South Taranaki is a territorial authority on the west coast of New Zealand 's North Island that contains the towns of Hāwera (the seat of the district), Manaia, Ōpunake, Pātea, Eltham, and Waverley. The District has a land area of 3,575.46 km 2 (1,380.49 sq mi) and a population of 29,800 (June 2025). [3] It is part of the greater Taranaki. In South Taranaki, MTFJ (through Whai Mahi) works alongside employers and rangatahi to remove barriers, build skills, and create real pathways into long-term work. It’s about strengthening whānau, supporting businesses, and building a more resilient community. Heavy rain is expected across parts of Taranaki overnight and through Friday, especially north of Eltham and around Taranaki Maunga. The heaviest rain is expected from late tonight through Friday afternoon, with heavy downpours possible around the Maunga and a chance of thunders… Contact details Freephone: 0800 111 323 Phone: +64 6 278 0555 Email: contact@stdc.govt.nz Street address: 105 - 111 Albion StreetHawera4610New Zealand Postal address: Private Bag 902Hawera4640New Zealand Website More contact details South Taranaki is a territorial authority on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island that contains the towns of Hāwera, Manaia, Ōpunake, Pātea, Eltham, and Waverley. The District has a land area of 3,575.46 km2 and a population of 29,800. It is part of the greater Taranaki Region. There are three district councils within the region — New Plymouth, Stratford and South Taranaki district councils. The area of Stratford district to the east of Pohokura Saddle falls into Manawatu-Whanganui (Horizons) region. South Taranaki is a territorial authority on the west coast of New Zealand 's North Island, encompassing towns such as Hāwera (the district seat), Manaia, Ōpunake, Patea, Eltham, and Waverley. Covering 3,575.46 km² with a population of 29,900 (June 2024), it is part of the Taranaki Region. Quick stats Learn key numbers such as population size, median age, and median income for South Taranaki District, and how these compare with New Zealand. South Taranaki is a territorial authority on the west coast of New Zealand's North Island that contains the towns of Hāwera, Manaia, Ōpunake, Pātea, Eltham, and Waverley. South Taranaki is a territorial authority on the west coast of New Zealand 's North Island that contains the towns of Hāwera (the seat of the district), Manaia, Ōpunake, Patea, Eltham, and Waverley.