This study was produced to document recent population trends and provide estimates of future growth in local authority areas. The predictions for the Manawatū region are provided on page 47. In 1966 Palmerston North had a population of 46,832. The Ministry of Works predicted that the city's population would be 51,000 in 1971; 56,000 in 1976; and 62,000 in 1986. The actual growth of the city exceeded these estimates. According to census results, Palmerston North's population was 57,065 in 1971; 63,873 in 1976; and 67,405 in 1986.