Last updated October 2026
Highbury is a residential suburb of Palmerston North located northwest of the central business district. It features a mix of housing styles typical of established suburban areas in the city.
Local community services include the Highbury Whānau Centre, which provides youth and family support programmes. Residents benefit from proximity to central Palmerston North amenities while maintaining a neighbourhood focus with local shops, schools and parks.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 5,700, up 1% since 2018
- Land area
- 2.90 km²
- Location
- 2.5 km south-west of central Palmerston North
- Council
- Palmerston North City Council
- Ward or local board
- Te Hirawanui General Ward (Palmerston North City Council)
- Getting there
- Highbury Avenue; Palmerston North city buses to the central city
Who Lives in Highbury
About 5,700 residents in 2,030 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
Schools in Highbury
Three schools sit inside the Highbury boundary.
Also zoned for Highbury
Show all 5 zoned schools
Source: Ministry of Education school directory and enrolment zones (CC BY 4.0 and CC BY 3.0 NZ), October 2026. Zones change, so confirm with the school before relying on one.
Bin Day in Highbury
by 7.30am on collection day
Source: Palmerston North City Council collection areas. Streets near a suburb edge can differ, so check the council lookup if unsure.
Safety and Hazards
About the Palmerston North average for the number of people who live here. Another 168 reports were at shops and businesses.
Sources: NZ Police victimisation data, CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026 (crimes inside homes are only published for burglary).
Buses from Highbury
16 bus stops inside the suburb.
Source: Horizons Regional Council timetable data. Typical weekday daytime frequency.
Handy Facilities
Source: Palmerston North City Council park toilets; NZTA EVRoam charging sites.
Weather and Rent at a Glance
Sources: NIWA climate averages 1991-2020 (via Figure.NZ); Tenancy Services rental bond data (MBIE), CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026. City-wide figures.
About Highbury
Highbury developed as one of Palmerston North’s western suburbs with a focus on family housing and community facilities.
Highbury developed as one of Palmerston North’s western suburbs with a focus on family housing and community facilities. The suburb sits at the western edge of the city and forms part of the broader urban area. Its residential character includes a range of housing from earlier state housing developments to more recent builds, supporting a stable local population.
The Highbury Whānau Centre at 155 Highbury Avenue serves as a central community hub. It offers specialist youth services, counselling, after-school programmes and community development activities for residents across Highbury, Takaro and Westbrook. The centre operates as both a service provider and a venue for local gatherings.
Everyday needs are met through neighbourhood shops, primary and secondary schools within the suburb or nearby catchments, and small reserves managed by Palmerston North City Council. Public transport via the city bus network provides connections to the central city, Te Manawa, the hospital and other amenities.
Living in Highbury
Highbury offers typical suburban living within easy reach of Palmerston North’s main facilities.
Highbury offers typical suburban living within easy reach of Palmerston North’s main facilities. Residents can access The Square, libraries, aquatic centres and employment areas by car or bus in a short time. The suburb’s location supports daily commutes while providing quieter streets and local parks for recreation.
Public transport and shared paths in the wider parks network encourage walking and cycling for local trips. Families benefit from nearby schools and community programmes. The area remains primarily residential, with limited commercial development beyond convenience retail.
Near Highbury
Just outside Highbury, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Show 2 more places
Businesses
Explore all Palmerston North businesses
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia: Highbury, Palmerston North: Overview of suburb boundaries, population statistics and location details.
PNCC: Highbury Whānau Centre: Official information on the community venue and services offered.
Highbury Whānau Centre: Details on youth, family and community programmes run from the suburb.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Highbury located?
Highbury lies northwest of Palmerston North central business district.
What community facilities are available?
The Highbury Whānau Centre provides youth services, counselling and community programmes.
Is Highbury suitable for families?
Yes, the suburb includes local schools, parks and family-oriented community services.
How far is it from central Palmerston North?
A short drive or bus ride connects Highbury to the city centre and major amenities.
Are there local shops and services?
Yes, neighbourhood shops and convenience retail serve everyday needs.
What type of housing is common?
Highbury features a mix of housing styles from earlier developments to newer builds.
Is public transport available?
The Palmerston North bus network serves the suburb with links to the central city.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Explore Palmerston North only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Highbury is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.