Agriculture has been the mainstay of this district since the first European settlers arrived in the nineteenth century.
As you arrive in Central Hawke’s Bay today from the north or the south, whether you’re on State Highway 1 or 50, interspersed amongst the views of grazing sheep, cattle, deer and dairy farms, are grape vines, olive groves and many export-producing apple orchards. These are particularly obvious on State Highway 50.
Viticulture is growing rapidly, with riesling, chardonnay, pinot gris, merlot and sauvignon blanc being produced; however, the largest potential for grape-growing in this region is with the pinot noir, requiring the slightly cooler summer climate for slower ripening.
Waipukurau and Waipawa’s paved main streets with gardens and seating boast excellent shopping - from designer clothing and quality jewellers to art, books and antiques.
The district is well serviced, with fine health facilities, an ambulance service, dentists, doctors and retirement homes.
Central FM is the local radio station. Tune into one of three frequencies - 93.5, 96.6 or 99.4.
Takapau
Silverfern Farms Ltd
Kintail Honey: produces and exports honey, established1948.
BEL Group: seven dairy farms totalling 2,200 hectares milking 6500 cows.
Gevir Premium Deer Velvet: processes deer velvet for the national and international market.
D&S Nurseries: produces roses for markets around NZ.
Waipukurau
Bernard Mathews NZ: export meat processing plant.
CHB Print: publisher of the area’s community newspaper. Produces and prints books and magazines.
Watts to Mill: specialists in quality kitset sheds, playhouses, macrocarpa suppliers.
CHB Health Centre
Infracon: contractor, council facilities and roading.
Bushetts Transport
Bruns Bus Company
Waipawa
CHB District Council
Farmers Transport
Stephenson Transport
Waipawa Buses: five depots throughout North Island, 5 star touring coaches, qualmark stamp.
Mr Apple Waipawa: pack house packs and dispatches 2.2 million cartons export apples annually.
Laver & Wood: produces cricket bats for export around world
Otane
Wood Mallets Ltd : produces quality polo mallets for export around the world.
Tikokino
Mr Apple Orchards: Tikokino, Kanuka, Pacific, Rangihau, Te Papa, Thornton, Hampden.
