Innovation in Palmerston North

Science & Technology

• Massey has the only vet school in New Zealand
• Bio-science at Massey - has one of the best gene-spliting machines in the world. It can do in 15 minutes what other machines do in months, meaning scientists can achieve significantly more in their research. This is a major drawcard for attracting research scientists around the world.  

Business

• The Bio-Commerce centre - helping Bio-technology companies get their businesses off the ground
• Glaxo Smith Kline
• Toyota New Zealand
• Ezibuy
• Higgins
• Palmerston North and the Manawatu region are a launching pad for business.

Facilities

• The world renowned and award winning Dugald MacKenzie Rose Gardens at The Victoria Esplanade 
• Award winning Palmerston North City Library
• Rugby Museum

Sports Achievements

• Tim Wilkinson - Golf (PGA Tour 2008)
• Craig Perks - Golf
• Brendon Hartley - Motor Racing
• Jacob Oram - NZ Cricket (Black Caps)
• Steve Old - NZ Soccer (All White)
• David Kirk - NZ Rugby (former All Black)
• Jason Eaton - NZ Rugby (Hurricanes and All Blacks)
• Kayla Sharland (NZ Hockey, Women's Black Sticks)
• Emily Naylor (NZ Hockey, Women's Black Sticks)
• Kris Gemmell (NZ Triathlete)

The Arts

• Anna Leese - Singer
• Kathi Craig - Singer
• Nigel Keay - Composer
• Billy TK - Guitarist
• PNC - Rapper
• John Clark (aka Fred Dagg) - comedian and writer
• Our library has a complete recording and production studio in it - only one in NZ available to the public

Other Claims to Fame

• The Square is on the NZ Monopoly board
• Palmerston North has more PHD's per capita than anywhere else in New Zealand