to the local rugby team Ashhurst-Pohangina RFC History Ashhurst was named for Lord Henry Ashhurst, who owned land in the immediate area. The Māori name for the area is Raukawa, after the native aromatic plant ''Pseudopanax edgerleyi, whereas for the town it is Otangaki. Local and central government representation Former Ashhurst-Fitzherbert Ward Ashhurst-Fitzherbert Ward was Palmerston North's largest ward covering the area from James Line to part way through the Manawatu Gorge, to just north of Ashhurst township. Wards were abolished in Palmerston North in 2013. Central government Rangitīkei is represented by New Zealand National Party MP Ian McKelvie. Te Tai Hauāuru is represented by New Zealand Labour Party MP Adrian Rurawhe. Education Ashhurst School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students, with a roll of as of . Notable people Andre Taylor, rugby player Mark McGrath, darts player References External links https://web.archive.org/web/20050418224210/http://www.ashhurstnz.com/ Populated places in Manawatū-Whanganui Suburbs of Palmerston North Populated places on the Manawatū River