Timaru District is located on the central east coast of the South Island. It covers approximately 2,740 square kilometres and has a population of about 50,000.

Timaru, the largest town, is the district’s administrative, commercial and port centre. Other principal towns include Temuka, Geraldine and Pleasant Point.

The economy is based on port logistics, dairy production and food processing. Major businesses include Fonterra’s Clandeboye factory. The Port of Timaru is an important deep-water port on the South Island’s east coast.

Timaru District established a sister-city relationship with Weihai, Shandong Province, in 1999.

The current mayor is Nigel Bowen.