Gone are the days when Pukekohe was best known for its ability to grow onions and potatoes — today most of the residents are more interested in motorsport or hanging out at the town’s cafes.
The traditional rural businesses are still there, but they’re no longer the essence of the place. A stroll down the main shopping street reveals Pukekohe as a pleasant, increasingly affluent, unpretentious and substantial country town.
The population is predominately European, but there are also Maori, Indian and Chinese. Pukekohe is attractive to those who need to be near Auckland but want a rural lifestyle with all the amenities of an established country town.
People here are mostly middle-class, although there are a few seriously wealthy people too, especially in Karaka.
Dwellings run the full spectrum, from old farmhouses, villas and bungalows, through to more modern brick-and-tile and weatherboard homes.
Pukekohe District has at least 11 primary schools, an intermediate school and two secondary schools. The private schools ACG Strathallan and Pukekohe Christian School are also in the area.
Pukekohe has excellent main-street shopping, with more than 200 businesses offering everything from tractors to fine wines. Big retailers have arrived in town, but there’s no room for them in the main street, they are mostly situated down Manukau Road and a large shopping mall is starting construction down there also.
Locals are spoilt for choice if they’re keen on outdoor activities. Pukekohe Park is the home of motorsport, and horse racing is getting bigger here. There is a stadium, tennis and squash courts, gyms, an all-weather hockey ground, golf course, a recreation centre with a heated pool and courts. The fairly new Cosmopolitan Club sports complex has indoor and outdoor bowling greens, 10-pin bowling and more.
Drive 40 minutes east or west and you’re at the sea. Many locals have baches on the Coromandel Peninsula.