New Plymouth District provides the base for New Zealand's major oil, gas and petrochemical industries, which in turn provide a solid commercial and employment base for the region.
Towered over by the impressive dormant volcano Mt Taranaki, the plains of Taranaki are one of the most productive dairying districts in the country. The local economy also includes agriculture, aquaculture, floriculture, horticulture and forestry. Heavy engineering, manufacturing, education, leisure, tourism and recreation also feature.
The region has also become a sought after filming location with The Last Samurai being just one of the many big budget movies filmed here.