Westmere, Manawatū-Whanganui
Westmere | |
|---|---|
Interactive map of Westmere | |
| Coordinates: 39°53′49″S 174°59′42″E / 39.897°S 174.995°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| District | Whanganui District |
| Community | Whanganui Rural Community |
| Electorates | |
| Government | |
| • Territorial Authority | Whanganui District Council |
| • Regional council | Horizons Regional Council |
| • Mayor of Whanganui | Andrew Tripe |
| • Whanganui MP | Carl Bates |
| • Te Tai Hauāuru MP | Debbie Ngarewa-Packer |
| Area | |
• Total | 36.49 km2 (14.09 sq mi) |
| Population (2023 Census) | |
• Total | 873 |
| • Density | 23.9/km2 (62.0/sq mi) |
Westmere is a lake and rural community in the Whanganui District and Manawatū-Whanganui region of New Zealand's North Island.
The settlement was established in the late 19th century, with a school being opened near the lake in 1894. Seven generations of the Laird family have been involved in the school, including school co-founder Alex Laird and founding teacher Emma Laird. The buildings were built by local families, and the soil for the grounds was transported with horses and drays from local farms.
Former residents include Wellington paediatrician Dr Brierley Emmett and concert pianist Liam Wooding.