Ashhurst

Ashhurst is a small town in the Manawatu-Wanganui region of New Zealand's North Island.

Location, features and population

Ashhurst is sited 14 kilometres northeast of the city of Palmerston North and is a small rural town with a population of 2,526 (2006 census). There is a main street (Cambridge Avenue) which once one leaves Ashhurst, turns into Pohangina Road, which leads to the Pohangina Valley.

It also features two Four Square supermarkets, both located on Cambridge Avenue and are across the road from each other. One serves as the local lottery outlet.

The town stands under the Ruahine Ranges, beneath the tallest peak, Wharite, upon which is the television and radio transmitter. Also at the Ashhurst Domain (cnr of Cambridge and the Main Road (SH3), one can view the Ruahine Ranges, the Tararua Ranges and the wind farm.

Ashhurst's importance stems from its location at the western end of the Manawatu Gorge. As such, it is close to the easiest road and rail link between the east and west coasts of the southern North Island.

Ashhurst is the location of Palmerston North's second bridge crossing over the Manawatu.There is an occasional bus which links Palmerston North with Ashhurst.

Parks and Reserves

* Ashhurst Domain - large multipurpose park, also includes a camping ground, a lookout to the wind farms, a cemetery and canine area.
* Durham Street Park
* Deer Park
* Works Pit Park
* Kings Corner Park
* Lincoln Park
* McCraes Bush
* Salisbury Street Children's Play Area
* Post Office Corner Reserve - Known as the Village Green
* Cambridge Avenue Reserve

History

Ashhurst was named for "Lord Henry Ashhurst", who owned land in the immediate area. Māori name for the area is Raukawa, after a native aromatic plant ("Pseudopanax edgerleyi").

Local and Central Government representation

Ashhurst-Fitzherbert Ward

Ashhurst-Fitzherbert Ward is Palmerston North's largest ward, covering the area from James Line to part way through the Manawatu Gorge, to just north of Ashhurst township. Recently Fitzherbert Ward has become amalgamated with Ashhurst Ward.

The Ward is predominantly rural, with most of the population living in Ashhurst, Aokautere and Linton. The area varies from the suburban to the foothills of the Tararua Ranges to the river valleys of the Manawatu and Pohangina Rivers.

The Saddle Road Bridge which crosses this river, has had to be recently replaced, due to the 2004 Floods when a flooded Pohangina River swept the bridge away.Saddle Road is one of 6 access routes to and from Palmerston North.

There is an increasing amount of development in the area especially around Aokautere and Summerhill.

Because of the higher ground on the south bank of the Manawatu, there are spectacular views of the Ruahine Ranges and the northern parts of the city. On a clear day, it is possible to see Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Taranaki.

Central Government

"General"
* Rangitikei (as at 2006) is represented by New Zealand National MP Simon Power.
* Prior to 1996, Ashhurst was part of the Manawatu electorate. However, due to the reformation of the electoral system from FPP to MMP, the electorate of Rangitikei's boundaries were redrawn to include Ashhurst.

"Māori"
* People on the Māori roll in Ashhurst are currently represented by Māori Party co-leader, Tariana Turia, MP for Te Tai Hauāuru

Attractions

* [http://www.ashhurstnz.com/photos_te_apiti_wind_farm.htm#Pictures Te Apiti Wind Farm pictures]

* [http://www.ourregion.co.nz/images/0903/image40_lrg.jpg#Pictures Ashhurst Entrance pictures]

References

*cite book | first=A. W. | last=Reed | title=The Reed Dictionary of New Zealand Place Names | publisher=Reed Books | location=Auckland | year=2002 | id=ISBN 0-7900-0761-4