Tauranga

Tauranga

Tauranga is the most populous city in the Bay of Plenty region, in the North Island of New Zealand. It was settled by Europeans in the early 19th century and was constituted as a city in 1963.Tauranga City is the centre of the sixth largest urban area in New Zealand, with an urban population of 121,500 (June 2011 estimate)

Climate

Due to its sheltered position on the east coast, Tauranga enjoys a warm, subtropical climate.. During the summer months the population swells as the holidaymakers descend on the city, especially along the popular white coastal surf beaches from Mount Maunganui to Papamoa.

Economy

Much of the countryside surrounding Tauranga is horticultural land, used to grow a wide range of fresh produce for both domestic consumption and export. The area is particularly well known for growing tangelos (a grapefruit / tangerine cross), avocados, and kiwifruit. Recent years have seen the establishment of boutique vineyards and wineries. The Port of Tauranga is New Zealand's largest export port, with brisk but seasonal shipping traffic. It is a regular stop for both container ships and luxury cruise liners. Tauranga's main shopping mall is Bayfair, in Mount Maunganui. Most of the city's shopping centres are located in the suburbs. They include Fraser Cove , Bethlehem Town Centre, Fashion Island, Bayfair Mall, Mount Maunganui Main Street, Bay Central and Greerton Village. In 2008 Tauranga's CBD underwent renovations to attract more shoppers to the inner city.

Religion

Because of Tauranga's large multi-ethnic population, a wide variety of faiths are practiced, including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, various Eastern Orthodox Churches, Sufism and others. Immigrants from Asia have formed a number of significant Buddhist congregations. The main faith present throughout Tauranga and most of the country is Christianity. There are many types of Christians, including: the largest, Pentecostal, Methodist and Presbyterian. There are also congregations of Mormons and in the area, and Jews.

Education

Tauranga is home to the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and a branch of the University of Waikato. The main state secondary schools include:

• Papamoa College, co-educational secondary school opened in 2011 for years 7 - 13.
• Aquinas College a co-educational state-integrated Catholic school founded in 2003 for years 7 - 13, with around 800 pupils.
• Tauranga Boys' College, with over 1800 boys.
• Tauranga Girls' College, with over 1500 girls.
• Otumoetai College, with around 1900 pupils.
• Bethlehem Campus, a Christian educational institution for kindergarten, primary and secondary level students, with around 1500 students.
• Mount Maunganui College, a co-educational secondary school, with over 1500 students.

Christian educational institutions in Tauranga include Bethlehem Campus, a college for both children and adults established in 1988; Tauranga Adventist School, a state integrated Christian community school catering for Year 1 to 8 students and established in 1974; and Aquinas College, a Catholic college established in 2003.

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