MANAWATU-WANGANUI

local government region, southern North Island, New Zealand. It includes a major portion of one of the largest plains of the North Island and encompasses the Whanganui River valley. The region rises northward to the Kaimanawa Mountains and stretches along the Tasman Sea to include the Rangitikei River (noted for its steep-walled gorge) and the Manawatu River. The upper Whanganui River valley, which was an early centre of Maori settlement, is a national park of great scenic beauty. The region also extends the width of North Island to include the southern part of the inland Ruahine Range of mountains and a portion of the island's Pacific coast, south of Cape Turnagain. Dairying is carried out on the western coastal plains, and the region's northeastern downlands are used for grazing sheep. Palmerston North, first settled in 1866, overlooks the Manawatu River. The port city of Wanganui lies northwest of Palmerston North. Pop. (1991) 226,616; (1996) 228,462.