People & Places
Palmerston North's rural splendour
Hanna Lindon finds out what it’s like to live in the youthful and relaxed city of Palmerston North
It's probably fair to say that Palmerston North doesn't have the best reputation among migrants. 'Palmy', as those who live there affectionately refer to the city, is a far cry from the sophisticated and cosmopolitan centres of Wellington and Auckland. On the other hand, if you want to get to the heart of what New Zealand is really about – stunning countryside, clean air and simple family life – Palmerston North may just suit you down to the ground.
Rowena Sibbons recently moved to the city from Nottingham, and likes the fact that it has a 'regional' atmosphere. "Palmy is a good-sized town with plenty of facilities," she says. "It is away from the tourist track, but in some ways this makes it a better place to actually live." Surrounded by stunning countryside, Palmerston North is certainly the ideal location for those wanting to get away from it all. It manages to retain a rural atmosphere while also hosting one of New Zealand's largest student populations and boasting some excellent nightlife and entertainment options. Palmy's central location also makes it a popular base for explorers – Wellington, the Central Plateau ski fields and the beaches and wineries of Hawkes Bay are all within an easy and beautiful drive. If you enjoy cavorting in the great outdoors then you won't have far to go outside the city. Only a few miles from Palmy's restored historic heart are the Ruahine and Tararua ranges and the stunning native bushland of the Manawatu area.
Living close to such natural splendour is one of the things that British migrant Ollie Claret likes about Palmerston North. "This is the most beautiful place that we have ever been," he says. "Most of the people are also brilliant – we have met some great friends while we have been here." On the other hand, there are some things about living in Palmy that Ollie isn't so keen on. "Most houses don't have any insulation, they are not double-glazed and don't have central heating," he says. "We have been frozen this winter as the utility bills for gas and electric are horrendously expensive. "Public transport in the region is also expensive and nearly non-existent – we looked into getting to Auckland and the flights were too dear, and the bus and trains took far too long and were nearly as expensive as the flights." One last thing to watch out for if you're considering moving to Palmy is the flooding. The city is extremely flat, which is fantastic if you own a bike and like to get around the green way, but not so great if you live in an area like Feilding which is prone to flooding. If you're checking out houses near the river then make sure you look into the flooding history of the area.
The positive side of Palmy's location is that the climate is generally mild (ranging from 22oC in February to 12oC in July). It is also the centre of a large area of rolling agricultural land, which means that fresh produce is in plentiful supply from the cities local supermarkets. Due to the large student population, entertainment options in the city are numerous. Palmerston North has a range of parks, playing fields, swimming pools, bars, cafes and restaurants. It can even boast to have the highest number of eating-out places per capita of anywhere in New Zealand!
Other places to go include the multiplex movie theatre, the recently-renovated 30s-style theatre, the Regent on Broadway, and, if you're feeling intellectual, the restored City Library. Palmy has big plans for the future. It has already begun to throw off its 'regional' reputation, and by 2015 hopes to be among the leading cities in New Zealand for culture, safety, entertainment and lifestyle.
The local perspective
Palmerston North resident Vicky Quelch is a relocation specialist who helps migrants settle in the city. Here she explains just what it is she loves about Palmy: "My husband, Tom, and I have travelled extensively around the world, living in various cities in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. I am now proud to be living in Palmerston North. I am passionate about the wonderful lifestyle the city offers and want to make this lifestyle available to others. "Palmerston North and the Manawatu region offer diversity and boundless appeal. "Palmerston North (affectionately known as 'Palmy') is also known as the 'Knowledge City' due to the high concentration of academic and research institutions. A key centre of learning, it proudly boasts over 70 major educational and research institutions including Massey University, one of the largest Universities in New Zealand. Over 43 per cent of the city's workforce are employed in research, education or government departments. "The city is set on flat, fertile ground between mountain ranges and the Tasman sea. Palmy is the largest provincial city of the Manawatu region and offers residents and visitors an amazing mix of rural and city life. "Palmy, being centrally located, provides easy access to the many outdoor attractions New Zealand is famous for. Attractions such as adventure rides, mountain biking, jet boating, kayaking, horse riding and trekking, rock climbing, tramping, fishing, hunting, 4wd safaris, world class motor racing, jet sprints – and the list goes on!!
"For those who enjoy the quieter side of life there are many other options. Take in the arts, play on uncrowded golf courses, visit country craft and antique shops, historic homes and award-winning gardens. "And, of course, when the day is done there is a great choice of bars, nightclubs, movies, shows, cafés and restaurants. "In fact, Palmy is reputed to have more cafés per capita than anywhere else in New Zealand. And the real treasure – most are within walking distance of each other in and around the town centre.
"The things we love about Palmy are:
It is ten minutes to anywhere.
There's an international airport (to Australia and Fiji).
It is family focused and family friendly.
It is safe.
There are a mix of diverse cultures and cultural facilities.
There are many restaurants, bars, cafes and nightclubs.
There are excellent educational options.
It is clean and green.
It has world class sporting facilities.
It is two hours to Wellington, Hawkes Bay beaches and vineyards, mountains, ski fields and lakes.
There is a strong arts community.
It is home to the largest wind farm in the southern hemisphere.
There is affordable real estate.
Shopping, shopping and more shopping!"
To find out more about the services that Vicky and Tom offer, visit Not Just Moving
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