The Wanganui-Rangitikei region is a triangularshaped piece of territory located in the south-west part of the North Island. The base of the triangle extends from the Patea River in the west to the Rangitikei River in the east, a distance of approximately 55 miles; the apex of the triangle is located near Ohakune, the distance between base and apex being approximately 40 miles. This area corresponds roughly in extent with the four counties, Waimarino, Waitotara, Wanganui, and Rangitikei, which, together with their interior boroughs and cities, constitute the basis for the collection of statistics. Wanganui (urban area population, 1961: 35,694) is the principal centre for the region which, in 1961, had a total population of 67,235 (2·78 per cent of the national total) of which 9·66 per cent were Maoris.