Ashburton District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ashburton District
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Territorial authority district
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| Country | New Zealand | |
| Region | Canterbury | |
| Wards |
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| Formed | 1989 | |
| Seat | Ashburton | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 6,181.45 km2 (2,386.67 sq mi) | |
| Population
(June 2023)
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| • Total | 36,800 | |
| • Density | 5.953/km2 (15.419/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC+12 (NZST) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+13 (NZDT) | |
| Postcode(s) |
Map of postcodes
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The Ashburton District is a special area in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand's South Island. It's like a big county that includes the main town of Ashburton. You'll also find many smaller towns, settlements, and farms here. This whole area is often called Mid Canterbury. It's home to many people and covers a large, beautiful part of New Zealand.
Contents
Exploring Ashburton District's Geography
The Ashburton District stretches from the Pacific Ocean all the way to the tall Southern Alps. It lies between two important rivers, the Rangitata River and the Rakaia River.
Towns and Natural Wonders
Inside the district, you'll find towns like Methven, Mount Somers, and Rakaia. A huge area called the Hakatere Conservation Park covers much of the lower mountains. This park is home to the popular Mount Hutt skifield, where people go skiing. You can also explore Mount Somers / Te Kiekie, which is a great place for hiking. The beautiful Ashburton Lakes are also found in this region.
Understanding Ashburton District's Population
The Ashburton District is quite large, covering about 6,181 square kilometres. Many people live here, making it a lively place.
How Many People Live Here?
In 2023, the Ashburton District had a population of 34,746 people. This number has been growing steadily. For example, since 2013, the population has increased by over 3,700 people. This shows that more and more people are choosing to live in this district.
Who Lives in Ashburton District?
The people living in Ashburton District come from many different backgrounds.
- Most residents, about 81%, are of New Zealand European (Pākehā) heritage.
- About 8.6% of the population are Māori.
- Around 6% are from Pasifika islands.
- About 9.4% are Asian.
- There are also smaller groups from the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, and other parts of the world.
It's common for people to identify with more than one background.
About People's Lives and Jobs
The median age in the district is around 40 years old. This means half the people are younger than 40 and half are older. Many people work full-time, and some work part-time. The median income here is about $35,900. This is how much money the middle person earns in a year.
