552: Is 5–6 °C (41–43 °F). The average annual rainfall is 1,432 mm (56.4 in). On 15 August 2011 it snowed in New Plymouth, a rare event which has been described as a once in a generation occurrence. A New Plymouth site was named the sunniest in the country in 2021, recording 2592 sunshine hours. The New Zealand Constitution Act 1852 created the New Plymouth Province , with a Provincial Council given jurisdiction over an area of 400,000ha. Five years later,

1974-442: Is Methanex, also based in Taranaki, who use it as a feedstock to produce methanol for export. Taranaki's natural gas is also used to make urea for use on farms. The head offices of many energy companies are based in the region along with specialist service and supply companies, including freight, logistics, fabrication, technical, professional services and consultancies as well as environmental and health and safety expertise. The region

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2068-459: Is a thermal power station with a steam turbine, commenced operation in 1974 with units progressively decommissioned from 2000 with one left operating in 2008. Companies began searching for oil on the New Plymouth coast in 1865 after small deposits of thick oil were found on the shoreline. The first commercial quantities of oil were obtained in January 1866. Exploration continued sporadically, and

2162-553: Is a 13 km path that forms an expansive sea-edge promenade stretching almost the entire length of the city, from the Bell Block mouth in the east to Port Taranaki in the west. The pathway includes the iconic Te Rewa Rewa Bridge and is ideal for walking, running, cycling or skating, or simply enjoying the view of the dramatic west coast. It has won numerous awards, including the Cycle Friendly Award in 2008 for

2256-528: Is a smaller hospital but offers 24-hour emergency department, inpatient beds, maternity services, outpatients and community services. There are health centres in Waitara , Opunake , Patea , Mokau , Stratford and Urenui . St John Ambulance supplies all ambulance services to Taranaki, with their main station based Waiwhakaiho on the outskirts of New Plymouth. Throughout the region, they have six emergency ambulances, two rapid response vehicles (one crewed by

2350-770: Is also produced at a well complex at Kapuni and a number of smaller land-based oilfields. With the Maui field nearing depletion, new offshore resources have been developed: the Kupe field , 30 km south of Hāwera and the Pohokura gas field , 4.5 km north of Waitara. The way the land mass projects into the Tasman Sea with northerly, westerly and southerly exposures, results in many excellent surfing and windsurfing locations, some of them considered world-class. Taranaki covers 7,254.50 km (2,800.98 sq mi) and has

2444-694: Is also the region's financial centre as the home of the TSB Bank (formerly the Taranaki Savings Bank), the largest of the remaining non-government New Zealand-owned banks. Notable features are the botanic garden (i.e. Pukekura Park ), the critically acclaimed Len Lye Centre and Art Gallery, the 13 km (8.1 mi) New Plymouth Coastal Walkway alongside the Tasman Sea, the Len Lye -designed 45-metre-tall (148 ft) artwork known as

2538-490: Is based at its hangar at Taranaki Base Hospital. Port Taranaki is the home port for HMNZS Endeavour , although the ship is based at the Devonport Naval Base on Auckland's North Shore . Taranaki Taranaki is a region in the west of New Zealand 's North Island . It is named after its main geographical feature, the stratovolcano Mount Taranaki , also known as Mount Egmont. The main centre

2632-592: Is based at its hangar at Taranaki Base Hospital. It serves as a critical service for missions relating to the region's mountain and steep inland hill country and marine areas. Notable sports teams from Taranaki include: Commonwealth gold Bowls, Brian Symes 7s,World, Commonwealth,Olympic gold medalists..Gayle Broughton & Mikalya Blyde. Silver Ferns, Ardean Harper, 39°18′S 174°8′E  /  39.300°S 174.133°E  / -39.300; 174.133 New Zealand Constitution Act 1852 The New Zealand Constitution Act 1852 ( 15 & 16 Vict. c. 72)

2726-783: Is home to the world’s largest milk production facility by annual volume, Fonterra’s Whareroa Plant near Hawera, which produces milk powder, butter, casein whey and cheese. The region also boasts the largest secondary cheese operation in Asia-Pacific as well as a high-tech lactose plant producing pharmaceutical lactose for the global medical industry and a speciality artisan cheese facility. Natural gas from Taranaki’s fields accounts for around 20% of New Zealand’s primary energy supply. It provides heat, energy and hot water supply for over 245,000 New Zealand households as well as more than 10,000 commercial users such as restaurants, hotels, greenhouses and hospitals. The single biggest user of natural gas

2820-557: Is renowned for its world class engineering design and project management skills, which tackles on and off shore fabrication and construction. From 1853 the Taranaki region was governed as the Taranaki Province (initially known as the New Plymouth Province) until the abolition of New Zealand provinces in 1876. The leading office was that of the superintendent. The following is a list of superintendents of

2914-447: Is staffed by two crews (8 firefighters) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and responds, not only to the city, but to surrounding areas if needed. New Plymouth West Volunteer Fire Brigade is based west of the city in the suburb of Spotswood. The volunteer station houses a single appliance, but is close to Port Taranaki and LPG/Gas tanks. The brigade supports New Plymouth and surrounding satellite towns. Police stations are scattered throughout

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3008-543: Is the city of New Plymouth . The New Plymouth District is home to more than 65 per cent of the population of Taranaki. New Plymouth is in North Taranaki along with Inglewood and Waitara . South Taranaki towns include Hāwera , Manaia , Stratford , Eltham , and Ōpunake . Since 2005, Taranaki has used the promotional brand "Like no other". Taranaki is on the west coast of the North Island, surrounding

3102-574: The Wind Wand , Paritutu Rock, and views of Mount Taranaki . New Plymouth was awarded the most liveable city (for a population between 75,000–150,000) by the International Awards for Liveable Communities in 2021. In 2023, New Plymouth was awarded New Zealand's most beautiful small city by Keep New Zealand Beautiful. It also won multiple awards in 2008. The city was in 2010 chosen as one of two walking & cycling "Model Communities" by

3196-593: The 2006 census . There were 22,269 households. There were 27,870 males and 29,346 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.95 males per female. The median age was 40.8 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 11,220 people (19.6%) aged under 15 years, 9,831 (17.2%) aged 15 to 29, 25,251 (44.1%) aged 30 to 64, and 10,917 (19.1%) aged 65 or older. Ethnicities were 84.9% European/Pākehā, 15.9% Māori, 2.4% Pacific peoples, 6.6% Asian, and 2.2% other ethnicities (totals add to more than 100% since people could identify with multiple ethnicities). The proportion of people born overseas

3290-736: The 2013 census . There were 62,184 males, 63,405 females and 429 people of other genders in 48,606 dwellings. 2.6% of people identified as LGBTIQ+ . The median age was 40.4 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 25,428 people (20.2%) aged under 15 years, 20,625 (16.4%) aged 15 to 29, 55,932 (44.4%) aged 30 to 64, and 24,033 (19.1%) aged 65 or older. People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 83.6% European ( Pākehā ); 21.8% Māori ; 2.6% Pasifika ; 5.7% Asian ; 0.8% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.7% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English

3384-494: The First Taranaki War . From west to east New Plymouth has an oceanic climate that could be described as a moist, temperate climate. The average summer afternoon temperature is 21–22 °C (70–72 °F); the average summer night-time temperature is 12–13 °C (54–55 °F). The city experiences mild winters, where the average afternoon temperature is 13–14 °C (55–57 °F) and night-time temperature

3478-823: The King Movement . Tension over land ownership continued to mount, leading to the outbreak of war at Waitara in March 1860. Although the pressure for the sale of the Waitara block resulted from the colonists' hunger for land in Taranaki, the greater issue fuelling the conflict was the Government's desire to impose British administration, law and civilisation on the Māori. The war was fought by more than 3,500 imperial troops brought in from Australia as well as volunteer soldiers and militia against Māori forces that fluctuated from

3572-702: The Legislative Council so that the New Zealand General Assembly, now Parliament, became a unicameral (single-chamber) legislature. This amendment gave the New Zealand Parliament the power to pass laws of extraterritorial effect. The Act was repealed by section 28 of the Constitution Act 1986 in New Zealand. By the time of its repeal, only 18 of the Act's original 82 sections remained, of which

3666-501: The Local Government Amendment Act (No 3) 1988 . The council's headquarters were established in the central location of Stratford to "provide a good compromise in respect of overcoming traditional south vs north Taranaki community of interest conflicts" (Taranaki Regional Council, 2001 p. 6). Chairs Taranaki's landscape and the mountain's supposed resemblance to Mount Fuji led it to be selected as

3760-640: The Marton - New Plymouth Line , was completed on 23 March 1885, and when the Wellington - Manawatu Line of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company was opened on 3 November 1886, a direct railway link was established to Wellington. The original routing through the centre of the town was replaced in 1907 by an alignment along the foreshore, which remains today. The New Plymouth Express passenger train began operating on this route in December 1886. In 1926, it

3854-500: The 1820s and 1830s, whalers targeted Southern right whales in the South Taranaki Bight . In March 1828 Richard "Dicky" Barrett (1807–47) set up a trading post at Ngamotu (present-day New Plymouth ). Barrett and his companions, who were armed with muskets and cannon, were welcomed by the Āti Awa tribe for assisting in their continuing wars with Waikato Māori. Following a bloody encounter at Ngamotu in 1832, most of

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3948-417: The 1860–61 conflict as the army systematically took possession of Māori land by driving off the inhabitants, adopting a " scorched earth " strategy of laying waste to the villages and cultivations of Māori, whether warlike or otherwise. As the troops advanced, the Government built an expanding line of redoubts, behind which settlers built homes and developed farms. The effect was a creeping confiscation of almost

4042-559: The 2000 Āti Awa living near Ngamotu, as well as Barrett, migrated south to the Kāpiti region and Marlborough . In late 1839 Barrett returned to Taranaki to act as a purchasing agent for the New Zealand Company , which had already begun on-selling the land to prospective settlers in England with the expectation of securing its title. Barrett claimed to have negotiated the purchase of an area extending from Mokau to Cape Egmont , and inland to

4136-632: The Act. This power was limited by the Balfour Declaration of 1926 , in that they were to be exercised only on the advice of New Zealand ministers. The powers were not continued by the 1986 Constitution Act. The powers of the Assembly were given in the Colonial Laws Validity Act 1865 , which stated that colonial legislatures had full powers to make laws respecting their own constitution, powers, and procedure. The Act

4230-669: The Auckland service was truncated to terminate in Taumarunui from 1971; and the Wellington service was cancelled on 30 July 1977. On 11 February 1978, the Taumarunui railcar was replaced by a passenger train, but it was ultimately cancelled on 21 January 1983. Since this date, the only passenger trains to operate to New Plymouth have been infrequent excursions operated by railway preservation societies. The breakwater at Ngamotu

4324-697: The Constitution Act, where Māori law and custom were to be preserved, but this section was never implemented by the Crown. It was, however, used by the Kingitanga to justify claims of Māori self-governance during the 1870s and 1880s. A General Assembly was constituted, consisting of the governor, the Legislative Council, and the House of Representatives. The Legislative Council was an appointed body of no less than ten councillors (with

4418-587: The General Assembly was held between 14 July and 1 October in 1853. The Parliament under the Act met in Auckland , at the time the capital , in May 1854. This session was concerned primarily with the issue of responsible government , or the ability of the Colonial parliament instead of the governor to appoint its own ministers. Prior to the Act, the executive council consisted of Crown servants who were responsible to

4512-685: The Hearings Commission, is a quasi-judicial body that meets whenever a formal hearing is required–for instance, to hear submissions on a publicly notified resource consent application. The Chief Executive and approximately 460 full-time equivalent staff provide advice and information to the elected members and the public, implement council decisions and manage the district's day-to-day operations. This includes everything from maintaining more than 280 parks and reserves, waste water management and issuing consents and permits, through to providing libraries and other recreational services and ensuring

4606-518: The Parliament of the United Kingdom was the ability of the former imperial legislature to legislate for New Zealand at the New Zealand Parliament's consent. This occurred only once, for the New Zealand Constitution Amendment Act 1947 which adopted the New Zealand Parliament's New Zealand Constitution Amendment (Request and Consent) Act 1947 . This amendment repealed the sections of the Constitution Act relating to

4700-752: The Province of Taranaki during this time: The Taranaki Regional Council was formed as part of major nationwide local government reforms in November 1989, for the purpose of integrated catchment management . The regional council was the successor to the Taranaki Catchment Board, the Taranaki United Council, the Taranaki Harbours Board, and 16 small special-purpose local bodies that were abolished under

4794-512: The best New Zealand cycle facility. Centre City Shopping Centre is the only shopping mall in New Plymouth. It contains over 65 shops and services. New Plymouth won the award for the most liveable city (for a population between 75,000–150,000) by the International Awards for Liveable Communities in 2021. New Plymouth won the Top Town award from North and South Magazine in 2008 (judged "the best place in New Zealand to live, love, work and raise

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4888-423: The census question. Of those at least 15 years old, 12,777 (12.7%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 56,931 (56.6%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 26,370 (26.2%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $ 38,400, compared with $ 41,500 nationally. 9,930 people (9.9%) earned over $ 100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15

4982-426: The central North Island but fled to its current location after a battle with Tongariro. A near-perfect cone, it last erupted in the mid-18th century. The mountain and its immediate surrounds form Egmont National Park . Historically, the area consisted of a narrow coastal plain covered by bracken , tutu , rewarewa and karaka trees, with anywhere not close to the coast covered in dense forest. Māori had called

5076-605: The city is well known for its gardens. Chief among them are the 52 ha Pukekura Park in the centre of the city (named a Garden of National Significance), and Pukeiti , a rhododendron garden of international significance high on the Pouakai Range . Pukekura Park is also the home of the TSB Bank Festival of Lights , which runs for free every year from mid-December to early February. It has daytime and night-time programmes of events for people of all ages, and

5170-462: The city, with the main base at a modern police station on Powderham Street. Other suburban stations are located in Fitzroy, Westown and Bell Block. St John Ambulance supplies all ambulance services to Taranaki, with their main station based at Taranaki Base Hospital. The Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust provides search, rescue and patient transfer missions when required. The MBB/Kawasaki BK 117

5264-434: The company, Wellington, briefly had its own elected council during 1840, which dissolved itself on the instruction of Lieutenant Governor William Hobson . The first New Zealand Constitution Act was passed in 1846, though Governor George Grey was opposed to its implementation, specifically the proposed division of the country into European and Māori districts, and stated that settlers were not ready for self-government. As

5358-412: The creation of municipal corporations , i.e., city governments. Municipal corporations could create their own regulations and by-laws but could be overruled by the provincial council in the province the corporation was established in. The Constitution did not define how the municipal corporations would be elected, but left it to the General Assembly to determine. "Māori districts" were allowed for under

5452-515: The creation of the Colony of New Zealand . The Constitution Act repealed all enactments that were repugnant to the Constitution Act but preserved all ordinances of the then established provinces of New Zealand. Sections 2 to 28 dealt with the Provinces of New Zealand, setting out their establishment, composition, elections, powers and procedures. Each province was to have a Superintendent and

5546-451: The district's eateries meet health standards. New Plymouth District Council's annual operating revenue for 2008/2009 is more than $ 188 million. The current mayor of New Plymouth is Neil Holdom. New Plymouth's City Ward, which covers 111.33 km (42.98 sq mi), had a population of 57,219 at the 2018 New Zealand census , an increase of 4,347 people (8.2%) since the 2013 census , and an increase of 7,824 people (15.8%) since

5640-504: The dullest hole in the colony ... nothing whatever to do there... I find a great liking for this 'slow, old hole' ... it is a quiet, unassuming place and has not done so much to attract immigrants and settlers by exaggerating reports, as some districts have done." The Fitzroy Town District was merged with New Plymouth borough in August 1911; Vogeltown, Frankleigh Park and Westown were added a year later, followed by St Aubyn-Moturoa. By 1913,

5734-643: The festival itself transforms the park into an illuminated wonderland every evening. Next to the foreshore in the central city is Puke Ariki – the world's first purpose-built, fully integrated museum, library and information centre. Nearby is the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery , a contemporary art museum. It includes the Len Lye Centre , a purpose-built extension to the museum that houses the collection of filmmaker and kinetic artist Len Lye , which opened in 2015. The Coastal Walkway

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5828-504: The government. Based on New Plymouth's already positive attitude towards cyclists and pedestrians, the city received $ 3.71m to invest into infrastructure and community programmes to boost walking and cycling. The area where New Plymouth was founded had for centuries been the home for several Māori iwi (tribes). From about 1823, the Māori began having contact with European whalers as well as traders who arrived by schooner to buy flax . In 1828 Richard "Dicky" Barrett (1807–47) set up

5922-514: The governor to refuse assent to Bills. The governor was required to send Bills assented to one of the Sovereign's principal Secretaries of State. The Sovereign could then, by Order in Council, refuse assent to Bills. If the governor reserved assent to a Bill, it could only be assented to by the Sovereign. The Constitution provided for the Crown to control the sale of "wastelands", land that

6016-412: The governor. A motion was passed almost unanimously affirming the ability of Parliament to appoint its own executive council members. Three members of the Assembly (and later one from the Legislative Council) were added to the executive council as ministers without portfolio under the leadership of James FitzGerald . The unofficial members soon resigned. After fresh elections the 2nd Parliament met, and

6110-410: The land (subject to existing purchase agreements), and protected the Otago Association from being directly regulated by the General Assembly. Like the Canterbury Association, the Otago Association was also given the power to hand its powers over the new provincial council (eventually the Otago Province ). The first provincial elections were held during 1853. The 1853 New Zealand general election for

6204-401: The largest volume of dairy ingredients from a single factory anywhere in the world. There are also oil and gas deposits in the region, both on- and off-shore. The Maui gas field off the south-west coast has provided most of New Zealand's gas supply and once supported two methanol plants, (one formerly a synthetic-petrol plant called the Gas-To-Gasoline plant) at Motunui . Fuel and fertiliser

6298-425: The legislation establishing the Canterbury Association. The Canterbury Association was given the ability to hand its powers over the new provincial council, once established (eventually the Canterbury Province ). The Canterbury Association did so in 1853. Because the land for settlement of Otago had originally been purchased by the New Zealand Company, the Constitution both restated the Crown's ability to dispose of

6392-463: The local electricity and natural gas distribution networks in the city. Electricity is supplied from Transpower 's national grid at two substations: Carrington Street (Brooklands) and Huirangi. Natural gas is supplied from First Gas 's transmission system at a gate station in Bell Block. Among the city's major industrial companies was Ivon Watkins-Dow, an agricultural chemicals company founded in 1944 by brothers Ivon, Harry and Dan Watkins and joined as

6486-617: The location for The Last Samurai , a motion picture set in 19th-century Japan. The movie starred Tom Cruise . Taranaki has 20 fire stations scattered throughout the region. It includes one career (full time) brigade based at New Plymouth Central Fire Station and is staffed by two crews (8 firefighters) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and responds, not only to the city, but to surrounding volunteer brigades in satellite towns if needed. New Plymouth has four fire appliances, including an aerial appliance and pump rescue truck, and three specialist vehicles. There are 17 volunteer and two rural brigades in

6580-499: The mountain Taranaki for many centuries, and Captain James Cook gave it the English name of Egmont after the Earl of Egmont , the recently retired First Lord of the Admiralty who had encouraged his expedition. The mountain has two alternative official names, "Mount Taranaki" and "Mount Egmont". The region is exceptionally fertile thanks to generous rainfall and rich volcanic soil. Dairy farming predominates, with Fonterra 's Whareroa milk factory just outside of Hāwera producing

6674-443: The name of the province changed to Taranaki Province . The province was abolished in 1876. A Town Board was formed in 1863 and in August 1876, the town was constituted as a borough. Its new status did little to overcome some outside perceptions, however. In 1876, author E. W. Payton wrote that "all the great bustling 'cities' of the colony had a patronising way of trying to snub New Plymouth, referring to it in such derogatory terms as

6768-436: The new governor, Sir Thomas Gore Browne , asked Henry Sewell to form the first responsible ministry. However, the General Assembly did not have total control of the executive. The governor retained reserve powers to disallow legislation and there was the authority of the Crown to disallow legislation even after the governor had given his assent. These powers of reservation and disallowance were prerogative powers included in

6862-509: The provisions of the Constitution Act except provisions such as the establishment of the General Assembly itself and the extent of its legislative powers. This amendment abolished the Provinces of New Zealand ; In 1947, New Zealand adopted the Statute of Westminster 1931 with the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act 1947 . The only remaining provision of the Constitution Act relating to

6956-623: The racecourse in 1920 and commercial flights began using the airport at Bell Block in June 1937. During World War II, this grass airfield became RNZAF Bell Block ; and was replaced in 1966 by the current tarmac airport , 3 km (1.9 mi) NE of the old airport site. New Plymouth has two fire stations in the city, with the central station a block away from the CBD. The station houses four fire appliances, including an aerial appliance, along with three specialist vehicles. New Plymouth Central Fire Station

7050-461: The region. Taranaki Base Hospital in New Plymouth is the region's largest hospital. It has a 24-hour emergency department, wards for older people's health, rehabilitation, children and young people/pediatrics, general surgery and urology, orthopedics and surgical specialties, general medicine and maternity and provides community services. It's currently undergoing a multi-million dollar development to expand its services. Hawera Hospital, one hour south,

7144-476: The region’s GDP in 2019. Taranaki has had the highest GDP per capita from 2007 onward except in 2017 when Wellington was higher. In the 2019–20 season, there were 468,000 milking cows in Taranaki, 9.5% of the country's total herd. The cows produced 185,320 tonnes of milk solids, worth $ 1,334 million at the national average farmgate price ($ 7.20 per kg). The Dairy Farming industry is the largest employer in Taranaki, comprising 5 per cent of all employees. The region

7238-527: The residents' exposure to dioxin may cause increased rates of disease, in particular cancer. In March 2007, the Ministry of Health announced it would offer a major health support programme to anyone affected. In April 2008, the Ministry clarified that the programme's main feature would be a free annual medical check up for those who had lived, worked or studied close to the factory. New Plymouth District has

7332-606: The town had a population of 7538. Seafront land was added in 1931 and 1941; land acquired on Omata Rd was added in 1955 and in 1960, large areas including land to the south of Paritutu, as well as Hurdon, Ferndale and Huatoki were included, as well as land straddling Mangorei Rd between the Henui Stream and Waiwakaiho River. New Plymouth was declared a city in 1949. In 1989, as a part of the New Zealand-wide reorganisation of local government, New Plymouth City Council

7426-505: The town's streets was laid out by surveyor Frederic Carrington . The first of the town's settlers arrived on the William Bryan , which anchored off the coast on 31 March 1841. A series of disputes over ownership and settlement of land developed between Māori and settlers soon after and New Plymouth became a fortified garrison town in 1860–1861 as more than 3500 Imperial soldiers, as well as local volunteers and militia, fought Māori in

7520-560: The upper reaches of the Whanganui River including Mt Taranaki . A later deed of sale included New Plymouth and all the coastal lands of North Taranaki, including Waitara . European settlement at New Plymouth began with the arrival of the William Bryan in March 1841. European expansion beyond New Plymouth, however, was prevented by Māori opposition to selling their land, a sentiment that deepened as links strengthened with

7614-491: The volcanic peak of Mount Taranaki. The region covers an area of 7258 km . Its large bays north-west and south-west of Cape Egmont are North Taranaki Bight and South Taranaki Bight . Mount Taranaki is the second highest mountain in the North Island, and the dominant geographical feature of the region. A Māori legend says that Mount Taranaki previously lived with the Tongariro , Ngāuruhoe and Ruapehu mountains of

7708-480: Was 18.1%, compared with 27.1% nationally. Although some people objected to giving their religion, 50.7% had no religion, 37.3% were Christian, 1.1% were Hindu, 0.7% were Muslim, 0.6% were Buddhist and 2.4% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 8,880 (19.3%) people had a bachelor or higher degree, and 8,919 (19.4%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $ 30,500, compared with $ 31,800 nationally. The employment status of those at least 15

7802-472: Was amended several occasions, beginning in 1857. The New Zealand Parliament did not have the ability to amend all parts of the Act until 1947. A number of important amendments were made to the Act by the New Zealand Parliament. The first amendment to the Act was made by the British Parliament during 1857. This amendment granted the New Zealand General Assembly the ability to amend or repeal all of

7896-577: Was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that granted self-government to the Colony of New Zealand . It was the second such Act, the previous 1846 Act not having been fully implemented. The purpose of the Act was to have constitutional independence from Britain. The definition of franchise or the ability to vote excluded all women, most Māori , all non-British people and those with convictions for serious offences. The Act remained in force as part of New Zealand's constitution until it

7990-887: Was augmented by the Taranaki Flyer for the run between New Plymouth and Wanganui, A direct railway route to Auckland was not established until 1932, when the Stratford–Okahukura Line was completed; the next year, when the line was handed over from the Public Works Department to the New Zealand Railways Department , the New Plymouth Night Express began operating to Auckland. All carriage trains were replaced by RM class Standard and 88 seater railcars by 1956. The Wanganui service ceased in 1959;

8084-525: Was completed in 1883, providing safe berthage for vessels, and the Moturoa wharf was completed in 1888. Port Taranaki is a critical transport link for the region and the only deep water port on the west coast of New Zealand. In 1916, the city's electric tramway system began, and petrol-powered buses began running four years later. The tramway system was closed in 1954. It was replaced by trolley buses, which operated until 1967. The first aircraft landed at

8178-415: Was estimated at NZ$ 9.51 billion in the year to March 2020, 2.94% of New Zealand's national GDP. The regional GDP per capita was estimated at $ 76,715 in the same period, the highest in New Zealand. Taranaki’s economy is centred around dairy farming , hydrocarbon exploration , and manufacturing (including agricultural and energy based manufacturing) with these industries making up approximately 40 percent of

8272-519: Was merged with Taranaki District Council (Taranaki County Council and Waitara Borough merged in 1986), Inglewood District Council (Inglewood Borough and County merged in 1986), and Clifton County Council to form New Plymouth District Council. Every three years, the mayor, 14 councillors and 16 community board members are elected by the New Plymouth District's enrolled voters. The full council, sub-committees and standing committees meet on

8366-535: Was preserved. Parliament was granted the power to make laws for the " peace, order, and good government of New Zealand" provided such legislation was not inconsistent with the laws of England. The Constitution Act consisted of 82 sections as passed, a preamble and one schedule. The Constitution Act's preamble recounts the previous enactments (including the New Zealand Constitution Act 1846), charters and letters patent passed and issued in

8460-537: Was previously purchased (or claimed to be purchased) by the New Zealand Company from Māori for the Company's colonisation schemes. The British government had lent £236,000 to the Company in 1846 to keep the company solvent. As a result, the Constitution provided for a quarter of the proceeds of land sales would go to the New Zealand Company until the debt was paid off. The Constitution specifically did not affect

8554-471: Was repealed by the Constitution Act 1986 . The long title of the Act was "An Act to Grant a Representative Constitution to the Colony of New Zealand". The Act received royal assent on 30 June 1852. In 1850, New Zealand was being governed as a Crown Colony . This style of government was increasingly inadequate in light of changing circumstances. The rapid demographic changes as new immigrants arrived meant

8648-773: Was spoken by 97.4%, Māori language by 4.5%, Samoan by 0.4% and other languages by 6.7%. No language could be spoken by 2.0% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.5%. The percentage of people born overseas was 14.9, compared with 28.8% nationally. The region has had a strong Māori presence for centuries. The local iwi ( tribes ) include Ngāti Mutunga , Ngāti Maru , Ngāti Ruanui , Taranaki , Te Āti Awa , Ngā Rauru , Ngāruahinerangi and Ngāti Tama . Religious affiliations were 30.9% Christian , 0.9% Hindu , 0.5% Islam , 0.9% Māori religious beliefs , 0.4% Buddhist , 0.5% New Age , 0.1% Jewish , and 1.1% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 56.3%, and 8.6% of people did not answer

8742-606: Was that 21,486 (46.7%) people were employed full-time, 7,098 (15.4%) were part-time, and 1,755 (3.8%) were unemployed. Electric power was first provided in January 1906 from the Mangorei power station alongside the Waiwhakaiho River near Burgess Park. In the 1960s, the New Plymouth Power Station was initially designed to run on coal but constructed to be fuelled by natural gas or fuel oil. This

8836-513: Was that 48,906 (48.6%) people were employed full-time, 14,724 (14.6%) were part-time, and 2,634 (2.6%) were unemployed. Just under half the residents live in New Plymouth , with Hāwera being the next most populous town in the region. The area became home to a number of Māori tribes from the 13th century. From about 1823 the Māori began having contact with European whalers as well as traders who arrived by schooner to buy flax . Around

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