Manawatu-Wanganui

Region in southern North Island, New Zealand, bordered by the Tararua and Ruahine ranges to the east and the coast to the west; population (1996) 230,000. It takes its name from the Manawatu River and the city of Wanganui on the banks of the Whanganui River. The region's economy is based on agriculture, in particular dairying, sheep farming, and mixed cropping. Industries include tourism, tanning, wool and meat. The main city is Palmerston North, which is the location of Massey University.