Havelock North : a study of population growth and the changing nature of the town since 1952 : a thesis ... for the degree of Master of Arts in Geography

Abstract

Many small towns in New Zealand have undergone a change in role in the twentieth century depending upon their relationship with a nearby larger urban centre. In some instances the relationship has become totally changed as a result of complete absorption of the smaller centre by the larger and the development of Greater Auckland is an example of this. Alternatively, the small town may retain its individuality to a greater extent yet undergo a significant change in function, developing as a residential suburb of the larger town or city to the detriment of its 'all-round' development. Such is the case of Havelock North, a town situated on the lower slopes of a range of hills approximately three miles east of Hastings City. Following its inception in 1860 after a short period of initial growth the township began to decline in importance and for a period of about sixty years from around 1890 to 1950 it was virtually little more than a small 'peaceful village' serving primarily as a retirement centre and a 'high-class' residential suburb of Hastings. Within the last two decades, however, the population of Havelock North has grown considerably from 1,828 in 1951 to 5,472 in 1966. It is this rapid growth in recent years together with the associated changes which have occurred, both directly and indirectly, is the morphology of the borough and the character of the borough's population which provides the basis for this study. [FROM INTRODUCTION]