Ashhurst

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Ashhurst

Population:	2,526 (2001)
Territorial Authority
Palmerston North City

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

1 Location, features and population
2 Parks and Reserves
3 History
4 Local and Central Government representation
- 4.1 Ashhurst Ward
- 4.2 Central Government
5 Attractions
6 References

[edit] Location, features and population

Ashhurst is sited 14 kilometres northeast, and is a suburb of, the city of Palmerston North and has the appearance of a small rural town. Ashhurst has a population of 2,526 (2001 census). There is a main street (Cambridge Avenue) which once one leaves Ashhurst, turns into Pohangina Road, which leads to the Pohangina Valley.

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.

[edit] 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

[edit] History

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

[edit] Local and Central Government representation

[edit] Ashhurst Ward

Ashhurst Ward is Palmerston North's second largest ward, covering the area between James Line to part way through the Manawatu Gorge, to just north of Ashhurst township. Forest Hill Road forms the boundary between Ashhurst and Fitzherbert Ward. Ashhurst Ward includes a part of the area known as Turitea.

Ashhurst Ward is predominantly rural, with most of the population living in Ashhurst itself. Some of the more widely known features of the ward are the confluence of the Manawatu and its tributary the Pohangina River. 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.

Ward Name	Suburbs including	Councillor(s)
Wards of Palmerston North
Ashhurst Ward	Ashhurst, Whakarongo, Turitea	One - Cr. Marilyn Craig [1]

[edit] 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