WHERE IN THE WHERE IN THE WORLD ISWORLD IS

RANGIORA?RANGIORA?

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Contents:Contents:

• IntroductionIntroduction• LocationLocation• NamesakeNamesake• Maori SettlementMaori Settlement• European ArrivalEuropean Arrival• From Settlement to BFrom Settlement to B

orough to Districtorough to District• Street Name OriginsStreet Name Origins• IndustryIndustry• The The WaimakaririWaimakariri River River• The Ashley RiverThe Ashley River• Today and YesterdayToday and Yesterday

IntroductionIntroduction Rangiora is a beautiful and Rangiora is a beautiful and

prosperous town. prosperous town. It has one of the highest It has one of the highest

rates of population increase rates of population increase in New Zealand, and in New Zealand, and because of this, has become because of this, has become the largest centre in the the largest centre in the Waimakariri District.Waimakariri District.

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LocationLocation Rangiora is located 7km off Rangiora is located 7km off

State Highway One and 10 State Highway One and 10 minutes North of the minutes North of the Waimakariri Bridge.Waimakariri Bridge.

It lies between the Waimakariri It lies between the Waimakariri and Ashley rivers in the North and Ashley rivers in the North Canterbury region of the South Canterbury region of the South Island.Island.

In early times this area was In early times this area was covered in dense forest, along covered in dense forest, along with bush, flax, and grassy with bush, flax, and grassy flats. flats.

There were also swamps in the There were also swamps in the Southbrook section. Southbrook section.

This landscape covered the This landscape covered the coastal plains from river to coastal plains from river to river.river.

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A magnified view of the Waimakariri District.A magnified view of the Waimakariri District.

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NamesakeNamesake The name ‘Rangiora’ comes from The name ‘Rangiora’ comes from

the small evergreen tree which the small evergreen tree which bears the same name. bears the same name.

Rangiora [Rangiora [Brachyglottis repandaBrachyglottis repanda] ] is native to New Zealand and is native to New Zealand and grows to a height of 5 to 7 metres.grows to a height of 5 to 7 metres.

It’s leaves were thought to have It’s leaves were thought to have beneficial healing properties by beneficial healing properties by Maori, who used them for Maori, who used them for remedying wounds and sores.remedying wounds and sores.

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Maori SettlersMaori Settlers Moa-hunters were the first Maori inhabitants of the Plains and Moa-hunters were the first Maori inhabitants of the Plains and

forests of North Canterbury.forests of North Canterbury. The Waitaha and Te Rapuwai who followed them had villages near The Waitaha and Te Rapuwai who followed them had villages near

Cust and were thought to be the last to see the Moa before it’s Cust and were thought to be the last to see the Moa before it’s extinction.extinction.

It is also thought that the residents of these villages started the It is also thought that the residents of these villages started the destruction of the great forests that surrounded the Cust and destruction of the great forests that surrounded the Cust and Rangiora areas.Rangiora areas.

The abundance of food and shelter soon attracted other tribes to the The abundance of food and shelter soon attracted other tribes to the Waimakariri region.Waimakariri region.

Rangiora became part of a large area occupied by the Ngati-Rangiora became part of a large area occupied by the Ngati-mamoe, and later the Ngai-tahu tribes.mamoe, and later the Ngai-tahu tribes.

These tribes-people resided on this land for almost a thousand These tribes-people resided on this land for almost a thousand years before the first European arrival.years before the first European arrival.

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European ArrivalEuropean Arrival

(Photo: D.N.Hawkins 1993)(Photo: D.N.Hawkins 1993)

Before Europeans could officially Before Europeans could officially

commence the planning of a settlement incommence the planning of a settlement in

Rangiora, the Maori land title had to be Rangiora, the Maori land title had to be

extinguished.extinguished. The Europeans reached an The Europeans reached an

agreement between themselves and theagreement between themselves and the

Ngai Tahu tribe with regards to the Ngai Tahu tribe with regards to the

Waimakariri District, and the Crown wasWaimakariri District, and the Crown was

allowed to purchase the land South of allowed to purchase the land South of

the Ashley River in 1848.the Ashley River in 1848.

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The first dwelling was built for Charles Obins The first dwelling was built for Charles Obins Torlesse in 1851, adjacent to the Rangiora Torlesse in 1851, adjacent to the Rangiora Bush.Bush.

Charles Obins Torlesse and his assistant, John Charles Obins Torlesse and his assistant, John Cowell Boys, were responsible for surveying Cowell Boys, were responsible for surveying the Northern agricultural district for the the Northern agricultural district for the Canterbury Association.Canterbury Association.

This was neccessary in order to map out the This was neccessary in order to map out the region correctly for marking out possible roads region correctly for marking out possible roads and habitation areas.and habitation areas.

Torlesse’s colonial home was an important Torlesse’s colonial home was an important milestone in Rangiora’s history.milestone in Rangiora’s history.

It was the turning point in establishing this It was the turning point in establishing this settlement as a township.settlement as a township.

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Survey labourers built this house for Charles Torlesse. Survey labourers built this house for Charles Torlesse. It was a simple construction with an attic but no It was a simple construction with an attic but no

dormer windows or verandah.dormer windows or verandah.(http://library.Christchurch.org.nz/Heritage/Photos)(http://library.Christchurch.org.nz/Heritage/Photos)

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AA plaque now stands in Johns Road where the first plaque now stands in Johns Road where the first house of the Rangiora settlement was situated.house of the Rangiora settlement was situated.

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From Settlement to Borough to From Settlement to Borough to District.District.

Once settlements were established, the residents attempted to claim Rangiora as a Once settlements were established, the residents attempted to claim Rangiora as a borough.borough.

This meant that Rangiora and it’s population would gain certain privileges and rights This meant that Rangiora and it’s population would gain certain privileges and rights of self-Government.of self-Government.

However, the Provincial Government refused to acknowledge them.However, the Provincial Government refused to acknowledge them. Rangiora was thought of as just a series of unplanned and unorganised sub-Rangiora was thought of as just a series of unplanned and unorganised sub-

divisions.divisions. The town’s settlers struggled for this acknowledgement even though it was highly The town’s settlers struggled for this acknowledgement even though it was highly

opposed.opposed. Through this struggle, the settlers managed to divert the proposed northern and Through this struggle, the settlers managed to divert the proposed northern and

coastal railway westwards through their town.coastal railway westwards through their town. This railway was planned to be part of the major network intending to link many This railway was planned to be part of the major network intending to link many

areas and their branch lines.areas and their branch lines. The diversion meant that Rangiora became the end stop on the northbound train The diversion meant that Rangiora became the end stop on the northbound train

from Christchurch, while further tracks were completed.from Christchurch, while further tracks were completed. This meant easier access and more settlers and visitors to the town.This meant easier access and more settlers and visitors to the town. Rangiora became recognised for what it was, and was granted Borough status in Rangiora became recognised for what it was, and was granted Borough status in

1878.1878.

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The Waimakariri District was formed in 1989.The Waimakariri District was formed in 1989.

Eyre County

OxfordCounty

KowaiCounty

KaiapoiBorough

Rangiora Borough

RangioraDistrict

Areas that the District consists of:

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Street Name OriginsStreet Name OriginsJ D Turvey Waimakariri District Libraries.J D Turvey Waimakariri District Libraries.

AINTREE PLACE:AINTREE PLACE: ArlingtonArlington Park subdivision. Aintree is the site in Liverpool England Park subdivision. Aintree is the site in Liverpool England of the Grand National.of the Grand National.

ALBERT STREET:ALBERT STREET: Albert, Prince consort of Queen Victoria. Albert, Prince consort of Queen Victoria. ALFRED STREET:ALFRED STREET: Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, second son of Queen Victoria. Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, second son of Queen Victoria. AMBROSE STREET:AMBROSE STREET: Thomas Ambrose was headmaster of Rangiora Borough School Thomas Ambrose was headmaster of Rangiora Borough School

from 1898 to 1921.from 1898 to 1921. ANDREW STREET:ANDREW STREET: Andrew Benton Blackett, son of Henry Blackett – Mayor 1899- Andrew Benton Blackett, son of Henry Blackett – Mayor 1899-

1901.1901. AQUILA STREET:AQUILA STREET: Aquila Ivory, early settler – Mayor 1883-85. Aquila Ivory, early settler – Mayor 1883-85. ARCHER PLACE:ARCHER PLACE: The Archer family of Southbrook. The Archer family of Southbrook. ARLINGTON BOULEVARD:ARLINGTON BOULEVARD: Arlington International Racecourse, Chicago, USA. Arlington International Racecourse, Chicago, USA. ASCOT PLACE:ASCOT PLACE: Ascot Racecourse in England. Ascot Racecourse in England. ASHLEY STREET:ASHLEY STREET: Lord Ashley, member of the Canterbury Association. Lord Ashley, member of the Canterbury Association. AYERS STREET:AYERS STREET: Samuel Ayers, builder and subdivider of land north of High Street Samuel Ayers, builder and subdivider of land north of High Street

from King Street through to Ayers Street. from King Street through to Ayers Street. BALMORAL LANE:BALMORAL LANE: Racecourse in Illinois, USA. Racecourse in Illinois, USA. BANKS PLACE:BANKS PLACE: William Alexandra Banks, Mayor from 1921 until 1923. William Alexandra Banks, Mayor from 1921 until 1923.

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BELL STREET:BELL STREET: CharlesWilliam Bell – Mayor from 1908 until 1910. CharlesWilliam Bell – Mayor from 1908 until 1910. BELMONT AVENUE:BELMONT AVENUE: The Belmont Stakes is one of the Triple Crown Horse Races in the The Belmont Stakes is one of the Triple Crown Horse Races in the

USA.USA. BLACKETT STREET:BLACKETT STREET: Henry Blackett, an early resident and the first Mayor 1878-80 and Henry Blackett, an early resident and the first Mayor 1878-80 and

1887-88.1887-88. BLAKE STREET:BLAKE STREET: Mr Blake was the engine driver on the early trains on the Mr Blake was the engine driver on the early trains on the

Rangiora/Oxford line.Rangiora/Oxford line. BOYD STREET:BOYD STREET: Hugh Boyd, Mayor 1885-87. Hugh Boyd, Mayor 1885-87. BOYS ROAD:BOYS ROAD: John Cowell Boys – surveyed the land with Charles Torlesse. John Cowell Boys – surveyed the land with Charles Torlesse. BRIDGET LANE:BRIDGET LANE: William Bridget was a shoe factory and shop owner on High Street. William Bridget was a shoe factory and shop owner on High Street.

Councillor 1908-1913.Councillor 1908-1913. BUCKHAM STREET:BUCKHAM STREET: George Buckham, telegraphist and first full time Postmaster in George Buckham, telegraphist and first full time Postmaster in

Rangiora.Rangiora. BURT STREET:BURT STREET: William Alfred Burt, businessman and member of the first Council, 1878- William Alfred Burt, businessman and member of the first Council, 1878-

79 and 1880-82.79 and 1880-82. BUSH STREET:BUSH STREET: The Rangiora Bush covered most of this area. The Rangiora Bush covered most of this area. BUSS STREETBUSS STREET: William Buss – land commission agent and establisher of the Victoria : William Buss – land commission agent and establisher of the Victoria

Street saleyards.Street saleyards.

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CARMANA GARDENS:CARMANA GARDENS: Noel Carmana arrived in Rangiora in 1938, and Noel Carmana arrived in Rangiora in 1938, and established a fish and chip shop on High Street.established a fish and chip shop on High Street.

CHARLES STREET:CHARLES STREET: Named after the Councilor, John Luxton’s son Charles. Named after the Councilor, John Luxton’s son Charles. CHURCH STREET:CHURCH STREET: St. John Anglican Church built on the corner of High Street St. John Anglican Church built on the corner of High Street

and this street.and this street. COATES PLACE:COATES PLACE: The Coates family members served many years in the The Coates family members served many years in the

Rangiora Fire Brigade.Rangiora Fire Brigade. CONE STREET:CONE STREET: George Cone, Mayor 1891-92. George Cone, Mayor 1891-92. DOGGETT STREET:DOGGETT STREET: Doggett family were early settlers in this area. Doggett family were early settlers in this area. DONCASTER PLACE:DONCASTER PLACE: Doncaster Racecource in England. Doncaster Racecource in England. EARNLEY STREET:EARNLEY STREET: Named by Rev. B W Dudley after his first parish in England. Named by Rev. B W Dudley after his first parish in England. EBERT PLACE:EBERT PLACE: Tony Ebert – Gold medalist in weightlifting at the Christchurch Tony Ebert – Gold medalist in weightlifting at the Christchurch

Commonwealth games in 1974.Commonwealth games in 1974. EDWARD STREET:EDWARD STREET: Edward, Prince of Wales. Edward, Prince of Wales. EPSOM DRIVE:EPSOM DRIVE: Epsom Racecourse in England and the Epsom Derby. Epsom Racecourse in England and the Epsom Derby. FOSTER PLACE:FOSTER PLACE: Thomas W Foster, first proprietor of the Red Lion Hotel. Thomas W Foster, first proprietor of the Red Lion Hotel. FRASER PLACE:FRASER PLACE: J M Fraser, long serving Town Clerk, 1926-51. J M Fraser, long serving Town Clerk, 1926-51.

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GERALD BEATTIE LANE:GERALD BEATTIE LANE: Gerald C Beattie taught at Rangiora High School from 1919- Gerald C Beattie taught at Rangiora High School from 1919-1955.1955.

GOLDING AVENUE:GOLDING AVENUE: John Golding co-built the Borough Council Chambers. John Golding co-built the Borough Council Chambers. HAWKINS PLACE:HAWKINS PLACE: Harry Hawkins began in the grocery business about 1910. Harry Hawkins began in the grocery business about 1910.

Lawrence D Hawkins served with the St John Ambulance Brigade and Lance I Hawkins Lawrence D Hawkins served with the St John Ambulance Brigade and Lance I Hawkins with the Rangiora Rugby Football Club. Donald N Hawkins wrote two text books on with the Rangiora Rugby Football Club. Donald N Hawkins wrote two text books on Rangiora’s history.Rangiora’s history.

HINTON PLACE:HINTON PLACE: Jack Hinton was licensee of the Plough Hotel for a period of time. Jack Hinton was licensee of the Plough Hotel for a period of time. HOLCRAFT COURT:HOLCRAFT COURT: Harry Holcraft was the proprietor of Parrot’s grocery store on High Harry Holcraft was the proprietor of Parrot’s grocery store on High

Street in the early 1900s.Street in the early 1900s. IVORY STREET:IVORY STREET: William Emms Ivory established a nursery garden here. William Emms Ivory established a nursery garden here. JENNINGS PLACE:JENNINGS PLACE: Charles Ivory Jennings, Mayor 1896-1898. Charles Ivory Jennings, Mayor 1896-1898. KINLEY STREET:KINLEY STREET: named after R R Kinley who owned this area of land. named after R R Kinley who owned this area of land. KIPPENBERGER AVENUE:KIPPENBERGER AVENUE: Major General Sir Howard Kippenberger was one of New Major General Sir Howard Kippenberger was one of New

Zealand’s foremost military commanders in World War two. Zealand’s foremost military commanders in World War two. LEECH PLACE:LEECH PLACE: George John Leech owned the first freehold farm in Rangiora. George John Leech owned the first freehold farm in Rangiora.

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LINDON STREET:LINDON STREET: John Lindon – Councilor 1923-27. John Lindon – Councilor 1923-27. LUDLOW LANE:LUDLOW LANE: Ludlow Racecourse in Hereford England. Ludlow Racecourse in Hereford England. LUXTON PLACE:LUXTON PLACE: John Luxton, Councilor 1878-80. John Luxton, Councilor 1878-80. MCALPINE PLACE:MCALPINE PLACE: George McAlpine , timber merchant and Councilor 1938- George McAlpine , timber merchant and Councilor 1938-

53.53. MCKENZIE PLACE:MCKENZIE PLACE: John A McKenzie, Mayor 1971-1980. John A McKenzie, Mayor 1971-1980. MARTYN STREET:MARTYN STREET: Frank Martyn, farm owner in this area. Frank Martyn, farm owner in this area. MATSON CLOSE:MATSON CLOSE: H Matson and Son were Stock and Station Agents. H Matson and Son were Stock and Station Agents. MILESBROOK CLOSE:MILESBROOK CLOSE: Bruce Miles, developer. Bruce Miles, developer. MURRAY STREET:MURRAY STREET: Walter Lewis Murray, butcher and Labour Party stalwart – Walter Lewis Murray, butcher and Labour Party stalwart –

Councilor 1919-1925.Councilor 1919-1925. PALMER STREET:PALMER STREET: R A Palmer, owner and subdivider of this area. R A Palmer, owner and subdivider of this area. PARKHOUSE DRIVE:PARKHOUSE DRIVE: Jaynie Parkhouse, gold medalist in swimming at the Jaynie Parkhouse, gold medalist in swimming at the

Christchurch Commonwealth Games in 1974.Christchurch Commonwealth Games in 1974. PENTECOST ROAD:PENTECOST ROAD: Named after the Pentecost family who have farmed in Named after the Pentecost family who have farmed in

the Western Boundary of Rangiora since the 1980s.the Western Boundary of Rangiora since the 1980s. PERCIVAL STREET:PERCIVAL STREET: Westby Hawkshaw Percival was one of the businessmen Westby Hawkshaw Percival was one of the businessmen

at the forefront of having the railway pass through Rangiora.at the forefront of having the railway pass through Rangiora.contents

QUEEN STREET:QUEEN STREET: Queen Victoria. Queen Victoria. ROWSE STREET:ROWSE STREET: William Arthur Rowse, Mayor 1923-25 and 1931-36. William Arthur Rowse, Mayor 1923-25 and 1931-36. SEDDON STREET:SEDDON STREET: Richard John Seddon – Prime Minister of New Zealand 1893- Richard John Seddon – Prime Minister of New Zealand 1893-

1906.1906. STEPHENS STREET:STEPHENS STREET: Soloman Stephens – first proprietor of the Plough Hotel and Soloman Stephens – first proprietor of the Plough Hotel and

Councilor 1879-85 and 1888-91.Councilor 1879-85 and 1888-91. STRACHAN PLACE:STRACHAN PLACE: James Ernest Strachan, Principal of Rangiora High School James Ernest Strachan, Principal of Rangiora High School

1917-48.1917-48. THORNE PLACE:THORNE PLACE: Frederick Thorne was on the first council 1878-1880. Frederick Thorne was on the first council 1878-1880. TREFFERS AVENUE:TREFFERS AVENUE: Mark Treffers, Gold medalist in swimming at the 1974 Mark Treffers, Gold medalist in swimming at the 1974

Christchurch Commonwealth Games.Christchurch Commonwealth Games. TYLER STREET:TYLER STREET: Charles William Tyler – longest serving Mayor 1936-61. Charles William Tyler – longest serving Mayor 1936-61. WARD PLACE:WARD PLACE: Ronald Ward – town clerk 1956-1972. Ronald Ward – town clerk 1956-1972. WHITE STREET:WHITE STREET: William White – on the first council 1878-79 and 1880-82. William White – on the first council 1878-79 and 1880-82. WILL PLACE:WILL PLACE: Named after Doctor Thomas Arthur Will who practiced in Rangiora Named after Doctor Thomas Arthur Will who practiced in Rangiora

from 1905.from 1905. TODDS ROAD:TODDS ROAD: David Todd was one of the first to settle in the Rangiora Swamp David Todd was one of the first to settle in the Rangiora Swamp

area.area. TORLESSE STREET: Charles Obins Torlesse – first settler in Rangiora 1851.TORLESSE STREET: Charles Obins Torlesse – first settler in Rangiora 1851.

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IndustryIndustry

The primary industry The primary industry for Rangiora was for Rangiora was agriculture and agriculture and farming.farming.

Until the mid 1950s, Until the mid 1950s, the sale-yards for the sale-yards for Rangiora were Rangiora were situated in the main situated in the main street of town.street of town.

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Other industries have Other industries have grown since then, grown since then, including the town’s including the town’s central business central business district.district.

This meant less This meant less wealth was being lost wealth was being lost to Rangiora’s to Rangiora’s neighbouring city of neighbouring city of Christchurch.Christchurch.

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However, farming is still very strong in However, farming is still very strong in this area.this area.

Of the 225,000 hectares that make up Of the 225,000 hectares that make up the district of Waimakariri today, the district of Waimakariri today, 177,000 are used in some sort of 177,000 are used in some sort of farming activity.farming activity.

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The Waimakariri RiverThe Waimakariri River

The Waimakariri River is one of The Waimakariri River is one of the largest rivers in New Zealand.the largest rivers in New Zealand.

It’s source is the Main Divide of It’s source is the Main Divide of the Southern Alps in Arthurs Pass the Southern Alps in Arthurs Pass National Park.National Park.

It’s flows are controlled by the It’s flows are controlled by the weather in the upper basin. Rain weather in the upper basin. Rain from the North-West and melting from the North-West and melting snow will generally swell the snow will generally swell the river.river.

The Waimakariri has a mean flow The Waimakariri has a mean flow of 126 cubic metres per second of 126 cubic metres per second (cumecs).(cumecs).

In flood this can increase to any In flood this can increase to any range exceeding 4,000 cumecs.range exceeding 4,000 cumecs.

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The Ashley RiverThe Ashley River

The Ashley River The Ashley River originates in the originates in the Puketeraki Ranges Puketeraki Ranges behind Lee’s Valley.behind Lee’s Valley.

It is fed by the Southerly It is fed by the Southerly rainfall and snow.rainfall and snow.

It is the home for It is the home for numerous species of numerous species of wildlife, and is wildlife, and is surrounded by native surrounded by native bush.bush.

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Today and YesterdayToday and Yesterday

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Victoria Park.Victoria Park.

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High Street – Rangiora town centreHigh Street – Rangiora town centre

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These magnificent buildings are still These magnificent buildings are still standing todaystanding today

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Rangiora,Rangiora, a small step into the past and a a small step into the past and a

large step into the future!large step into the future!

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