Tararua District

The Tararua District is located near the south-east corner of New Zealand's North Island and is administered by the Tararua District Council. With a population of 19,250 (June 2024) and an area of 4,364.62 km², the district is bordered by the Ruahine Range to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. The council was formed through amalgamation in 1989.

The district's main town is Dannevirke, with other towns including Pahiatua and Mangatehue. Most of the district belongs to the Manawatū-Whanganui region, though a small area near the coast is part of the Wellington Region.

Agriculture dominates the local economy, with additional industries in textiles, food processing, retailing, and commercial forestry. The district's historical name, "Seventy Mile Bush," reflects its former forested state and is associated with the Wairarapa-Bush rugby team.

The population is diverse, with 54% identifying as European, 27% Māori, and smaller percentages of Pasifika, Asian, and other groups. English is widely spoken, followed by Māori. The median income is lower than the national average at $33,600, with a smaller percentage earning over $100,000 compared to the national figure.

Religious affiliations are predominantly Christian (31.2%), with significant numbers unaffiliated (54.3%). Education levels show that 9.4% hold higher degrees, while 58.5% have post-high school qualifications. Key secondary schools include Tararua College in Pahiatua and Dannevirke High School.

The district's historical identity as "Seventy Mile Bush" is preserved through its rugby union team, reflecting its pastoral transformation from dense forest to agricultural land.