Christchurch is a city in the South Island of New Zealand.
The city is named after Christ Church College at the University of Oxford. Its Maori name is Otautahi, from the Māori chief Tautahi who had a settlement on the banks of the Avon River.
Geography
Christchurch is located in Canterbury, halfway up the east coast of the South Island, between Banks Peninsula and the Canterbury Plains.
The large number of public parks and gardens throughout the city have given it the name of The Garden City. Hagley Park and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens are located in the centre of the city, with Hagley Park being a site for sports such as golf, netball and rugby, and for open air concerts by local bands and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.
Weather
Christchurch has a temperate climate, with temperatures in January ranging from an average minimum of 12°C to an average maximum of 21°C, and from 1°C to 10°C in July. A notable feature of the weather is the nor'wester, a hot föhn wind that is associated with increases in suicide and domestic violence, and occasionally reaches gale force and causes widespread damage to property.
Demographics
On 6 March 2001, Christchurch city had a population of 316,227, making it the second largest city in New Zealand, and the largest city in the South Island.
The population is expected to grow to approximately 358,000 by 2021.
Economy
Local economy was based on sheep and dairy products. The region now has a range of "new economy" sectors.
Government
Christchurch maintains its own little democracy. The municipality is governed by a city council comprised of a Mayor and 24 Councillors elected in 12 wards. In addition there are six Community Boards.
History
Maori oral history tells that humans began living in the area around 1000 AD. These first inhabitants were moa-hunting tribes and these were followed by the Waitaha who are thought to have migrated from the east coast of the North Island in the 16th century. This migration was joined by the Ngati Mamoe and Ngai Tahu and continued until about 1830.
Although there were settlers from the 1830's, notably the Deans at Riccarton, what are regarded as the First Four ships arrived in December 1850 bringing the first English settlers to Lyttelton Harbour. Christchurch became a city by Royal Charter on July 31, 1856, making it the oldest city in New Zealand.
In 1974 Christchurch was host to the Commonwealth Games.
Sport
Colleges and universities
A number of tertiary education institutions have campuses in Christchurch, or in the surrounding areas.
Sister cities
Christchurch has six sister cities around the world. They are:
Links
Other information to be included:
- The first four ships settling Canterbury, The Randolph, The Charlotte Jane, Sir George Seymour, Cressy
- The Wizard, a Christchurch institution spreaking in Cathedral Square since the 1970s.
- Filling out the currently empty sections.