The Centennial Committee dedicates this publication to all who have lived In or been educated in the Aokautere district Our pioneer settlers came with enthusiasm and carved out this area for our future generations to share and enjoy. One hundred years have seen a dramatic change in the landscape, as you will see in reading the following pages The area was first used for dairying, sheep, and cattle farming, but this has gradually given way to other forms of farming and industry, market gardening, hydroponics. deer and gram farming With the expansion of Palmerston North, much of the former farmland has been subdivided for housing In the next generation or two. the district will take on an entirely new look, but this Is progress It has been a great honour to have been the Chairman of the Centennial Committee, having lived in the district all my life The celebrations brought back many memories for me. and I would not have missed such an occasion The celebrations were a great success, both socially and financially. Funds were passed to the School to complete the purchase of a computer, a donation was made to the fund for the new District and School Hall, and a balance will be held in trust for the next celebrations As Chairman I wish to thank residents and friends who contributed to the initial fundraising in various ways I also wish to place on record my sincere thanks to all the Committee and to the subcommittees who worked so willing to give us a wonderful Centennial celebration and a permanent record of 100 years of history in this book Finally, special thanks go to Lyndsay Cocks (Brill), our Secretary-Treasurer for her outstanding efforts In handling both the correspondence and the financial affairs associated with this occasion.