Otaki, its growth and development

Abstract

This thesis describes the development of Otaki, a small town in New Zealand. The study focuses on the emergence and interaction of the features dominant today. These are three urban foci, market gardening, commuting, a top heavy age structure, specialized services and manufacturing. Otaki (population 3,573, 1966 Census) is situated in a primarily dairying and sheep farming district on the west coast of the North Island fifty miles to the north of Wellington. The writer's interest in this town stems from several years' residence there and observation of the features to be discussed in this thesis. As an example of a small town in New Zealand, with some unique features of its own, it presents an ideal subject for the study of the growth and development of a small country town. Several other geographical studies in the same area have contributed to the knowledge of urban growth, and this thesis is intended as a complementary study of development. Carr, Margaret A., Levin: Market Town in Transition. M.A. thesis in Geography, Victoria University, Wellington. Magee, B. Ann, Industrial Development in New Zealand: Implications for Regional Economic Policy. A Case Study: Enzlon Chemical Fibres Ltd., (Shannon). M.A. thesis in Geography, Victoria University, Wellington, 1966. Pegler, B.G. Market Gardening at Otaki. M.A. thesis in Geography, Victoria University, Wellington, 1958-1959.