Bell Block, New Zealand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bell Block
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WWI memorial
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Taranaki Region |
| Territorial authority | New Plymouth District |
| Ward |
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| Community | Puketapu-Bell Block Community |
| Electorates |
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| Area | |
| • Total | 11.93 km2 (4.61 sq mi) |
| Population
(June 2023)
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| • Total | 8,200 |
| • Density | 687/km2 (1,780/sq mi) |
Bell Block is a town located in Taranaki, New Zealand. It sits about 6 kilometers (about 3.7 miles) north-east of the center of New Plymouth. The main road, State Highway 3, goes right through the town. You can also find New Plymouth Airport very close by, just to the north-east of Bell Block.
Contents
Bell Block: A Look at Its Past and People
Bell Block has an interesting history, especially regarding how the land was settled. It also has important cultural sites for the local Māori people.
Early History and the Blockhouse
The land where Bell Block now stands was bought in November 1848 by a person named Dillon Bell. He bought it from the Puketapu iwi, which is a Māori tribe. The first purchase was about 1,500 acres, and more land was added later.
However, there were disagreements about this land sale. These disagreements were a big reason for the start of the First Taranaki War. To protect their homes and farms during this tense time, local settlers built a strong building called a blockhouse in early 1860.
When government troops arrived, they built an even bigger fort around the blockhouse. This fort was known as Bell Block Stockade. During the war, most people living in Bell Block moved to New Plymouth for safety. Some parts of the old fort remained until 1972.
Modern Development and Discoveries
Today, many of New Plymouth's factories and industries are located around Bell Block. This used to cause a lot of traffic. To help with this, a new bypass road was started in late 2006.
During the planning for this new road, something exciting was found! Archaeologists discovered a previously unknown Māori Pā site. A Pā is a fortified village or settlement. Experts carefully dug up and studied the site before the road construction continued.
Marae: Important Meeting Places
A marae is a special meeting place for Māori communities. In Bell Block, the Muru Raupatu marae and its meeting house are important for the Puketapu hapū, which is a sub-tribe.
In October 2020, the New Zealand Government helped by giving money to improve the Muru Raupatu marae and another marae called Te Kohanga Moa. This project also helped create new jobs in the area.
Bell Block's Population and Community
Bell Block covers an area of about 11.93 square kilometers (about 4.6 square miles). As of 2023, it has an estimated population of around 8,500 people. This means there are about 712 people living in each square kilometer.
The town has grown quite a bit over the years. In 2018, the population was 7,041. This was a big increase from 2013 and 2006, showing that more and more people are choosing to live in Bell Block.
Most people in Bell Block identify as European/Pākehā. There is also a significant Māori population, along with people from Pacific and Asian backgrounds. About 20% of the people living in Bell Block were born overseas.
When it comes to beliefs, almost half of the people in Bell Block say they have no religion. Many others are Christian. There are also smaller groups who follow Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and other religions.
Fun Things to Do and See in Bell Block
Bell Block offers some great places to explore and activities to enjoy, especially for those who love nature and sports.
Waipu Lagoons: A Wetland Wonderland
The Waipu Lagoons are the only wetland area in North Taranaki. Wetlands are like natural sponges that hold water and are home to many different plants and animals. These lagoons are a very important natural home for the endangered Australasian bittern, which is a type of bird. It's a great place to see wildlife!
Coastal Walkway and Cycle Park
In December 2014, the northern part of New Plymouth's coastal walkway was extended. This means you can now walk or cycle all the way from Bell Block into central New Plymouth along the coast. It's a fantastic way to get around and enjoy the scenery.
Bell Block is also home to Taranaki's first world-class BMX facility. This exciting track was finished in early 2016.
The BMX track is part of the larger Bell Block cycle park. This park has a 1.75-kilometer (about 1.1 miles) closed road circuit, which is perfect for cycling without worrying about cars. It also has a 333-meter velodrome, which is a special track for bicycle racing.
Kids' Cycle Town
One of the coolest parts of the cycle park is a collection of tracks designed just for children. It's like a miniature town with traffic lights, a roundabout, a railway crossing, and even tiny accessible car parks. Everything is scaled down to 60 percent of the original size. This fun area helps teach children about road safety while they ride their bikes.
Schools in Bell Block
Bell Block has two main schools for younger students: Bell Block School and Puketapu School. Both are coeducational, meaning they teach both boys and girls. They are full primary schools, teaching students from year 1 to year 8.
Bell Block School celebrated its 150th anniversary of education in the area in 2006. The current school building dates back to 1872. Puketapu School was built more recently, in 1980.
