The Coromandel Peninsula is a magical part of New Zealand and is regarded as a favourite destination. Relaxed lifestyle and unspoiled landscape make it an ideal holiday destination.

Only a short hour and a half drive from three main cities - Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga, the Peninsula is surrounded by sea and I love being here and enjoy the people in the many diverse communities that make up our district.

Views stretch across the Firth of Thames and Hauraki Gulf to the greater Auckland region on the west coast and the Pacific Ocean on the east coast.

The district originally attracted large numbers in the mid 1800s with the promise of riches from gold mining and kauri logging. Today the Peninsula's stunning beaches and coastline, dramatic landscapes, abundant bush and wildlife make it the gem of the Waikato region.

The Peninsula covers approximately 217,200 hectares of mainland and offshore islands. It is home to diverse coastal communities and rural settlements, with a mixture of permanent and part-time residents – each community has its own unique character.

The region has a population of 56,513 and stretches south to the beautiful mural town of Katikati, Omokoroa and Te Puna; back to Waihi with the 'heart of gold' and Paeroa, home of world famous L & P "big bottle"; south to Tirohia and across to Patetonga, circling Ngatea, the hub of the Hauraki Plains; ending with Waitakaruru in the north-east corner.

Electorate boundary changes being proposed for the Coromandel see Omokoroa and Te Puna lost to the Bay of Plenty, but a gain of Te Aroha, Waitoa, Tatuanui, Tahuna and their surrounding areas, just skirting around Morrinsville.

Thriving agriculture and tourism, horticulture, aquaculture and successful industry continue to grow the regions economy.

The Coromandel Peninsula is a wonderful place to live and a haven to come home to.

Sandra Goudie