New Zealand Organisation for Quality

Palmerston North (; Māori: Te Papa-i-Oea, known colloquially as Palmy) is a city in the North Island of New Zealand and the seat of the Manawatū-Whanganui region. Located in the eastern Manawatu Plains, the city is near the north bank of the Manawatu River, 35 km (22 mi) from the river's mouth, and 12 km (7 mi) from the end of the Manawatū Gorge, about 140 km (87 mi) north of the capital, Wellington. Palmerston North is the country's eighth-largest urban area, with an urban population of 82,500 (June 2023). The estimated population of Palmerston North city is 91,800 (June 2023).The official limits of the city take in rural areas to the south, north-east, north-west and west of the main urban area, extending to the Tararua Ranges; including the town of Ashhurst at the mouth of the Manawatū Gorge, the villages of Bunnythorpe and Longburn in the north and west respectively. The city covers a land area of 395 square kilometres (98,000 acres).The city's location was once little more than a clearing in a forest and occupied by small communities of Māori, who called it Papa-i-Oea, believed to mean "How beautiful it is". In the mid-19th century, it was settled by Europeans—originally by Scandinavians and, later, British settlers. On foundation, the British settlement was bestowed the name Palmerston, in honour of Viscount Palmerston, a former British Prime Minister. The suffix North was added in 1871 to distinguish the settlement from Palmerston in the South Island. Today, the name is often informally shortened to "Palmy".Early Palmerston North relied on public works and sawmilling. The west coast railway was built in 1886, linking the town to Wellington, and Palmerston North benefited from a booming pastoral farming industry. Linton Military Camp, Palmerston North Hospital, and the establishment of Massey University (in 1927) have reduced the dependence on farming due to more skilled workers, since the early 20th century. Popular attractions include Te Manawa (a museum and art gallery that includes the New Zealand Rugby Museum), and several performing arts venues.

Swampfest is an annual musical festival that showcases Palmerston North bands. Swampfest was originally timed to coincide with New Zealand Music Month (May), but in 2009 Switched to September to match the 21st birthday of The Stomach's, which is a music performing and rehearsal space in the city. Swampfest showcases local up-and-coming and established artists who play original music. The genre of music played at the festival varies depending on the artists, but Rock, punk, ska, electronic, hip hop, metal, pop, solo and acoustic have all featured in the festival. The festival is named after Palmerston North's primordial origins as a swamp.

Palmerston North Central is the central suburb and central business district of Palmerston North, on New Zealand's North Island. State Highway 3 passes through the area along Rangitikei Street, Main Street East, Grey Street and Princess Street.

The Palmerston North City Library is the main public library provided by the Palmerston North City Council for the residents of Palmerston North, New Zealand.

2XS FM was a radio station in Palmerston North, New Zealand. 2XS started on 29 May 1981 at 8:28 in the morning, broadcasting on 828AM, the name was taken from the stations call sign 2XS. In 1986 2XS began broadcasting on 92.2FM with the call sign 2XXS and the station became known as 92.2XS FM. The 828AM frequency was later used by 2XS FM to start a second station Bright and Easy 828AM, this station was later known as Classic Hits 828 (no connection to Classic Hits FM network) before becoming Magic 828 & 98.6FM. The station has enjoyed a significant market share, anchored by local long-serving breakfast host Mike West, since the early 1990s. A string of personalities have worked on the station, including Stu Tolan (MORE FM network), Dom Harvey (under his pseudonym Baldrick; The Edge Breakfast), Mark Smith (Sound/Magic Network), Robert Scott (The Breeze Drive), Martin Good (Classic Hits Hawkes Bay Breakfast), Hamish McKay (Newshub sports presenter) and others. In 1998, 2XS FM and Magic 828/98.6FM, along with the rest of the XS Radio Group, were sold to RadioWorks and became part of RadioWorks group of local stations known as LocalWorks. In 2005 2XS FM was rebranded as MORE FM when RadioWorks rebranded the majority of their local Adult Contemporary music stations as MORE FM. Radio industry commentators have speculated its return to its original format on a different frequency with original branding. In a growing trend in NZ radio, MORE FM Manawatu has increased its networked programming from Auckland, particularly across the weekend.

The Regent on Broadway is a large theatre in Palmerston North, New Zealand, named so because it is the Regent Theatre on Broadway Avenue.

The Universal College of Learning (UCOL) is a New Zealand Government ITP (Industry Training Provider/Polytechnic) with campuses located in Palmerston North, Whanganui, Masterton and Levin. Jasmine Groves is the institute's current Operational Lead.

The Plaza Shopping Centre is a shopping mall in the central area of Palmerston North, New Zealand owned by Kiwi Property. It is the largest shopping mall in the Manawatu region.

All Saints Church in Palmerston North, New Zealand, is an Anglican heritage-registered church designed by eminent architect Frederick de Jersey Clere. The church has been closed since 2013 over concerns about earthquake resistance but there are plans to strengthen the structure.

Te Manawa (Māori: The Heart) is a museum, art gallery and science centre in Palmerston North, New Zealand. It is operated by the Te Manawa Museums Trust, a charitable trust incorporated on 20 August 1999. From that date, the Trust assumed responsibility for art works and heritage assets transferred to its care but held on behalf of others. From 1 July 2000 the Trust commenced leasing the premises and managing the institution under agreements entered into with the Palmerston North City Council. The primary objective of the Trust is to provide interactive experience in art, science and history through acquiring, conserving, researching, developing, communicating and exhibiting material evidence of people and their environment, rather than making a financial return. The Trust is controlled by Palmerston North City Council and is a Council Controlled Organisation as defined under section 6 of the Local Government Act 2002, by virtue of the Council’s right to appoint more than 50% of the Board of Trustees. The Te Manawa complex also houses the New Zealand Rugby Museum adjacent to the civic center, near The Square in Palmerston North, on land which was historically the railway station, before the trains were moved from the center of city to the west of the city. Some dozens of the holdings are contributed to NZMuseums, the combined catalog of museums across New Zealand.Te Manawa's public spaces include semi-permanent exhibitions, local exhibitions, touring exhibitions, events and a shop. Te Manawa is highly ranked as a tourist attraction by both Trip Advisor and Lonely Planet. It was a finalist in the 2012 New Zealand museum awards.

The New Zealand Rugby Museum, based in Palmerston North, New Zealand, is a museum dedicated to the sport of Rugby union.