It is a rural Waikato town with a total population of around 12,000 (6,000 in rural areas, 6,000 in the township). It is located near the base of the Kaimai Ranges and is a thriving farming area known forThoroughbread horse breeding and training pursuits. It is part of the Matamata Piako district Matamata-Piako District Council, taking in the surrounding rural areas as well as Morrinsville and Te Aroha. State Highway 27 and the Kinleith Branch railway run through the town.