Lepperton

Lepperton is a small rural community located approximately 15km from New Plymouth’s CBD, with a population of around 400–500 residents. The surrounding area has strong ties to the poultry industry, with a number of hatcheries and broiler farming operations.

At the heart of the community is the well-regarded Lepperton School, catering for Years 0–8 with a roll of approximately 200 students. The township also offers a Playcentre, local store and café, tennis club and other community facilities, providing a friendly rural lifestyle within easy commuting distance of New Plymouth.

History: The township was named after Lieutenant Colonel Maxwell Lepper of the 14th Regiment, one of the nine regiments to serve in the Taranaki wars. After he retired from the regiment, Lepper became the commander of the Taranaki military settlers and was allocated a block of land in the settlement. Later members of the family developed a well-known pedigree Jersey livestock stud.