Putaruru

Putaruru is a small town in the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island. It is on the Oraka River 65 kilometres south-east of Hamilton. The correct form of the name is thought to be the Māori word Putaaruru – "To come forth like a ruru (native owl)"; sometimes given as 'Home of the Owl'. The town's population at the 2006 census was 3765 (2001: 3783, 1996: 4047). Its economy is based on farming, forestry and timber production. State Highway 1 and the Kinleith Branch railway run through the town. The nearby Blue Spring is the current source of about 60% of New Zealand's bottled water. Putaruru's main shopping street is Princes street and has a collection of Chemists, Hairdressers, Banks, retail stores and a Café (Pause Cafe) There...