Hamilton Swiss Club

Hamilton is situated in the North Island, and the centre of the Waikato, one of the world's best agricultural region's. One of New Zealand's greenest cities, Hamilton is also the largest inland city in New Zealand, with a population of over 100,000 people. Many exciting businesses and tourist activities provide an atmosphere of growth and forward thinking.

Originally called Kirikiriroa when the first Maori inhabited the region, it was later renamed Hamilton after Captain Fane Charles Hamilton, the popular commander of HMS Esk, who was killed in the battle of Gate Pa, Tauranga.

The Waikato river was once Hamilton's only transport and communications link, now the main highway passes through the city linking the whole of New Zealand. The city's export markets are serviced by two major ports, at Auckland and Tauranga. Hamilton also has the largest railway junction in New Zealand, connecting the North Island Main Trunk line and the East Coast Main Trunk.

The city has seen spectacular growth over the last few decades and many developments have taken place to enhance the region. A millennium committee is proposing a major riverside esplanade, incorporating a footbridge, walkways, cafe and entertainment spaces to take full advantage of the beautiful Waikato river.

While agriculture has traditionally been the dominant industry in Hamilton, other sectors (such as manufacturing and retail) are catching up and providing more diverse business opportunities in Hamilton.

Disclaimer: Published information do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the committee nor is the club liable for any expenses due to errors or misleading information. Copyright © 2009 Swiss Society of New Zealand Inc. - All rights reserved.