Hamilton
New Zealand

GEOGRAPHY

Hamilton is located on the Waikato River on the North Island of New Zealand.

HISTORY

The Hamilton area has been settled by Tainuiiwi for many centuries. Several villages were situated on the banks of the Waikato River, utilizing the river for food resources and for easy transport by canoe. With the arrival of Europeans, the Waikato River continued to be a major transport and communications route. Hamilton achieved city status in 1945.

EDUCATION

Hamilton is home to the Waikato University, Hamilton Teachers College, and the new Waikato Museum of Art and History.

INDUSTRIES

As is the case with Sacramento, industry, particularly agriculturally related industry, is a major element of Hamilton’s economic base.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Hamilton offers many tourist attractions, including the nearby town of Rotorua; a center of Maori culture and famous geothermal sites.

AGRICULTURE

Hamilton is the urban center of the Waikato region, one of the principal agricultural production areas of the country, and one of the richest pastoral farming areas of the world.

CLIMATE

Hamilton has a mild, somewhat rainy climate, which generates its remarkable pasturage and horticulture.

POPULATION

159,000

TRANSPORTATION

Hamilton is a regional hub, served by air, rail, and road transportation.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Starr W. Hurley, President

Date of Sacramento City Resolution endorsing Sister City Affiliation with Hamilton: December 6, 1988.