Economy
Historically, the city is the center of the fertile Waikato Plain. The mild climate and heavy rains of the Waikato region provide excellent pastures for Waikato farmers. The region produced butter and milk powder and then met much of the demand of the British metropolitan area. The transit of manufacturing through Hamilton made it a thriving city. As a result of various political and economic changes (world wars, the United Kingdom joining the European economic community, globalization of trade, etc.) the City diversified. etc.) the City has diversified its economy.
Industry and commerce are important sectors of Hamilton’s economic activity. Pacific Aerospace , New Zealand’s largest supplier of aircraft equipment, is based in Hamilton and the city has the largest concentration of tugboat manufacturers. Waikato Hospital (about six hundred beds is located in the city and provides jobs (2500 people work there) in the health sector.
The National Agrarian Fieldays agricultural fair is held annually at the Sacrament Creek Exhibition Hall in Hamilton. It is the largest agricultural fair in the southern hemisphere. Mystery Creek is the largest nationwide fair and hosts national events such as the Auto Show and Boat Show.
The Ruakur Agricultural Research Center has led to many innovations in agronomy, animal health and slaughter, and meat processing.
Demographics
Hamilton is home to more than 130,000 people and an urban community of 187,960. About 1.5 million New Zealanders, or 40% of the population, live within 250 kilometers of Hamilton.
At the 2006 census, Hamilton’s population was 65.3% European (Pākeka), 19.9% Māori, 10.6% Asian, 4.7% Pacific Islander and 1.5% Middle Eastern, South American or African. source. In addition, 10.6% of Hamiltonians identified themselves as New Zealanders.
Politics
Hamilton is located in the Hamilton City Council administrative area . The council governs the seventh most populous territorial authority in the country. The council consists of 13 councillors and the Mayor, currently Andrew King. Councillors serve three-year terms and the last election was held in 2016.
Council has six standing committees (Urban Development, Community and Recreation, Legislative Management, Transportation, Finance and Audit, and Stadium Management) and five subcommittees.
The City of Hamilton is part of the Waikato Region and is administratively controlled by Environment Waikato.