Bay of Plenty Region – the bay James Cook named for its abundance
The region takes its name from the bay, which James Cook named the Bay of Plenty after noticing the abundant food supplies at several Māori villages along its shores, in contrast to what he had seen at Poverty Bay. That name has stuck for more than two centuries and still describes a fertile, productive coast. Today the region is home to an estimated 354,100 residents, making it the fifth most populous in New Zealand, and it has the third highest regional population density despite having only the eleventh largest land area. Tauranga, Rotorua and Whakatāne are the major centres. What has changed in your town over the years? Share your stories and photographs with us.