| Franklin | ||
|---|---|---|
| Franklin | ||
| Population | 65,200 (June 2011 estimate)[1] | |
| Land area | 2,187.94 km² (844.77 sq mi) | |
| Extent | Papakura to Meremere; Port Waikato to Miranda, Firth of Thames |
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The territorial authority of Franklin District was abolished on 31 October 2010 and was divided between Auckland Council in the Auckland Region (39.82 percent by land area) to the north and Waikato and Hauraki districts in the Waikato Region (60.18 percent) to the south and east. It was administered from the town of Pukekohe. Before its abolition, out-going Franklin District Mayor Mark Ball proposed that Franklin district become an independent unitary authority, fulfilling both the functions of a local and regional council. However, this was rejected by Minister Rodney Hide.[2]
The district is bounded in the north by the start of the Auckland metropolitan area and the waters of the Manukau Harbour. Awhitu Peninsula stretches up the Tasman coast to the mouth of this harbour. Here are located several holiday spots, such as Kariotahi Beach and Matakawau.
To the south, Franklin is bounded by the fertile lowlands of the Waikato Plains. In the east, the land rises to the Hunua Ranges, to the east of which is the coast of the Firth of Thames. In the west is the Tasman Sea. The Waikato River mouth is at Port Waikato in the south of the region. This is renowned as a good place for surfcasting.
The district is mainly rural, with local settlements such as Waiuku and Tuakau supporting the farming industry. One industry of note is the New Zealand Steel steel mill at Glenbrook, north of Waiuku.
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