HASTINGS is a major urban settlement in the Hawke's Bay region of the North Island of New Zealand, and it is the largest settlement by population in Hawke's Bay.

Near the ninth century AD, Maori arrived in Heretaunga or Hawkes Bay, settling in the river valleys and along the coast where food was plentiful. It is believed that Maori came to Heretaunga by canoe, travelling down the coast from the north, landing at Wairoa, Portland Island, the Ahuriri Lagoon at Westshore, and at Waimarama. Their culture flourished, along with gradual deforestation of the land, making this one of the few regions of New Zealand where sheep could be brought in without felling the bush first. In the sixteenth century, Taraia, great-grandson of the great and prolific chief Kahungunu, established the large tribe of Ngati Kahungunu, which eventually colonised the eastern side of the North Island from Poverty Bay to Wairarapa. They were one of the first Maori tribes to come in contact with European settlers.

The Maori owners leased approximately seventy square kilometres on the Heretaunga Plains to Thomas TANNER in 1867; Tanner had been trying to purchase the land since 1864. In 1870, twelve people, known as the "12 apostles", formed a syndicate to purchase the land for around ?1 10s an acre (?371 per km?). Many local people firmly believe that Hastings was originally named Hicksville, after Francis HICKS, who bought a 100-acre (0.40 km2) block of land, which now contains the centre of Hastings, from Thomas Tanner. However, this story is apocryphal. The original name of the location which was to become the town centre was Karamu.


This is a list of notable people who were born in Hastings or who spent a significant part of their lives living in the region
- each name (at this link) is a link to a bio and some photos

Josh Kronfeld ? Rugby Player and former All Black. He attended Hastings Boys High.

John Timu ? Rugby Player and former All Black. Also represented New Zealand in Rugby League. He attended Lindisfarne College in Hastings.

Taine Randell ? Rugby player and former All Black captain. He attended Lindisfarne College in Hastings.

Paul Holmes (broadcaster) ? Radio and television broadcaster (reportedly highest paid)

Georgina Evers-Swindell ? Olympic rower and gold medalist (Evers-Swindell Twin Duo)

Caroline Evers-Swindell ? Olympic rower and gold medalist (Evers-Swindell Twin Duo)

Alan Duff ? Author (Once Were Warriors) and co-founder of Duffy Books in Homes

James Wattie ? Industrialist/Entrepreneur and founder of Watties

Eric Young (broadcaster) ? Prime TV news presenter (lead anchor of evening news)

Donna Awatere Huata ? Prominent Maori Politician convicted of fraud

Greg Murphy ? V8 Supercar racer

Joh Bjelke-Petersen ? Prominent Australian Politician and former Queensland Premier

Alfred Meebold ? Botanist, writer, and anthroposopher

Robert Felkin ? Medical missionary, explorer and ceremonial magician

Peter Lyons ? New Zealand Gliding champion

George Nepia ? Former All Black Great(attended Maori Agricultural College)

Sam Kelt ? Local businessman and sponsor of the Kelt Capital Stakes (prizemoney of NZ$2,000,000)

John Cowie ? Developed and marketed the Jandal, after a trip to Japan. Died in Te Awanga.[6]

Phil Judd ? Musician, composer and founding member of Split Enz

Mark Paston ? footballer, New Zealand national football team goalkeeper.

Joan Wiffen ? Amateur paleontologist who discovered the first dinosaur fossils in New Zealand

Ian Smith (New Zealand cricketer) ? Former Central Districts and New Zealand cricketing great