Belfast, New Zealand facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Belfast
Suburb
Blakes Road Historic House in Belfast
Belfast Location in New Zealand
Country	New Zealand
Local authority	Christchurch
Electoral ward	Harewood
Area
• Land	657 ha (1,623 acre)
Population  (June 2023)
• Total	4,540

	Belfast, New Zealand

Belfast (which is Purarekanui in Māori) is a suburb in Christchurch, New Zealand. It is located in the northern part of the city. Belfast is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Cathedral Square. It is also very close to the banks of the Waimakariri River.

History of Belfast

Belfast got its name from the city of Belfast in Northern Ireland. Before it was called Belfast, people knew this area by other names. Some of these names were North Road District, Seven Mile Peg, or Styx. Its Māori name is Purarekanui.

A man named James McNeight Watt (1838–1892) moved to New Zealand from Belfast, Northern Ireland. He was a partner in a meat processing factory. This factory was a big part of how the settlement grew. James Watt helped develop much of the area. It is believed that he gave the suburb its current name, Belfast.

What is Belfast Like?

Belfast is a growing area. It covers about 6.57 square kilometers (2.54 square miles). As of 2023, its estimated population is around 4,800 people. This means about 730 people live in each square kilometer.

Most people living in Belfast are of European descent. There are also many Māori, Asian, and Pasifika people. About 17% of the people living here were born outside New Zealand.

When it comes to beliefs, many people in Belfast do not follow a specific religion. However, a large number of people are Christian. Some also follow other religions like Hinduism, Islam, or Buddhism.

Economy and Shops

In the past, Belfast had a large factory called a "freezing works." This factory processed meat. Today, the main shopping area for Belfast residents is the Northwood Supa Centre. It has many different shops and services.

Education in Belfast

Belfast has its own primary school called Belfast School. This school teaches students from Year 1 to Year 8. It opened a long time ago, in 1878. As of 2023, about 350 students attend Belfast School.

Sports and Recreation

Belfast is a great place for sports. It is home to the Belfast Rugby Club. This club plays in the Christchurch rugby competition. The team's colors are green and gold. Their main sports ground is Sheldon Park.

Many famous rugby players have connections to Belfast. Some of them have even played for the All Blacks, New Zealand's national rugby team.

Famous People from Belfast

Many talented people have come from or lived in Belfast. Here are a few:

• Shane Bond – A former player for the New Zealand Black Caps cricket team.
• Bill Bush – A former All Blacks rugby player. He is now the President of the Belfast Rugby Club.
• Craig Green – Another former All Blacks rugby player.
• Jamie Nutbrown – A former halfback for the Canterbury Crusaders rugby team. He also used to be a Super Rugby referee.
• Wayne Smith – A well-known assistant coach for the All Blacks.
• Lewis Brown – A former player for the New Zealand Kiwi League team and the New Zealand Warriors.

Images for kids

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  Blakes Road Historic House in Belfast