| Tauranga (population 109,100 — 2006 census) is the largest city of the Bay of Plenty region of the North Island of New Zealand. It is the ninth largest New Zealand city and the centre of the 6th largest urban area. Tauranga is 105 km (65 mi) east of Hamilton and 85 km (53 mi) north of Rotorua, and is the city with the fastest growing population in New Zealand. It is expected to be the 5th largest urban area within a few years overtaking Dunedin.
The "City of Tauranga" was reproclaimed in 2003, after status was lost after 1989 Local Body reforms. The City of Tauranga includes the major suburbs/areas of Tauranga Central (The Avenues), Matua, Tauriko(being built), Otumoetai, Bethlehem, Mount Maunganui, Greerton, Papamoa, Ohauiti, Maungatapu and Welcome Bay.
Major growth is occurring in this city (arguably the fastest in New Zealand), with Papamoa expected to be a city in itself by 2020, with a population the size of Nelson.
Tauranga is located at the head of a large harbour which extends along the western Bay of Plenty, and is protected by Matakana Island. The town and headland of Mount Maunganui stand at the entrance to the harbour, five kilometres (3.1 mi) north of Tauranga. "The Mount", as it is known, is often regarded as a satellite town of Tauranga.
The name Tauranga comes from Maori, it roughly translates to "a sheltered anchorage".
Due to its sheltered position on the east coast, Tauranga enjoys a warm, dry climate. This has made it a popular location to retire to. During the summer months the population swells as the holidaymakers descend on the city.
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) and kiwifruit. The Port of Tauranga also experiences brisk but seasonal shipping traffic and is a regular stop off for both container ships and luxury cruise liners.
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