Hastings is a large urban area in Hawke's Bay, close to the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand.

Less than 15 kilometres separates the centres of Hastings and Napier, and as such the two are regarded as twin cities. In local government terms, however, the two are considerably different. Where Napier is a city, Hastings' city status was lost in 1989 when it was amalgamated with Havelock North, Flaxmere and a rural hinterland to form the Hastings District. Ironically, this has left Hastings with the larger population of the two centres, with a 2001 population of 67,428.

History

Founded in the 1850s, early names for Hastings included Hicksville, after a prominent local settler, and Heretaunga. In keeping with other local towns (such as Napier and Clive) its name was later changed to that of a prominent statesman or soldier from Imperial India - in this case, Warren Hastings, the first Governor-General of India.

Hastings was badly damaged by the Napier earthquake of February 3, 1931, which destroyed or damaged almost every building in the town.

Geography

Situated on the Heretaunga Plains, Hastings is flat with no natural landmarks. The local area is very productive, with orchards and vineyards surrounding the city. The main industries are agricultural, with freezing works and canneries being major local employers. Honey is also a well-known local product.

Hastings has a sunny climate, but due to its lack of landmarks and proximity to the more picturesque Napier, it is much less of a tourist destination.