Foxton : a small town in the Manawatu : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Geography at Massey University

Abstract

Foxton (2,819)1 is located on a former meander of the Manawatu River three miles from its mouth. It lies on the inland margin of the coastal sand dunes where they begin to merge into the flat alluvial plain of the Manawatu's lower course. To the north-east, at a distance of 24 miles by first class roads, lies Palmerston North (46,832), the main urban centre of the Manawatu, and eleven miles to the south-east is Levin, a bustrling town of 11,402. Passing ten miles to the east is the Main Trunk Railway upon which is situated Shannon (1,544). (see Fig.1) The area surronding Foxton contains two distinct physical units. To the north and west are consolidated sand dunes which run inland from the coast and are separated by small areas of swampy ground. To the south and east lie the former swamplands of Moutoa.