MANUKAU

city, Auckland local government region, northern North Island, New Zealand. It is the third largest city in New Zealand with about one-third of its population made up of Maoris and other Pacific Islanders. Manukau lies 12 miles (19 km) southeast of Auckland city, on an isthmus separating Tamaki Strait (east) from Manukau Harbour (west). The latter is a shallow 150-square-mile (390-square-kilometre) inlet of the Tasman Sea. In 1965 Manukau county and Manurewa borough were consolidated to form the city of Manukau. Some two-thirds of the area remains under active agricultural use, with the rest of the land devoted to industries and residences. Manukau produces such goods as transport equipment, electrical appliances, and machinery. The food and beverage, chemical, and paper and paper product industries are also important. The city is served by the North Island Main Trunk Railway and by Auckland International Airport at Mangere, built on land reclaimed from the bay. Pop. (1991) 226,147; (1996) 254,577.