It covers the southern half of the Hawke's Bay coast, excluding Napier City, which is a separate territorial authority.

[5] Local government in the area began with the Havelock North Roads Board in 1871.

Other towns and settlements include (from north to south): The district, as one of the largest apple, pear and stone fruit producing areas in New Zealand, has an important relationship with the Napier Port.

It has also become an important grape growing and wine production area, with the fruit passing from the growers around Metropolitan Hastings and then to Napier for exporting.

Napier is an important service centre for the agriculture and pastoral output of the predominantly rural Hastings District.

Hastings District is historic and welcoming to tourists, although inbound tourism is typically focused on Napier.

In the next five years, passenger numbers are expected to exceed 550,000, bringing many new people into Hawke's Bay, with Hastings benefiting from the greater tourism.

[18] Hastings' largest draw card is the wine and food trail established around the productive hinterland.

Boutique food industries are becoming popular with cheese, fine meats, and locally produced delicacies seen on display at the Hawkes Bay Farmer's Market (New Zealand's oldest and largest weekly farmer's market).

Outdoor leisure activities dominate, with beaches, rivers, mountain biking, tramping, and golf, being popular.

Hastings' specialist attractions include: New Zealand's largest water park, called 'Splash Planet', which replaced 'Fantasyland' near the turn of the millennium, Cape Kidnappers (the world's largest mainland gannet colony), Te Mata Peak, and access to an abundance of nature reserves and mountain treks.