Gisborne grows up

Gisborne will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the arrival of Captain James Cook in October, which locals hope will bring global attention to their thriving coastal town.

With a population of 37,000, the Tairawhiti (Gisborne’s Maori name, which means “the coast upon which the sun shines across the water”) Gisborne region found on the east coast of the North Island is known for its surfing, vineyards, forestry, horticulture and a growing tourism industry.

Mayor Meng Foon is a fluent speaker of te reo Maori and was appointed race relations commissioner last month. The town’s population is 43% Maori and celebrating diversity is key to the town’s ethos, due to its significant place in New Zealand’s history.

The Government recognised the potential of the region when it contributed $150 million from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) to assist growth in some of the larger sectors.