Last updated July 2026
Takaro is a residential suburb and constituent ward of Palmerston North in New Zealand’s Manawatū-Whanganui region. It lies east of Highbury, west of the Palmerston North Hospital Area and north of the central business district. The suburb covers 2.00 square kilometres and had an estimated population of 5,960 as of June 2025. It features a mix of housing styles, local parks and community facilities that support everyday suburban living. Takaro forms part of the wider Palmerston North urban area with convenient access to central amenities.
Practical Information
| Location | East of Highbury, west of Palmerston North Hospital Area, north of the CBD |
| Area | 2.00 km² |
| Population (June 2025 est.) | 5,960 |
| Population density | 2,980 people per km² |
| Key parks | Takaro Park, Gloucester Reserve, Kawau Stream Reserve, Clausen Reserve, Coronation Park |
| Schools | Takaro School, Our Lady of Lourdes School (nearby secondary options include Palmerston North Boys’ High School and Queen Elizabeth College) |
| Best for | Residents seeking suburban living with access to central Palmerston North |
About Takaro
Takaro is an established inner suburb of Palmerston North characterised by residential housing and community facilities. It includes several neighbourhood reserves and sports grounds that provide space for recreation close to home. The suburb supports a range of housing from older properties to newer builds, suiting different household needs and budgets.
The area features Takaro Park with sports fields, tennis courts and outdoor fitness equipment, along with Gloucester Reserve which offers a playground with a skyrail, climbing structures and swings. Other reserves include Kawau Stream Reserve and Clausen Reserve. These spaces contribute to the suburban environment and support walking, play and community activities.
Local schools serve primary-aged children, with Takaro School and Our Lady of Lourdes School located within the suburb. Secondary education options are available nearby. Public transport links connect Takaro to the central city and other parts of Palmerston North via the city bus network.
Street names in Takaro often reflect local history or natural themes, with several named after native birds such as the korimako (bellbird) and piwakawaka (fantail). The suburb forms part of the Te Hirawanui General Ward and Te Pūao Māori Ward electoral structure.
Living in Takaro
Residents benefit from the suburb’s position within easy reach of central Palmerston North amenities including The Square, museums, libraries and aquatic facilities. Local neighbourhood shops and services meet many daily needs without requiring travel into the city centre. The flat terrain of Palmerston North makes walking and cycling practical options for many trips.
Public transport via the Palmerston North City Council bus network provides connections to the central city and surrounding areas. The suburb’s parks and reserves support family recreation, sports and informal exercise. Community facilities such as the Takaro Bowling Club and Takaro Tennis Club offer additional organised activities.
Demographic data shows a relatively young median age of 32.9 years and a diverse population with significant Māori, Pasifika and Asian communities alongside the European majority. Median income aligns closely with national figures. The combination of housing variety, local services and proximity to the city centre makes Takaro a typical Palmerston North residential environment.
Parks and Recreation
Takaro Park provides sports fields for football and other activities, tennis courts, picnic areas and outdoor fitness equipment. It serves as a hub for local sports and casual recreation. Gloucester Reserve features a well-equipped playground suitable for children of various ages, including a skyrail, bridge, monkey bars, slide, climbing wall and swings.
Additional reserves such as Kawau Stream Reserve, Clausen Reserve and Coronation Park offer further green space for walking and relaxation. These facilities are maintained by Palmerston North City Council and contribute to the suburb’s liveability for families and active residents.
What Visitors Often Say
Residents and locals describe Takaro as a convenient and family-oriented suburb with good access to shops, parks and central Palmerston North. Many appreciate the mix of housing options and the presence of neighbourhood reserves for daily recreation.
Practical comments highlight the suburb’s central location within Palmerston North, making commutes and errands straightforward. Some note that certain streets can be busier due to nearby sports facilities, while others value the community atmosphere around local schools and parks.
Where to Learn More
Palmerston North City Council: official information on suburbs, parks, reserves and local services.
Wikipedia – Takaro: overview of suburb boundaries, demographics and facilities with links to primary sources.
Manawatū Heritage: historical information on street names and suburb development in Palmerston North.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Takaro located?
Takaro lies east of Highbury, west of the Palmerston North Hospital Area and north of the central business district in Palmerston North.
What is the population of Takaro?
The suburb had an estimated population of 5,960 as of June 2025, with a density of approximately 2,980 people per square kilometre.
What parks are in Takaro?
Key parks include Takaro Park with sports fields and tennis courts, Gloucester Reserve with a playground, and several other reserves such as Kawau Stream Reserve and Coronation Park.
Are there schools in Takaro?
Yes, Takaro School and Our Lady of Lourdes School are located in the suburb, with secondary options nearby including Palmerston North Boys’ High School and Queen Elizabeth College.
What kind of housing is available?
Takaro offers a mix of older and newer residential properties across a range of styles and price points.
How do residents get around?
The suburb has good access to the Palmerston North bus network, and the flat terrain supports walking and cycling to central amenities.
Is Takaro suitable for families?
The suburb includes parks, playgrounds and local primary schools that support family living, with easy access to wider city facilities.
Are there sports facilities?
Takaro Park provides sports fields, tennis courts and fitness equipment, while the Takaro Bowling Club and Takaro Tennis Club offer additional organised activities.
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