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Tauranga is the most populous city in the Bay of
Plenty region, in the North Island of New Zealand.
It was settled by Europeans in the early 19th
century and was constituted as a city in 1963.
Tauranga City is the centre of the sixth largest
urban area in New Zealand, with an urban population
of 120,000 (June 2010 estimate).
The city lies in the north-western corner of the Bay
of Plenty, on the south-eastern edge of Tauranga
Harbour. The city expands over an area of 168 square
kilometres (65 sq mi), and encompasses the
communities of Bethlehem, on the south-western
outskirts of the city; Greerton, on the southern
outskirts of the city; Matua, west of the central
city overlooking Tauranga Harbour; Maungatapu; Mount
Maunganui, located north of the central city across
the harbour facing the Bay of Plenty; Otumoetai;
Papamoa, Tauranga's largest suburb, located on the
Bay of Plenty; Tauranga City; Tauranga South; and
Welcome Bay.
Tauranga is one of New Zealand's main centres for
business, international trade, culture, fashion and
horticultural science. The Port of Tauranga is New
Zealand's largest port in terms of gross export
tonnage.
Tauranga is one of New Zealand's fastest growing
cities, with a 14 percent increase in population
between the 2001 census and the 2006 census.
Geography
Tauranga is located around a large harbour that
extends along the western Bay of Plenty, and is
protected by Matakana Island and the extinct volcano
of Mauao.
Situated along a faultline, Tauranga and the Bay of
Plenty experience infrequent seismic activity, and
there are a few volcanoes around the area (mainly
dormant). The most notable of these are White Island
and Mauao (Mount Maunganui), nicknamed "The Mount"
by locals.
Tauranga is roughly the antipodal point of Jaen,
Spain.
Population
Tauranga surpassed Dunedin in 2008 as sixth largest
city in New Zealand by urban area, and ninth largest
city by Territorial Authority area. The city was
growing at a rate of 1.5% in 2008.
In 1976, Tauranga was a medium-sized urban area,
with a population of around 48,000, smaller than
Napier or Invercargill. The completion of a harbour
bridge in 1988 brought Tauranga and The Mount closer
(they amalgamated in 1989) and promoted growth in
both parts of the enlarged city. In 1996 Tauranga’s
population was 82,092 and by 2006 it had reached
103,635.
In 2006, 17.4% of the population was aged 65 or
over, compared to 12.3% nationally. The city hosts
five major head offices – Port of Tauranga, Zespri
International, Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd,
Trustpower and Craigs Investment Partners (formerly,
ABN AMRO Craigs). Tauranga is home to a large number
of migrants, especially from the UK, attracted to
the area by its climate and quality of life.
Arts and Culture
Religion
Because of Tauranga's large multi-ethnic population,
a wide variety of faiths are practiced, including
Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, various Eastern Orthodox
Churches, Sufism and others. Immigrants from Asia
have formed a number of significant Buddhist
congregations.
The main faith present throughout Tauranga and most
of the country is Christianity. There are many types
of Christians, including: the largest, Pentecostal,
Methodist and Presbyterian. There are also
congregations of Mormons and in the area, and Jews.
Attractions
Greater Tauranga is a very popular lifestyle and
tourism destination. It features many natural
attractions and scenery. Cultural attractions
include the Tauranga Art Gallery, which opened in
October 2007 and showcases local, national and
international exhibitions in a range of media.
Events
The National Jazz Festival takes place in Tauranga
every Easter, with dozens of live acts, great food
and excellent wine.
New Year celebrations at the Mount in Mount
Maunganui are one of Tauranga's main events,
bringing people from all around the country.
Lifestyle
The coastal suburb Papamoa and neighbouring town
Mount Maunganui are some of the more affluent areas
around Tauranga. The region’s beaches attract
swimmers, surfers, kayakers and kitesurfers
throughout the year.
Tauranga has many outlying islands and reefs that
make it a notable tourist destination point for
traveling scuba divers and marine enthusiasts.
Extensive marine life diversity is available to
scuba divers all year round. Water temperatures
range from 12 degrees Celsius in winter to 22-24
degrees Celsius in summer. Tauranga houses two
professional dive instructor training centers,
training NAUI, PADI and SSI dive leader systems.
Parks and recreation
Tauranga has many parks. One of the largest is
Memorial Park, and others include, Yatton Park,
Kulim Park, Fergusson Park and the large Tauranga
Domain.
Due to the temperate climate, outdoor activities are
very popular, including golf, tramping (hiking),
mountain biking and white water rafting. The Bay of
Plenty coastline has miles of golden sandy beaches,
and watersports are very popular, including
swimming, surfing, fishing, diving, kayaking and
kitesurfing. Tourists also enjoy dolphin-watching on
specially run boat trips.
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