Levin - a town in transition between a rural service centre and a manufacturing centre

Abstract

The community of Levin is situated on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand. Southwards, less than two hours' travel by car, lies the Dominion capital, Wellington. (Fig.1) From an N.A.C. airliner, Levin presents an attractive picture against the backdrop of the often snowclad Tararua ranges, which reach heights of more than 5,000 feet. The town is cut off from direct access to the sea by Lake Horowhenua, a body of water covering 901 acres, which is impounded by a barrier of blown sand from the dune belt. This belt extends from the Quaternary Hawera and Otaki rock series of the coastal lowlands to the sea G.L Adkin. 'Horowhenua' Whitcombe & Tombs Ltd. Christchurch.