Post by NZBC on Aug 7, 2007 21:02:30 GMT 12
New Zealand¡¯s Carrot Capital"
Positioned directly in the centre of the North Island in the shadow of three volcanos and sandwiched between two National Parks is New Zealand¡¯s carrot capital, Ohakune. The town of 1300 people situated on the main trunk railway line and main highway linking Auckland and Wellington is a market gardening centre in summer and snow sport lovers head quarters in winter.
From the 1920¡¯s following the opening of the railway link north and south, the high altitude town¡¯s potential to supply distant cities with produce was realized by industrious Chinese market gardeners. The cool climate and plentiful rain and sunshine proved perfect growing conditions for many vegetables, especially the humble carrot. A giant carrot now welcomes visitors to the town symbolizing the importance of the root vegetable to the town¡¯s success.
Positioned directly in the centre of the North Island in the shadow of three volcanos and sandwiched between two National Parks is New Zealand¡¯s carrot capital, Ohakune. The town of 1300 people situated on the main trunk railway line and main highway linking Auckland and Wellington is a market gardening centre in summer and snow sport lovers head quarters in winter.
From the 1920¡¯s following the opening of the railway link north and south, the high altitude town¡¯s potential to supply distant cities with produce was realized by industrious Chinese market gardeners. The cool climate and plentiful rain and sunshine proved perfect growing conditions for many vegetables, especially the humble carrot. A giant carrot now welcomes visitors to the town symbolizing the importance of the root vegetable to the town¡¯s success.
