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The town of Palmerston, in New Zealand's South Island is located 50 kilometres to the north of the city of Dunedin. The main town in East Otago, it lies at a major road junction: State Highway 1 continues north to Oamaru and Christchurch, whereas Provincial Highway 85 (known colloquially as "The Pigroot") heads inland to become to principal highway of the Maniototo.
Palmerston stands near the banks of the Shag River, five kilometres inland from the Pacific coast. Between it and the sea stands the lone hill or Puketapu (Maori for sacred hill), on top of which is a monument to 19th century politician Sir John McKenzie. An annual race is held up to the memorial and back.
The town of Palmerston is frequently confused with the North Island city of Palmerston North, whose residents often call simply "Palmerston". Otago's town has the earlier claim to the name, however - it was surveyed in 1862, whereas the northern city was not named iuntil 1871. Both towns were named after Lord Palmerston, the 19th century British Prime Minister.
References
Dann, C. & Peat, N. (1989). Dunedin, North and South Otago. Wellington, NZ: GP Books. ISBN 0-477-01438-0.
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