Tauranga

Tauranga  is the most populous city in the Bay of Plenty region, in the North Island of New Zealand.

It was settled by Europeans in the early 19th century and was constituted as a city in 1963. Tauranga City is the centre of the sixth largest urban area in New Zealand, with an urban population of 120,000 (June 2010 estimate).

The city lies in the north-western corner of the Bay of Plenty, on the south-eastern edge of Tauranga Harbour. The city expands over an area of 168 square kilometres (65 sq mi), and encompases the communities of Bethlehem, on the south-western outskirts of the city; Greerton, on the southern outskirts of the city; Matua, west of the city overlooking Tauranga Harbour; Maungatapu; Mount Maunganui, located north of the city across the harbour facing the Bay of Plenty; Otumoetai; Papamoa, Tauranga's largest suburb, located on the Bay of Plenty; Tauranga City; Tauranga South; and Welcome Bay.

Tauranga is one of New Zealand's main centres for business, international trade, culture, fashion and horticultural science. The Port of Tauranga is New Zealand's largest port in terms of gross export tonnage.

Much of the countryside surrounding Tauranga is horticultural land, used to grow a wide range of fresh produce for both domestic consumption and export. The area is particularly well known for growing tangelos (a grapefruit / tangerine cross), avocados, and kiwifruit. Recent years have seen the establishment of boutique vineyards and wineries.

The Port of Tauranga is New Zealand's largest export port, with brisk but seasonal shipping traffic. It is a regular stop for both container ships and luxury cruise liners.

Tauranga is known for its low wages hence the nick name "Ten dollar Tauranga" a reference to the hourly rate for a lot of its workers. This name has stuck even as New Zealand minimum wage has moved above $10.

Shopping malls include Bayfair Shopping Centre and Palm Beach Plaza. Most of the city's shopping is suburban and located around the suburbs. Places include Fraser Cove Shopping, Bethlehem Shopping Centre, Fashion Island, Downtown the Mount, Brookfield and Greerton Village. In 2008 Tauranga CBD underwent renovations to attract more shoppers to the inner city.