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Opawa

Coordinates: 43°33′05″S 172°39′43″E / 43.551342°S 172.661937°E / -43.551342; 172.661937
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This article is about the suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. For places in Poland, see Opawa (disambiguation). For the city in the Czech Republic, see Opava.

Opawa
Suburb
Saint Mark's Anglican Church
Saint Mark's Anglican Church
Map
Coordinates: 43°33′05″S 172°39′43″E / 43.551342°S 172.661937°E / -43.551342; 172.661937
CountryNew Zealand
CityChristchurch
Local authorityChristchurch City Council
Electoral wardHeathcote
Community boardWaihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote
Area
[1]
 • Land81 ha (200 acres)
Population
 (June 2023)[2]
 • Total1,320
Waltham Woolston
Opawa
St Martins Hillsborough

Opawa is an inner residential suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is sited approximately 3.5 kilometres (2.2 miles) south-east of the city centre. The Māori name for the area is "Ōpāwaho", there was a Māori fortified settlement sited near the present-day Vincent Place and Judge Street intersection. Many early European settlers in Opawa were of English descent. The area later became a rural-agricultural locality with a few homesteads established in the area. Notable homesteads in the suburb include the "Risingholme" and the "Hollies". The suburb was heavily urbanised during Woolston's industrialisation. Opawa is part of the Christchurch Central parliamentary electorate.

The suburb's main retail area is centred on Opawa Road; it developed naturally on one of the earliest settled routes, (mainly at the intersection of Hawford and Reeves Roads). St Mark's Anglican Church, a prominent landmark in the suburb, is also sited on Opawa Road. State Highway 76 (Brougham Street) and the Main South Line are situated further north of the suburb. Noted people with Opawa connections include some of the early settlers and several people who were born or educated in the suburb.

History[edit]

The Māori name for the area is "Ōpāwaho",[3] there was a fortified settlement (pā) sited near the present-day Vincent Place and Judge Street intersection, Māori that lived here used the surrounding swamplands and the Heathcote River as an important source of lamprey and eels. This settlement was also a resting place for Māori travelling between Kaiapoi Pā and the Banks Peninsula.[4]

Pohoareare is the name of an early rangatira of Ōpāwaho settlement and his name is also applied to a walking track which led from the settlement to South New Brighton. Later, Tūrakipō was the settlement's chief. The Māori name for the swamplands which the Heathcote River drained is "Te Kuru".[5] The name "Ōpāwaho", is a contraction of the Māori word; "Ōpāwaho", which means a place of ('ō') an outer pā or outpost ('pāwaho'). "Ōpāwaho" or "Opaawaho" is also the Māori name for the Heathcote River.[6]

Many early European settlers in Opawa were farmers of English descent, many of whom came from relatively wealthy families; they established homesteads in the area. In Opawa's early years the centre of the locality was reportedly the corner of Locarno Street and Opawa Road, it is also where the St Mark's Anglican Church is sited.[7] Later, the area became a rural-agricultural locality until further development in Woolston, which soon began to urbanise the suburb, initially, with people who wished to leave from Woolston's industrialisation and factory workers that could not find homes in Woolston itself.[8]

Opawa was Christchurch's first upper class suburb. It was established around a loop of the Heathcote River, many houses were opulent buildings sited on large riverside premises, many of the large estates now subdivided in to smaller sections of property.[9]

Geography[edit]

State Highway 76 (Brougham Street) and the Main South Line traverses north through the suburb. Other suburbs nearby include, Hillsborough, St Martins, Waltham and Linwood.[10] The flat area between Opawa and Heathcote Valley enters a substantial locale of industrial businesses. The area between Brougham Street and Moorhouse Avenue traversing Waltham and Sydenham accommodates many small businesses and light industrial premises.[11]

The primary road supporting the transportion in the area is State Highway 76 which traverses from the north through the suburb, also through Sydenham and Brougham Street, going thoroughfare the suburbs of Hillsborough and Opawa, then Port Hills Road connecting with Tunnel Road to pass through the Lyttelton road tunnel at Heathcote Valley.[12] The suburb's main roads are Opawa Road and Ensors Road. The main retail precinct is centred on Opawa Road,[13] it was developed naturally on one of the earliest settled routes, mainly at the intersection of Hawford and Reeves Roads.[14]

Landmarks[edit]

The "Risingholme" homestead, built in 1864 by William Reeves

The Risingholme was built in 1864 by William Reeves. It was later purchased by John McKenzie in 1943, he gifted the building to the city council for the "health, amusement and instruction of the public". The Risingholme Community Centre was established in 1944 which was one of the first community centres in New Zealand.[15] The building almost burnt down in 2016 and reopened in 2019 as a community centre.[16]

The Fownhope, was built in 1868 for Edward Harley, an accountant who had settled from England. It is built from mataī and other native New Zealand trees such as rimu, tōtara, and kauri. In its early days, kauri was used for sarking to line the roof, a hidden part of the house. The floor in the house is lined with baltic pine, which was brought from Europe. The Fownhope is a strong link to early pākehā settlement in the area, it is representative of what many houses were at the time. The Fownhope has a Category 2 listing with the Historic Places Trust and the Christchurch City Council recognises a "Group 3" listing to the Fownhope.[17][18] St Mark's Anglican Church is on Opawa Road in the suburb. Its foundation stone was laid in May 1865 by Bishop Selwyn, the Primate of New Zealand.[19]

The Hollies (built in 1871), is an early colonial homestead built by Edward Richardson, he was responsible for overseeing the completion of the Lyttelton rail tunnel. Richardson was born in England where he trained as a civil engineer before emigrating to Christchurch. The surroundings of The Hollies consists of the heritage-listed building in a garden setting. The building sits fairly close to the eastern boundary facing the Heathcote River. The northern edge of the property is adjacent to the open space nearby State Highway 76 (Brougham Street).[20]

Governance[edit]

The Christchurch City Council administers Opawa. Opawa is part of the Heathcote Ward for Christchurch City Council local body elections.[21] Its councillor is Sara Templeton,[22] and its member of parliament is Duncan Webb of the Labour Party. Nationally, Opawa is part of the Christchurch Central parliamentary electorate.[23]

Demographics[edit]

Opawa covers 0.81 km2 (0.31 sq mi).[1] It had an estimated population of 1,320 as of June 2023,[2] with a population density of 1,630 people per km2.

Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
20061,434—    
20131,302−1.37%
20181,365+0.95%
Source: [24]

Opawa had a population of 1,365 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 63 people (4.8%) since the 2013 census, and a decrease of 69 people (−4.8%) since the 2006 census. There were 504 households, comprising 642 males and 723 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.89 males per female. The median age was 47.5 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 219 people (16.0%) aged under 15 years, 186 (13.6%) aged 15 to 29, 621 (45.5%) aged 30 to 64, and 342 (25.1%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 90.8% European/Pākehā, 6.6% Māori, 1.3% Pasifika, 5.1% Asian, and 2.4% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

The percentage of people born overseas was 21.3, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 52.7% had no religion, 37.8% were Christian, 0.9% were Hindu, 1.1% were Buddhist and 2.2% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 363 (31.7%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 195 (17.0%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $33,300, compared with $31,800 nationally. 222 people (19.4%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 501 (43.7%) people were employed full-time, 180 (15.7%) were part-time, and 30 (2.6%) were unemployed.[24] Many of the early residents were factory-workers who could not find homes in Woolston and middle-class business people.[25]

Education[edit]

Opawa has no secondary schools, although it does contain multiple primary schools. Opawa School, one of Canterbury's oldest schools, is sited on Ford Road. In 1920, foundation of a new school at Opawa was laid.[26] Today, Opawa School is a full-primary school for years 1 to 8,[27] with a roll of 313 students. It initially opened in 1872.[28] There are two kindergartens in the suburb, one sited on Cholmondeley Avenue and another one sited on Butler Street.[29]

Christchurch Rudolf Steiner School is a state-integrated composite school for years 1 to 13.[30] It is located on Ombersley Terrace and has a roll of 328 students. The school opened in 1975 and became state-integrated in 1989.[31][32] St Mark's School is an Anglican state-integrated full primary school for years 1 to 8, it is sited on Cholmondeley Avenue.[33] It has a roll of 218 students. It was established in 1921.[34] The nearest secondary school is in Phillipstown located on Aldwins Road, Te Aratai College (formely Linwood College) situated 2.5 km (1.6 mi) to the north.[35]

Notable people[edit]

William Reeves (1823–1891)

Noted people with Opawa connections include many of whom were born in the suburb and some were the suburb's early settlers.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "ArcGIS Web Application". statsnz.maps.arcgis.com. Archived from the original on 14 February 2021. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Population estimate tables - NZ.Stat". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  3. ^ Ogilvie, Gordon (2009). The Port Hills of Christchurch. Christchurch, New Zealand. p. 175. ISBN 9780958331562.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  4. ^ Tau, Goodall & Palmer 1990, p. 20–22.
  5. ^ Taylor 1952, p. 49.
  6. ^ Reed 2010, p. 278.
  7. ^ Morrison 1948, p. 33.
  8. ^ Wilson, 2005, p. 135 and Morrison, 1948, p. 33
  9. ^ McDonald, Liz (12 December 2007). "High society in Opawa". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand – via ProQuest.
  10. ^ "Place name detail: Opawa". New Zealand Gazetteer. New Zealand Geographic Board. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  11. ^ "Heathcote Ward Profile February 2023" (PDF). Christchurch City Council. 2023. Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  12. ^ "Heathcote Ward Profile February 2023" (PDF). Christchurch City Council. 2023. Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  13. ^ "Suburb snapshot. Opawa; On the market". The Press (2 ed.). Christchurch, New Zealand. 6 April 2006. ISSN 0113-9762.
  14. ^ Morrison 1948, p. 78.
  15. ^ "Community returns home to Christchurch's historic Risingholme". Christchurch City Council. 5 June 2019. Archived from the original on 20 February 2021. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  16. ^ McDonald, Liz (5 June 2019). "Historic Risingholme homestead reopens after earthquake and arson repairs". Stuff. Archived from the original on 11 November 2021. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  17. ^ "House". New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero. Heritage New Zealand. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  18. ^ Killick, David (7 May 1997). "Crafted home a cosy retreat". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand – via ProQuest.
  19. ^ A Short History of S.MARK'S CHURCH OPAWA 1865-1965. 1965. p. 6. Archived from the original on 19 June 2024. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  20. ^ "The Hollies – 188 Richardson Terrace / 67E Vincent Place, Christchurch" (PDF). Christchurch City Council. 10 March 2015. Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 February 2023. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  21. ^ "Heathcote Ward Profile February 2023" (PDF). Christchurch City Council. 2023. Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  22. ^ "Christchurch 13 percent rates rise 'unviable for residents'". Radio New Zealand. 27 February 2024. Archived from the original on 17 April 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  23. ^ Andelane, Lana (15 October 2023). "NZ election 2023 live electorate results". Newshub. Archived from the original on 11 April 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  24. ^ a b "Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census". Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. Opawa (330900). 2018 Census place summary: Opawa
  25. ^ Killick, 1997 and Morrison, 1948, p. 33
  26. ^ New School At Opawa, The Press, 19 April 1920
  27. ^ Education Counts: Opawa School
  28. ^ "Welcome From Our Principal". Ōpāwa School. Archived from the original on 5 October 2021. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  29. ^ Tenders For New Kindergartens, The Press, 4 February 1958
  30. ^ Education Counts: Rudolf Steiner School
  31. ^ "About Our School". Christchurch Rudolf Steiner School. Archived from the original on 16 June 2024. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  32. ^ Kenny, Lee (21 September 2019). "Rudolf Steiner school's name change dilemma". Stuff. Archived from the original on 1 October 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  33. ^ Education Counts: St Mark's School
  34. ^ "St Mark's History". St Mark's School. Archived from the original on 16 June 2024. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  35. ^ "Distance between Opawa and 85 Aldwins Road, Christchurch, (New Zealand)". Distance Calculator via GlobeFeed.com. 2023. Archived from the original on 16 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  36. ^ Walter, Helen (1996). "Wilding, Anthony Frederick". Te Ara — the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Archived from the original on 13 May 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  37. ^ Tipples, Rupert (1996). "Buxton, Alfred William". Te Ara — the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Archived from the original on 12 May 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  38. ^ Fleming, Grant (1998). "Condliffe, John Bell". Te Ara — the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Archived from the original on 16 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  39. ^ Hamilton, Stephen D. (1998). "Henderson, Andrew Kennaway". Te Ara — the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Archived from the original on 10 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  40. ^ Platts, Una (1980). Nineteenth Century New Zealand Artists. Christchurch, New Zealand: Avon Fine Prints. p. 237.
  41. ^ Taylor, Leah (1998). "Baker, Isabel Noeline". Te Ara — the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Archived from the original on 28 July 2021. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  42. ^ "Leading NZ scientist worked on development of atomic bomb". The Dominion Post. 25 March 2013. Archived from the original on 19 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  43. ^ Dow, Derek A. (200). "Wallis, Wilfred Stanley". Te Ara — the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Archived from the original on 28 July 2021. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  44. ^ Sinclair, Keith (1993). "Reeves, William Pember". Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Archived from the original on 10 May 2024. Retrieved 19 June 2024.

Works cited[edit]

  • Morrison, J.P. (1948). The evolution of a city: the story of the growth of the city and suburbs of Christchurch, the capital of Canterbury, in the years from 1850 to 1903. Christchurch, New Zealand: Christchurch City Council.
  • Tau, T.M; Goodall, A.; Palmer, D. (1990). Te Whakatau Kaupapa: Ngai Tahu resource management strategy for the Canterbury Region. Wellington, New Zealand: National Library of New Zealand. ISBN 0473011476.
  • Taylor, W.A (1952). Lore and history of the South Island Māori. Christchurch, New Zealand. ISBN 9781927207024.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  • Reed, A. W. (2010). Peter Dowling (ed.). Place Names of New Zealand. Rosedale, North Shore: Raupo. ISBN 978-0-14-320410-7.
  • Wilson, John (2005). Contextual Historical Overview of Christchurch City (PDF) (report). Christchurch: Christchurch City Council. ISBN 9781877313219. OCLC 156459064. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 February 2023 – via Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission.

External links[edit]

Media related to Opawa, New Zealand at Wikimedia Commons

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