Ashburton District is located in central Canterbury in New Zealand’s South Island, approximately 80 kilometres south of Christchurch. It extends from the Pacific coast to the Southern Alps, covering 6,190 square kilometres, with a population of 37,400.

Ashburton town, with a population of approximately 18,000, is the district’s main commercial and service centre. Situated on State Highway 1, it enjoys a favourable location and convenient transport links. It has well-developed financial and legal services, alongside a wide range of businesses providing engineering, automotive and agricultural machinery services, retail, dining, leisure and entertainment. In 2012, Ashburton was named the “Co-operative Capital of New Zealand”, having more co-operative businesses than any other part of the country.

Other important communities include Methven, Rakaia, Hinds, Mayfield and Mount Somers.

Agriculture, forestry and fishing are the district’s main industries, accounting for approximately 30% of GDP. Major exports include animal and plant products, such as beef and lamb.

Ashburton established friendship-city relationships with Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, in 2018 and Puyang, Henan Province, in 2000.

The current mayor is Liz McMillan.