Aokautere
Population:	2,244 (2001)
Territorial Authority
Name:	Palmerston North City Palmerston North Palmerston North is the main city of the Manawatu-Wanganui region of the North Island of New Zealand. It is an inland city with a population of and is the country's seventh largest city and eighth largest urban area. Palmerston North is located in the eastern Manawatu Plains near the north bank...

Aokautere is a suburb of Palmerston North

Palmerston North

Palmerston North is the main city of the Manawatu-Wanganui region of the North Island of New Zealand. It is an inland city with a population of and is the country's seventh largest city and eighth largest urban area. Palmerston North is located in the eastern Manawatu Plains near the north bank...

, Manawatu-Wanganui

Manawatu-Wanganui

Manawatu-Wanganui is a region in the lower half of the North Island of New Zealand, around the cities of Palmerston North and Whanganui. It is administered by the Horizons Regional Council.-Administration:...

, New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...

.
It is situated in the cliffs on the south banks of the Manawatu River

Manawatu River

The Manawatu River is a major river of the southern North Island of New Zealand.The river has its headwaters to the northwest of Norsewood in the Ruahine Ranges of southern Hawke's Bay. It flows initially eastward before turning south-west near Ormondville, flowing 40 km before turning...

.

History

Aokautere is named after Te Aokautere, a great Rangitāne

Rangitane

For the famous ship see RMS RangitaneRangitāne is a Māori iwi of New Zealand.-External links:* in Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand...

 chief during the late 18th century. In the 19th century, it was known as Fitzherbert, after the politician William Fitzherbert

William Fitzherbert (New Zealand)

Sir William Fitzherbert KCMG MLC was a New Zealand politician. He served as Minister of Finance, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Speaker of the Legislative Council.-Early life:...

 who promoted settlement of the Manawatu. The Fitzherbert East Dairy Factory building still carries the name these days.

Population

In 2001, it had a resident population of 2,244.
http://www2.stats.govt.nz/domino/external/web/CommProfiles.nsf/FindInfobyArea/563300-au

Attractions

Aokautere is a fast growing suburb. It is noted for its views of the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges (with the Wind Turbine Farms). On a clear day, it is possible to see Ruapehu

Ruapehu

Ruapehu may refer to:* Mount Ruapehu, the highest mountain in the North Island of New Zealand* Ruapehu District, the local government area that covers much land generally west and south of Mount Ruapehu, mostly in the headwaters of the Whanganui River...

.

Anzac Park was also a favourite attraction, until the gates were closed.

Aokautere is also home to the International Pacific College

International Pacific College

The International Pacific College is a tertiary education provider offering NZQA-accredited diplomas and graduate diplomas as well as bachelor's and master's degree...

Main streets include

• Summerhill Drive
• Ruapehu Drive
• Aokautere Drive
• Turitea Road
• Old West Road
• Pahiatua Track
• Fitzherbert East Road

Local and central government representation

• Aokautere is a part of the Fitzherbert
  Fitzherbert
  Fitzherbert is a constituent ward of Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand.The ward is made up of the suburbs of Turitea, Massey University, Linton and Aokautere.Fitzherbert is the largest ward in area in the city of Palmerston North.-Features:...
  
   Ward in the Palmerston North City Council. It shares this with other suburbs; Linton and Turitea.
• Prior to 1996, Aokautere was part of the Manawatu electorate. However, due to the reformation of the electoral system from FPP to MMP, the electorate of Palmerston North's boundaries were redrawn to include Aokautere.
• Palmerston North (as at 2006) is represented by New Zealand Labour MP Steve Maharey.