HAWERA
Hawera is the ‘capitol’ of the South
Taranaki region, and is a town that in common with a number mid size
communities fighting a difficult battle with New Plymouth and Wanganui
for the major purchase items.
Hawera is at the junction of the ‘surf
highway’ and direct route to New Plymouth. The coastal highway is the
route being undertaken.
The retail ‘main street’ in Hawera has
been severely impacted by the major big box discounters and is
struggling at this time to retain tenants with a number of empty
stores.
Hawera gains considerable economic
benefit from the largest Fonterra Milk producing complex and tourism
is increasingly a growing economic benefit for the region primarily
driven by Mount Taranaki.
Hawera is also home to Tawhiti Museum,
well-known for its hand-crafted life-sized wax
sculptures depicting scenes of local heritage and there is also the
Elvis Presley and both are a must visit.
Hawera is Maori for burnt place. The name
became apt when the town suffered extensive blazes in 1884, 1888, and
early 1900’s.For this reason a large water tower was built in the
centre of town.
The Hawera Anglican Church is a great traditional
structure.   
The Hawera War Memorial has a great profile and
presence in the heart of the cbd.
The White Hart Hotel is the last remaining ‘original’
hotels. 
When passing through allow a minimum of half a day.
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