Discover Te Puke: The Vibrant Heart of the Kiwifruit World
Located in the eastern region of the Western Bay of Plenty, Te Puke stands as a dynamic and rapidly growing service town, a true hub for its surrounding communities. More than just a regional centre, Te Puke is proudly known as the Kiwifruit Capital of the World, and this vibrant horticultural industry is the driving force behind its strong local economy and diverse population.
The town’s story is deeply intertwined with its rich cultural heritage. The tangata whenua (people of the land) of this eastern region are primarily of Te Arawa, one of the waka that completed the great migration from Hawai’iki to Aotearoa. The two resident iwi of Te Puke are Tapuika and Waitaha. This deep-rooted history is visible in the landscape, with two Waitaha marae—Hei and Haraki—located at nearby Manoeka. The diverse mix of ethnicities that has gathered in Te Puke over the years, all drawn by the opportunities of the land, is a source of immense local pride.
The Kiwifruit Capital: A Thriving Horticultural Hub
Te Puke’s identity is inextricably linked to the kiwifruit industry. The town is the horticultural heartland of the Bay of Plenty, with a thriving rural service sector that supports the growers and producers who shape the global market. Beyond the orchards, Te Puke offers a variety of local businesses and essential amenities that cater to its growing population, including a well-stocked library, a community swimming pool, and the historic Memorial Hall.
Te Puke is also the central hub for smaller but equally important surrounding communities like Waitangi, Rangiuru, and Te Ranga, all of which contribute to the rich character of the wider area.
A Community with a Vision for the Future
With a youthful population and a flourishing economy, Te Puke is a community looking firmly toward the future. The town is not just growing organically; it is actively planning for its next phase. A key example of this forward-thinking approach is the ongoing Te Puke Spatial Plan, a community blueprint designed to guide the town’s growth and development over the next 30 to 50 years. This plan, along with new rules for building homes in the area, ensures that Te Puke’s future is shaped in a way that is sustainable and beneficial for all residents. You can find more information about the Spatial Plan and other local projects on the Western Bay of Plenty District Council website: https://www.westernbay.govt.nz/council/projects/te-puke-spatial-plan.
Te Puke is a town of immense character—a place of deep Māori roots, a powerful agricultural engine, and a diverse community that is ready to flourish in the years to come.
