Amuri County facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Amuri County |
|
|---|---|
| County of New Zealand | |
| 1876–1989 | |
 |
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| Capital | Culverden |
| History | |
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• Established
|
1876 |
|
• Disestablished
|
1989 |
| Today part of | Hurunui District |
Amuri County was a special local government area in New Zealand. It was located in the northern part of the Canterbury region. Think of it like a district or a shire that managed local affairs for many years.
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What Was Amuri County?
Amuri County was one of the many counties that used to exist in the country. These counties were like local councils. They helped manage things in their area before the current system of districts and regions was set up.
How Amuri County Started
Before 1876, the area that became Amuri County was part of a larger region called Nelson Province. A "province" was a big administrative area in New Zealand.
- In 1876, the government decided to change how New Zealand was run. They passed a law called the Abolition of Provinces Act. This law got rid of the old provinces.
- Instead of provinces, many smaller counties were created. Amuri County was one of these new areas. It officially started managing its own affairs in January 1877.
- The main office for Amuri County's council was in the town of Culverden. This office stayed there from 1890 until 1989.
Towns in Amuri County
Besides Culverden, other important towns were also part of Amuri County. These included:
The End of Amuri County
Amuri County existed for over 100 years. But in 1989, there were big changes to local government in New Zealand.
- These changes are known as the 1989 local government reforms. The government wanted to make local councils more efficient.
- Because of these reforms, Amuri County joined with other areas. It combined with Cheviot County and part of Kaikoura County.
- Together, these areas formed a new, larger district called the Hurunui District.
- The last leader of Amuri County was a person named John Chaffey. He was called the "chairman" of the county.
- After the new Hurunui District was formed, John Chaffey became its first "mayor." A mayor is the elected leader of a city or district council.
Where the Name "Amuri" Lives On
Even though Amuri County doesn't exist anymore, the name "Amuri" is still used in the area.
- You can find the Amuri Community Arts Council.
- There's also the Amuri Area School in Culverden.
- Near Hanmer Springs, there's even an Amuri ski field.
- The county itself got its name from the Amuri Plain. This is a flat area of land that surrounds Culverden.
- The name also appears at Amuri (Haumuri) Bluff. This is a headland, or a piece of land sticking out into the sea, on the Pacific coast near Oaro.
See Also
