79-620: Waihopai Valley is an area near Blenheim in the Marlborough region of the South Island of New Zealand. The Waihopai River drains the area. The Government Communications Security Bureau operates what it describes as a satellite communications monitoring facility in the Waihopai Valley, which it calls GCSB Waihopai . It has been identified as being a part of ECHELON , the worldwide network of signals interception facilities run by
158-628: A Briton, and John Robert Godley , an Anglo-Irish aristocrat, founded the Canterbury Association to establish an Anglican colony in the South Island . The colony was based upon theories developed by Wakefield while in prison for eloping with a woman not-of-age. Due to ties to the University of Oxford , the Canterbury Association succeeded in raising sufficient funds and recruiting middle-class and upper-class settlers. In April 1850,
237-423: A buildup of clouds above the ranges. The highest recorded temperature is 37.8 °C, recorded on 7 February 1973. The lowest is −8.8 °C. The Blenheim urban area, as defined by Statistics New Zealand, covers 27.46 km (10.60 sq mi) and incorporates thirteen statistical areas. It had an estimated population of 30,600 as of June 2024, with a population density of 1,114 people per km . Before
316-404: A busy weekday afternoon. This, along with the strength of the quakes, and the proximity to the city centre, resulted in 181 deaths. Many buildings and landmarks were severely damaged, including the iconic Shag Rock and Christchurch Cathedral . New Zealand's first National State of Emergency was promptly declared. On 13 June 2011 at about 1:00 pm New Zealand time, Christchurch was rocked by
395-539: A bypass. Blenheim is on the Main North Line , the northern part of the unofficially-named South Island Main Trunk Railway . The Coastal Pacific , a long-distance passenger train between Picton and Christchurch, stops at Blenheim railway station . The 1906 station has been listed NZHPT Category II since 1982. It is a standard Vintage station , with Tudor half-timbering and tile. A major rail freight facility
474-497: A contemporary chronic shortage of affordable housing for low and middle income earners. The Marlborough Region has a wide range of predominantly outdoor leisure activities and the relaxed lifestyle and the flourishing wine and gourmet food industry in Marlborough are enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike. Omaka Aerodrome , south of the town centre, is the setting for the two-yearly Classic Fighters Marlborough airshow. With
553-669: A divisional court of the Court of Appeal . State Highway 1 runs the length of Canterbury, connecting north to Blenheim and the Cook Strait ferry terminal at Picton and south to Oamaru , Dunedin and Invercargill . Christchurch International Airport , located in Harewood on the northwest outskirts of Christchurch, is the region's main airport. Regular flights operate from Christchurch to most major centres in New Zealand, as well as Australia,
632-532: A large emphasis on aircraft of World War One, it has been held since 2001. Seymour Square and Pollard Park are two of the town centres main attractions for walks and general tourism. Seymour Square is an open public area in the centre, containing the War Memorial and Clock Tower, unveiled in 1928, classified as a "Category I" ("places of 'special or outstanding historical or cultural heritage significance or value'") historic place by Heritage New Zealand . The Square
711-456: A long history, stretching from creation of the greywacke basement rocks that make up the Southern Alps to the arrival of the first humans. This history is linked to the solidification and development of tectonic plates, the development of oceans and then life itself. The region is a part of the larger Zealandia continent, itself a part of the larger Australian and Pacific tectonic plates. In
790-461: A magnitude 5.7 quake, followed by a magnitude 6.3 quake at 2:20 pm, centred in a similar location to that of the February quake with a depth of 6.0 kilometres. Dozens of aftershocks occurred over the following days, including several over magnitude 4. Phone lines and power were lost in some suburbs, and liquefaction surfaced mainly in the eastern areas of the city which were worst affected following
869-592: A million sheep in the region by the early 1850s. By the 1860s, this figure had risen to three million. During this period, the architect Benjamin Mountfort designed many civic and ecclesiastical buildings in the Gothic Revival style. The Canterbury Province was formed in 1853 following the passing of the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852 . It was formed from part of New Munster Province and covered
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#1732859039507948-566: A preliminary group led by Godley landed at Port Cooper – modern-day Lyttelton Harbour / Whakaraupō – and established a port, housing and shops in preparation for the main body of settlers. In December 1850, the first wave of 750 settlers arrived at Lyttelton in a fleet of four ships . Following 1850, the province's economy developed with the introduction of sheep farming. The Canterbury region's tussock plains in particular were suitable for extensive sheep farming. Since they were highly valued by settlers for their meat and wool, there were over half
1027-473: A sex ratio of 0.95 males per female, with 4,674 people (17.4%) aged under 15 years, 4,461 (16.6%) aged 15 to 29, 11,526 (43.0%) aged 30 to 64, and 6,162 (23.0%) aged 65 or older. Ethnicities were 85.3% European/ Pākehā , 13.7% Māori , 3.9% Pasifika , 5.6% Asian , and 2.6% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity. The percentage of people born overseas was 18.3, compared with 27.1% nationally. Although some people chose not to answer
1106-630: A variety of indoor venues. Christchurch City Council maintains 110 sportsgrounds across Christchurch City and Banks Peninsula . The sports venues Lancaster Park and Queen Elizabeth II Park were damaged beyond repair in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake , and were demolished. New facilities built to replace those damaged in the earthquake include the Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub , the Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre — an aquatic and indoor sports venue scheduled to open in 2025, and
1185-468: Is displayed every November at the Canterbury A&;P Show . The show coincides with the regional anniversary day and Cup Week. During the interwar period, agricultural productivity was boosted by the introduction of mechanization, lime and the improvement of seed stocks. Canterbury is also New Zealand's main producer of cereal crops such as wheat, barley and oats. As of 2002, the region produced 60.7% of
1264-489: Is held biennially at Easter. State Highway 1 runs through Blenheim and State Highway 6 terminates at the junction of the two state highways. Blenheim is notable for a town of its size in that it does not have traffic lights at any intersection. Instead, roundabouts speed arterial traffic flow. Since the installation of roundabouts traffic volumes have quickly increased and upgrading options are being considered, e.g. traffic lights, longer two-lane approaches and even
1343-591: Is in Otago. Following the local government reform of 1989 , Kaikōura District was part of the Nelson-Marlborough Region . That region was later abolished and replaced with three unitary authorities . Kaikōura was too small to function as an independent unitary authority and was moved under the jurisdiction of the Canterbury Regional Council in 1992. However, Kaikōura remains part of Marlborough in
1422-590: Is named after the Battle of Blenheim (1704) in the War of the Spanish Succession , where troops led by John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough defeated a combined French and Bavarian force. The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of " flax stream" for the town's Māori name, Waiharakeke . The sheltered coastal bays of Marlborough supported a small Māori population possibly as early as
1501-641: Is north of Blenheim at Spring Creek . The narrow-gauge Blenheim Riverside Railway runs through the town. The Marlborough Electric Power Board (MEPB) was formed in October 1923 and established the Blenheim's first public supply in April 1927, following the commissioning of the Waihopai hydroelectric power station 40 km southwest of Blenheim. Two diesel generators were commissioned at Springlands in 1930 and 1937 to supplement
1580-583: Is one of the many means being used to address the water issue. The Canterbury mudfish (kowaro) is an endangered species that is monitored by the Department of Conservation. The Canterbury region is administered by the Canterbury Regional Council . The area includes ten territorial authorities , including Christchurch City Council and part of the Waitaki District , the other part of which
1659-427: Is rare as the town is sheltered from cold southerly weather by the mountain ranges to the south. Rainfall and humidity is highest in winter and early spring, between June and October. The town's average annual rainfall is a little more than 700mm, with 81.5 precipitation days. Thunderstorms are an uncommon occurrence due to the sheltered climate. There is a higher likelihood in summer, when afternoon heating can generate
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#17328590395071738-465: Is the most populous town in the region of Marlborough , in the north east of the South Island of New Zealand . It has an estimated urban population of 30,600 (June 2024). The surrounding Marlborough wine region is well known as the centre of the New Zealand wine industry. It enjoys one of New Zealand's sunniest climates , with warm, relatively dry summers and cool, crisp winters. Blenheim
1817-506: The ECHELON network, is near Blenheim. Woodbourne Airport is a domestic airport and an RNZAF operational base. There are direct flights from Auckland and Wellington with Air New Zealand and from Wellington , Christchurch , and Paraparaumu with Sounds Air . Omaka Aerodrome , to the south of the town centre, is used solely by private and vintage aircraft. The Classic Fighters airshow (based mainly on World War I and II aircraft)
1896-559: The Māori electorates system, Canterbury is part of the large Te Tai Tonga electorate which covers the entire South Island, the surrounding islands and most of Wellington in the North Island. It is currently held by Tākuta Ferris of Te Pāti Māori . Judicially, the region is served by four District Courts at Christchurch, Ashburton, Timaru and Kaikōura, and two High Courts at Christchurch and Timaru. The Christchurch High Court also hosts
1975-603: The UKUSA consortium of intelligence agencies. The lower Waihopai, as it runs into the Wairau Valley , has a number of vineyards. From 1925 to 1927 small hydroelectric power station was built in the valley. It is now operated by TrustPower . 41°34′17.68″S 173°45′4.55″E / 41.5715778°S 173.7512639°E / -41.5715778; 173.7512639 Blenheim, New Zealand Blenheim ( / ˈ b l ɛ n ɪ m / BLEN -im ; Māori : Waiharakeke )
2054-576: The University of Canterbury located in western Christchurch, and Lincoln University located in Lincoln. Sport in Canterbury has developed from the time of the initial settlement by British migrants, and remains an important part of community life. Cricket and rugby union have been popular team sports since the early years of settlement, with the first cricket club established in Christchurch in 1851, and
2133-457: The 12th century. Archaeological evidence dates Polynesian human remains uncovered at Wairau Bar to the 13th century. The rich sea and bird life of the area would easily have supported such small communities. As the Māori population of the area increased, they developed the land to sustain the growing population. In the early 1700s canals and waterways were dug among the natural river courses, allowing for
2212-414: The 2011 Christchurch earthquake). Anglicanism is the largest Christian denomination in Canterbury with 14.8 percent affiliating, while Catholicism is the second-largest with 12.7 percent affiliating. The gross domestic product (GDP) of the Canterbury region was estimated at NZ$ 44.2 billion in the year to March 2022, representing 12.4% of New Zealand's national GDP. The regional GDP per filled job
2291-416: The 2023 census, the urban area had a smaller boundary, covering 17.20 km (6.64 sq mi). Using that boundary, the Blenheim urban area had a population of 26,835 at the 2018 New Zealand census , an increase of 2,229 people (9.1%) since the 2013 census , and an increase of 3,141 people (13.3%) since the 2006 census . There were 10,644 households, comprising 13,050 males and 13,776 females, giving
2370-696: The Canterbury Regional Council consists of all the river catchments on the east coast of the South Island from that of the Waiau Toa / Clarence River , north of Kaikōura , to that of the Waitaki River , in South Canterbury. It is New Zealand's largest region by area, with an area of 45,346 km . Canterbury was traditionally bounded in the north by the Conway River , to the west by the Southern Alps , and to
2449-755: The Canterbury region include the Mainland Tactix (netball), Crusaders (rugby) and the Canterbury Kings (cricket). The Crusaders, who play in the Super Rugby competition, are based in Christchurch. They represent Canterbury and other provinces of the upper South Island. They were formerly known as the Canterbury Crusaders . In provincial rugby, Canterbury is represented by three unions; Canterbury , Mid Canterbury and South Canterbury . For historical reasons, players from Kaikōura District still play for
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2528-578: The Marlborough Rugby Union, which is part of the Tasman Provincial team (Nelson/Marlborough Unions combined). Other sporting teams include the Mainland Tactix (netball), Canterbury United FC (football) and Canterbury Rams (basketball). Christchurch has hosted many international competitions including championship events. A particularly notable international event was the 1974 Commonwealth Games . There are many outdoor sportsgrounds and
2607-555: The Marlborough wine industry has come to be dominated by large firms, owned by major New Zealand companies or offshore investors. There are over 50 vineyards near Blenheim. Agricultural land prices in the Wairau Valley increased dramatically in the 1990s and 2000s. The sunny, pleasant climate has long attracted people to the region, as holiday-makers or as permanent settlers . The region is especially popular among retired people, as well as people seeking an alternative lifestyle. Rapid population growth and other factors though have led to
2686-560: The Pacific Islands and eastern Asia. Timaru's Richard Pearse Airport serves South Canterbury with daily flights to Wellington . Canterbury is served by 292 primary and secondary schools, educating around 94,000 students from ages 5 to 18. Around 13 percent of students attend state-integrated schools and 5 percent attend private schools, with the remaining 82 percent attending state schools. Christchurch and Timaru have single-sex state secondary schools. Canterbury has two universities:
2765-574: The Pacific plate (on which Blenheim sits) and the Indo-Australian plate passes just north of Blenheim. It lies east of Renwick, and just south of Spring Creek. The climate is generally very settled, largely due to the rain shadow effect of the mountain ranges to the west which shelter Blenheim from the heaviest of rains that hit the western part of the South Island. Summers are typically warm, dry and sunny. Winter mornings are cool and frosty. Snowfall
2844-488: The aftershocks. Many residents in and around the hillside suburb of Sumner self-evacuated. Further damage was reported to buildings inside the cordoned central business district, with an estimate of 75 additional buildings needing demolition. Among the buildings further damaged was the Christchurch Cathedral, which lost its iconic rose window . There was one death and multiple injuries. The area administered by
2923-451: The amount of forest on Banks Peninsula has increased. The amount of dairy farming is increasing with a corresponding increase in demand for water. Water use is now becoming a contentious issue in Canterbury. Lowland rivers and streams are generally polluted and some of the aquifers are being overdrawn. The Central Plains Water scheme is a proposal for water storage that has attracted much controversy. The Canterbury Water Management Strategy
3002-535: The census question. In the 2013 census, just under 20 percent of Canterbury's population was born overseas, compared to 25 percent for New Zealand as a whole. The British Isles remains the largest region of origin, accounting for 36.5 percent of the overseas-born population in Canterbury. Around a quarter of Canterbury's overseas-born population at the 2013 Census had been living in New Zealand for less than five years, and 11 percent had been living in New Zealand for less than two years (i.e. they moved to New Zealand after
3081-482: The census's question about religious affiliation, 50.8% had no religion, 37.6% were Christian , 0.6% had Māori religious beliefs , 0.8% were Hindu , 0.2% were Muslim , 0.7% were Buddhist and 1.9% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 3,177 (14.3%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 5,022 (22.7%) people had no formal qualifications. 2,673 people (12.1%) earned over $ 70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15
3160-494: The city was disrupted. Christchurch residents reported chimneys falling in through roofs, cracked ceilings and collapsed brick walls. A local state of emergency was declared at 10:16 am on 4 September for the city, and evacuations of parts were planned to begin later in the day. People inside the Christchurch city centre were evacuated, and the city's central business district remained closed until 5 September. A curfew from 7 pm on 4 September to 7 am on 5 September
3239-454: The coastline to the highest peaks, and from the warmer climes in the north to the colder in the south. Canterbury has been populated by a succession of Māori peoples over the centuries. When European settlers arrived, it was occupied by Ngāi Tahu , whose numbers had been greatly reduced by warfare, among themselves and with Te Rauparaha and his Ngāti Toa from the North Island, in the early 19th century. In 1848, Edward Gibbon Wakefield ,
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3318-579: The countryside, rivalling Canterbury's sheep stations in size and wealth. Situated on the Wairau Plain, the town is mostly flat with only its southernmost fringe rising to the base of the Wither Hills. As the plain is surrounded by mountains on all but the eastern flank, which is open to Cook Strait, it is relatively well protected from the frequent southerly weather fronts occurring during winters. The area does however experience some high wind events during
3397-472: The course of the year, especially from the west where the wind is funnelled down the Wairau Valley directly at the town. Open and exposed areas in and around Blenheim are also hit quite hard by winds blowing inland from Cook Strait. Blenheim sits at the confluence of the Taylor and Ōpaoa rivers. It is in a tectonically active zone and experiences several (usually small) earthquakes each year. The boundary between
3476-489: The dominant industry in the region; employment is derived not only from the production of wine, but also from 'wine tourism' in the area. Olive growing has also gained some importance in recent years. Despite being located several kilometres inland, maritime industries are also important sources of employment for Blenheim. Lake Grassmere has New Zealand's only salt works , producing 50% of the country's total salt requirement. Fishing and mussel farming are also important in
3555-511: The first forms of farming in the area including that of fish and native water fowl. A total of approximately 18 km of channels are known to have been excavated before the arrival of European settlers. Māori in the Marlborough Region also cultivated crops, including kūmara ( sweet potato ). The area is also home to the first serious clash of arms between Māori and the British settlers after
3634-409: The first instance, the land is based upon the constructive tectonic forces of this convergent and transformational tectonic plate boundary. In the second instance, the erosive forces of rain, snow, ice, and rock grinding against rock have developed large gravel fans that extend out from the mountains. In the third instance, there is volcanism punching through the basement rocks and blanket of sediments to
3713-570: The first rugby club in 1863. Interest in organised sports has diversified and now includes a wide range of codes. In 2022, the top five sporting codes in Canterbury based on club membership were netball , touch rugby , rugby union, golf and cricket. There are around 1,200 sports clubs and associations in Christchurch, and in 2022 there were 140,000 affiliated members. Most of the sporting codes remain amateur, and rely upon volunteers as administrators and officials. However, there are some professional teams. Notable teams representing Christchurch or
3792-471: The governing National Party (as part of the coalition-led Sixth National Government of New Zealand ) Vanessa Weenink , Hamish Campbell , and Matt Doocey . Meanwhile, the Christchurch Central , Christchurch East , and Wigram electorates are currently held by opposition ( Labour Party ) members Duncan Webb , Reuben Davidson , and Megan Woods respectively. In contrast to Christchurch, much of
3871-411: The high power of the transmitters. Canterbury, New Zealand Canterbury ( Māori : Waitaha ) is a region of New Zealand, located in the central-eastern South Island . The region covers an area of 44,503.88 square kilometres (17,183.04 sq mi), making it the largest region in the country by area. It is home to a population of 694,400 (June 2024). The region in its current form
3950-541: The middle part of the South Island, stretching from the east coast to the west coast. The province was abolished, along with other provinces of New Zealand, when the Abolition of the Provinces Act came into force on 1 November 1876. The modern Canterbury Region has slightly different boundaries, particularly in the north, where it includes some districts from the old Nelson Province . A magnitude 7.1 earthquake occurred in
4029-543: The minds of many people. In 2006, the Banks Peninsula District was merged into Christchurch City following a 2005 referendum. The Canterbury Region is covered by ten general electorates and one Māori electorate. The city of Christchurch as a whole consists of five of these electorates, while the electorate of Waimakariri contains a mix of Christchurch and exurban Canterbury. The Banks Peninsula , Ilam , and Waimakariri electorates are currently held by members of
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#17328590395074108-441: The nation's supply of wheat, 51.1% of its barley stocks and 43.7% of its supply of oats. Canterbury has 25,065 hectares of horticultural land, the largest area in New Zealand. The largest crops are potatoes (4,330 ha), peas and beans (2,700 ha), wine grapes (1,770 ha), berries (1,100 ha), and onions (1,000 ha). The region produces half of the New Zealand's mushrooms , nuts and berries. The region's viticulture industry
4187-404: The next highest category of regional GDP, at $ 3.67 billion, followed by professional, scientific and technical services at $ 3.64 billion. Agriculture contributed $ 3.26 billion to the regional economy in the year ended March 2022. The agriculture sector is diversified into dairy farming, sheep farming and horticulture particularly viticulture . The strength of the region's agricultural economy
4266-425: The original Nelson settlement, the request of Marlborough settlers was granted, and Marlborough became a separate province . Although gold was discovered in the province in the early 1860s the resulting boom did not last, and while the gold rush helped to expand the region, it was the development of pastoralism which provided the greatest long-term benefits. Marlborough squatters developed huge sheep runs that dominated
4345-537: The population of Canterbury is 694,400 as of June 2024, which gives a population density of 15.6 people per km . The region is home to 13.0% of New Zealand's population. Canterbury Region had a population of 651,027 in the 2023 New Zealand census , an increase of 51,333 people (8.6%) since the 2018 census , and an increase of 111,594 people (20.7%) since the 2013 census . There were 322,038 males, 326,082 females and 2,907 people of other genders in 251,661 dwellings. 3.7% of people identified as LGBTIQ+ . The median age
4424-586: The province, particularly in Waipara. Like much of the Canterbury-Otago tussock grasslands the Canterbury Plains have been highly modified since human settlement and now support a large agricultural industry. Prior to the arrival of Māori settlers in the 13th century, much of the modern Canterbury region was covered in scrub and beech forests. Forest fires destroyed much of the original forest cover which
4503-415: The region on Saturday 4 September 2010, at 04:35 am. The epicentre was located 40 kilometres (25 mi) west of Christchurch; 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) south-east of Darfield , and had a depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 mi). The earthquake caused widespread damage to buildings and power outages, but no direct fatalities. Sewers were damaged, gas and water lines were broken, and power to up to 75% of
4582-533: The region. Viticulture also has a very large impact on the local economy both directly, by way of employment and servicing required, and also by way of 'wine tourism'. The local cellars attracted hundreds of thousands of domestic and international tourists every year. The area also hosts the annual Marlborough Wine & Food Festival . The Marlborough wine region is now New Zealand's largest, and receives worldwide recognition for its Sauvignon Blanc wines. With its growing international critical recognition, much of
4661-738: The remaining lines business renamed Marlborough Lines . Today, Marlborough Lines owns and operates the electricity distribution network servicing the town, with electricity fed from Transpower 's national grid at its Blenheim substation in Springlands. Blenheim's water supply is drawn from the Wairau aquifer via nine bores and is treated at two plants in Middle Renwick Road and Bomford Street. The first school opened in 1859. By 1875 there were three classes: Blenheim Upper Boys', Blenheim Lower Boys', and Blenheim Girls' and Infants'. Blenheim High School
4740-434: The same company and distributed throughout Marlborough. The Blenheim Sun is a twice-weekly free newspaper distributed each Wednesday and Friday while the locally owned Marlborough Weekly is published every Tuesday and delivered to every home in the region. Blenheim is served by 22 FM radio stations . The town can also receive AM and FM radio stations from Wellington, due to the straight line-of-sight across Cook Strait and
4819-515: The signing of the Treaty of Waitangi . The Wairau Affray which occurred in what is now the village of Tuamarina . The settlement was originally known to Europeans as The Beaver or Beaverton due to its frequent flooding. Although the early history of Marlborough was closely associated with the Nelson settlement, the people of Marlborough desired independence from Nelson. In 1859, nineteen years after
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#17328590395074898-744: The south by the Waitaki River . The area is commonly divided into North Canterbury (north of the Rakaia River to the Conway River), Mid Canterbury (from the Rakaia River to the Rangitata River ), South Canterbury (south of the Rangitata River to the Waitaki River) and Christchurch City. Canterbury Region covers 44,503.60 km (17,182.94 sq mi). Statistics New Zealand estimates
4977-618: The supply from Waihopai. The town was connected to Cobb Power Station in 1945, which in turn was connected to the rest of the South Island grid in 1956. The diesel generators were relegated to standby duty, last generated power on 22 July 1992, and were decommissioned in 2003. The Energy Companies Act 1992 saw the MEPB corporatised and renamed Marlborough Electric. The 1998 electricity sector reforms required electricity companies to separate their lines and supply businesses. Marlborough Electric sold its generation and retailing business to Trustpower , with
5056-434: The surface. Upon this solid foundation, and slowly over the billions of years, life made up of a countless generations of interconnected adaptations developed into the unique flora and fauna of Aotearoa/New Zealand. The remnants populations of these unique species are visible today in the publicly protected conservation lands. The species of Waitaha/Canterbury were adapted to the climate and geography that traverses inland from
5135-639: The surrounding Canterbury region is dominated by the National Party due to its ties to rural farming and business interests. The large Kaikōura electorate covers all of the Marlborough Region and northern Canterbury and is represented by National MP Stuart Smith . The substantial Waitaki electorate, held by National MP Miles Anderson , covers most of South Canterbury and neighbouring North Otago . Rangitata and Selwyn are held by National members James Meager and Nicola Grigg respectively. Under
5214-445: Was $ 126,733, 4.6% below the national average of $ 132,815. For the year ended March 2022, the manufacturing industry was the largest contributor to the Canterbury regional economy, at $ 4.1 billion. Primary manufacturing (the process of creating a product from raw materials) represented $ 2.48 billion of the total. Manufacturing industries in the region employed 10.6% of the filled jobs in the region. The construction sector represented
5293-643: Was $ 41,400, compared with $ 41,500 nationally. 57,885 people (10.8%) earned over $ 100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 274,113 (51.0%) people were employed full-time, 79,245 (14.7%) were part-time, and 12,546 (2.3%) were unemployed. People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 80.3% European ( Pākehā ); 10.6% Māori ; 3.7% Pasifika ; 13.3% Asian ; 1.6% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.5% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English
5372-454: Was 39.1 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 113,751 people (17.5%) aged under 15 years, 125,919 (19.3%) aged 15 to 29, 297,834 (45.7%) aged 30 to 64, and 113,520 (17.4%) aged 65 or older. Of those at least 15 years old, 101,367 (18.9%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 279,984 (52.1%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 124,818 (23.2%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income
5451-471: Was centred just to the north of Lyttelton, 10 kilometres south-east of Christchurch, at a depth of 5 km. Although lower on the moment magnitude scale than the quake of September 2010, the intensity and violence of the ground shaking was measured to be VIII on the MMI , which is among the strongest ever recorded globally in an urban area due to the shallowness and proximity of the epicentre. The quake struck on
5530-479: Was established by French settlers in Akaroa . Since then, wine-growing is concentrated into two regions: Waipara and Burnham . Recently, there have been vintages from plantings from Kurow further to the south. White wine has typically predominated in Canterbury from Riesling , Sauvignon blanc , Chardonnay , Gewürztraminer , and to a lesser extent Pinot blanc and Pinot gris . Pinot noir has had some success in
5609-577: Was established in 1989 during nationwide local government reforms. The Kaikōura District joined the region in 1992 following the abolition of the Nelson-Marlborough Regional Council. Christchurch , the South Island's largest city and the country's second-largest urban area, is the seat of the region and home to 58 percent of the region's population. Other major towns and cities include Timaru , Ashburton , Rangiora and Rolleston . The land, water, flora, and fauna of Canterbury has
5688-422: Was formed within the school in 1879. Catholic schools for boys and girls were established in 1872, replaced by St Mary's Boys' school in 1886. In 1929 St Mary's was rebuilt after a fire. Marlborough High School, a coeducational secondary school, was founded in Blenheim in 1900. In 1919 it changed its name to Marlborough College. The intermediate section was split to form Bohally Intermediate in 1956. The college
5767-563: Was named after Henry Seymour. Pollard Park is a large public park including children's play areas, native shrubbery, rose gardens, a landscaped waterway, and is home to the Blenheim Golf Club and its 9-hole course, the Marlborough Tennis club and its courts, and Blenheim Croquet Club. They are dry and arid ranges which have previously been the site of severe grass fires. The GCSB Waihopai communications monitoring facility, part of
5846-468: Was put in place. The New Zealand Army was deployed to assist police and enforce the curfew. There were 63 reported aftershocks in the first 48 hours, with three registering 5.2 magnitude. The total insurance costs of the event were estimated as up to $ 11 billion, according to the New Zealand Treasury. A large aftershock of magnitude 6.3 occurred on 22 February 2011 at 12:51 pm. It
5925-554: Was scrapped in 2024. There are currently 11 schools in the Blenheim urban area: Other primary schools are in the surrounding localities of Renwick , Fairhall , Grovetown , Rapaura and Riverlands . The Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology has a campus in Blenheim. Blenheim is served by a variety of print publications. The major daily newspaper serving the area is The Marlborough Express published by Fairfax NZ, with its headquarters in Blenheim. The Saturday Express and Midweek are community newspapers published by
6004-459: Was split into separate boys' and girls' schools in 1963, with Marlborough Boys' College (MBC) retaining the existing site and Marlborough Girls' College (MGC) moving to a new site. An intention to relocate both Marlborough Boys' College and Marlborough Girls' College on the site currently occupied by MGC and Bohally Intermediate was announced in 2019, with Bohally Intermediate relocating to the current MBC site on Stephenson Street. The relocation plan
6083-557: Was spoken by 96.3%, Māori language by 2.1%, Samoan by 1.0% and other languages by 13.8%. No language could be spoken by 2.0% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.6%. The percentage of people born overseas was 24.6, compared with 28.8% nationally. Religious affiliations were 32.2% Christian , 1.7% Hindu , 1.0% Islam , 0.3% Māori religious beliefs , 0.8% Buddhist , 0.5% New Age , 0.1% Jewish , and 1.7% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 55.1%, and 6.8% of people did not answer
6162-468: Was succeeded by tussock grassland. By the 19th century, only ten percent of this forest cover remained, and the European settlers introduced several new exotic grass , lupin , pine and macrocarpa that gradually supplanted the native vegetation. Much of the native vegetation was isolated to the alpine zones and Banks Peninsula. From a minimum of about one percent of its original forest cover in circa 1900,
6241-466: Was that 10,800 (48.7%) people were employed full-time, 3,258 (14.7%) were part-time, and 570 (2.6%) were unemployed. The town's economy is based on agricultural services, with pastoral and horticultural farming providing a major source of income. Historically, sheep farming, dairying, and wheat and barley were the major activities in the area. Marlborough's first commercial grape vines were planted in 1973, and since then viticulture has become
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