Ashhurst

Ashhurst is sited 14 kilometres northeast of the Palmerston North city centre. The town stands under the Ruahine Range, beneath Wharite Peak, which is the most notable peak on the south end of the Ruahine Range, upon which is the television and radio transmitter. ==Demographics==

Ashhurst covers and had an estimated population of as of with a population density of people per km2. Ashhurst had a population of 3,237 in the 2023 New Zealand census, an increase of 303 people (10.3%) since the 2018 census, and an increase of 588 people (22.2%) since the 2013 census. There were 1,608 males, 1,614 females, and 12 people of other genders in 1,131 dwellings. 3.3% of people identified as LGBTIQ+. The median age was 36.1 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 771 people (23.8%) aged under 15 years, 537 (16.6%) aged 15 to 29, 1,488 (46.0%) aged 30 to 64, and 444 (13.7%) aged 65 or older. ==Transport==

Ashhurst's importance stems from its location at the western end of the Manawatū Gorge. As such, it was close to the easiest road and rail link between the east and west coasts of the southern North Island. However, the Gorge has been closed since April 2017 and the road link to the east coast from Ashhurst is now via the four lane Manawatu Tararua Highway. There are four buses on weekdays and one on Saturdays linking Palmerston North with Ashhurst. ==Parks and reserves==

viewed from Ashhurst Domain • Ashhurst Domain – A large multipurpose park which includes a camping ground, a lookout to the wind farm, a cemetery and canine area. • Durham Street Reserve and McCraes Bush Reserve • Lincoln Park – The home ground to the local rugby team Ashhurst-Pohangina RFC ==History==

Ashhurst was named for Lord Henry Ashhurst, who owned land in the immediate area. The Māori name for the area is Raukawa, after the native aromatic plant Pseudopanax edgerleyi, whereas for the town it is Otangaki. ==Local and central government representation==

Former Ashhurst-Fitzherbert Ward Ashhurst-Fitzherbert Ward was Palmerston North's largest ward covering the area from James Line to part way through the Manawatū Gorge, to just north of Ashhurst township. Wards were abolished in Palmerston North in 2013. Central government • Rangitīkei is represented by MP for . • Te Tai Hauāuru is represented by for . ==Education==

Ashhurst School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students, with a roll of as of It opened in 1879. ==Notable people==

• Andre Taylor, rugby player • Mark McGrath, darts player ==References==