Last updated October 2026
Roslyn is a residential suburb in Palmerston North, located approximately 3 kilometres north-east of the central city. It features a mix of housing styles developed largely after World War II and serves primarily as a home for local families and longer-term residents.
The suburb offers neighbourhood shops, schools and parks while providing convenient access to the wider city via road and public transport. Roslyn sits within the Palmerston North City Council area and forms part of the established northern and north-eastern residential zones.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 6,550, up 4% since 2018
- Land area
- 3.83 km²
- Location
- 2.5 km north-east of central Palmerston North
- Council
- Palmerston North City Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Palmerston North, Kelvin Grove, Terrace End, Milson
- Ward or local board
- Te Hirawanui General Ward (Palmerston North City Council)
- Getting there
- Main Street East and Ruahine Street; Palmerston North city buses to the central city
- Nearby landmarks
- Palmerston North Hospital, Clyde Crescent/Vogel Street Reserve, Roslyn Commons community garden
Who Lives in Roslyn
About 6,550 residents in 2,440 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
Schools in Roslyn
Six schools sit inside the Roslyn boundary. Most have an enrolment zone, so check an address is in zone before you buy or rent.
Show all 6 schools
Also zoned for Roslyn
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 Roslyn
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
Higher than the Palmerston North average for the number of people who live here. Busy beaches, town centres and nightlife draw lots of visitors, which lifts the figure. Another 308 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 Roslyn
45 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.
In Roslyn
Places and businesses inside the official Roslyn boundary.
Places
Show 2 more places
About Roslyn
Roslyn developed as a post-World War II suburb with streets named after Victoria Cross recipients in some sections.
Roslyn developed as a post-World War II suburb with streets named after Victoria Cross recipients in some sections. It remains a primarily residential area with a range of housing from earlier state housing to more recent builds.
The suburb supports everyday living through local schools, reserves and small commercial nodes while residents rely on central Palmerston North for larger amenities such as The Square, museums and aquatic facilities.
Key community facilities include Roslyn School / Te Kura o Rōharini on Kipling Street, which caters for students from new entrants to Year 8. Nearby reserves such as Clyde Crescent/Vogel Street Reserve provide playgrounds and open space for local recreation. A community garden project, Roslyn Commons, operates in the area and reflects resident-led initiatives for shared green space.
Public transport via the Palmerston North bus network connects Roslyn to the central city and other suburbs. The suburb sits close to Palmerston North Hospital on its western edge and benefits from proximity to the North Island Main Trunk Railway line to the north.
Living in the Area
Residents value the balance of suburban quiet with reasonable access to central Palmerston North services.
Residents value the balance of suburban quiet with reasonable access to central Palmerston North services. Daily needs are met by neighbourhood shops and schools, while the short drive or bus ride reaches The Square, Te Manawa, Victoria Esplanade, the central library, Lido Aquatic Centre and the hospital.
The PNCC parks network includes local reserves that support walking, play and informal recreation.
Public transport and road connections make commuting straightforward. Several state and integrated schools serve the wider catchment, with Roslyn School and Ross Intermediate directly associated with the suburb. The area attracts families and longer-term residents seeking established suburban living rather than a visitor destination.
Near Roslyn
Just outside Roslyn, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Show 2 more places
Businesses
Where to Learn More
Palmerston North City Council: official information on suburbs, parks, reserves and local facilities.
Manawatū Heritage: historical images and records relating to Roslyn and Palmerston North suburbs.
Wikipedia: Roslyn, Palmerston North: overview with geographic and boundary details citing local sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Roslyn located?
Roslyn lies approximately 3 km north-east of central Palmerston North, bounded by the North Island Main Trunk Railway to the north and Main Street East to the south.
What schools serve the suburb?
Roslyn School / Te Kura o Rōharini on Kipling Street provides full primary education for Years 0-8; Ross Intermediate is also located in the suburb.
Are there parks or reserves in Roslyn?
Yes, including Clyde Crescent/Vogel Street Reserve with playground facilities and other neighbourhood reserves managed by Palmerston North City Council.
How do residents travel to the central city?
The Palmerston North bus network and road connections via Main Street East and Ruahine Street provide access; many residents drive or use public transport for the short journey.
What type of housing is typical?
The suburb features a mix of post-World War II housing, state housing and later builds.
Is there a community garden?
Yes, Roslyn Commons Community Garden was established by residents in 2020 for shared gardening space.
Is Roslyn suitable for families?
The suburb offers local schools, reserves and everyday amenities that support family living, with easy access to central city services.
Are there shops nearby?
Neighbourhood shops provide for daily needs; larger retail and services are a short distance away in central Palmerston North.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Explore Palmerston North only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Roslyn is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.