Collingwood, New Zealand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Collingwood
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Tasman Street in Collingwood
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Territorial authority | Tasman |
| Ward | Golden Bay Ward |
| Community | Golden Bay Community |
| Electorates |
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| Area | |
| • Total | 1.66 km2 (0.64 sq mi) |
| Population
(June 2023)
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| • Total | 330 |
| • Density | 199/km2 (515/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+12 (NZST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+13 (NZDT) |
| Area code | 03 |
Collingwood is a small town in the north-west part of New Zealand's South Island. It sits right next to Golden Bay / Mohua. People often visit Collingwood because it's close to amazing natural places. These include Kahurangi National Park and the Farewell Spit Nature Reserve. It's a great spot for enjoying nature and wildlife.
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History of Collingwood
Collingwood was first called Gibbstown. It was named after William Gibbs, who came to the area in 1851. He was a local settler and a politician. Later, the town was renamed Collingwood. This name honors Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood. He was a famous naval officer who served with Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
Gold Rush Days
In 1856, people found gold in the Aorere Valley. This discovery caused a "gold rush." Many miners came to Collingwood, and the town grew very quickly. At its busiest, about 2500 gold miners lived there. In 1857, police buildings were built to keep order. By 1859, the town had many businesses, like merchants, shoemakers, butchers, and inns.
However, a fire damaged the town in 1859. By 1860, the gold rush was mostly over. Many miners moved to the West Coast of the South Island. In the late 1870s, coal mining brought another boom to Collingwood.
A Capital Idea
In 1864, there was a suggestion for Collingwood to become New Zealand's capital city. Three officials from Australia visited Golden Bay to find a good central spot. They ended up recommending Wellington instead.
Fires and Rebuilding
Collingwood has faced several big fires over the years. In 1904, a fire started in a bakery and spread quickly. It destroyed almost every building on Tasman Street.
In 1930, another fire destroyed eight buildings. These included the Collingwood Hotel and the Presbyterian Church. In 1967, a fire started in the Post Office Hotel. It destroyed the hotel and the Memorial Hall. A new memorial hall was built in 1972. Today, it also holds the Collingwood Library.
Local Business Growth
HealthPost started in Collingwood in 1988. It began as a company that sold natural health products by mail. Now, it's a large online store. It is the biggest employer in Golden Bay.
Geography of Collingwood
Collingwood is located on the western side of Golden Bay. It sits right at the mouth of the Aorere River. The town is the end point for State Highway 60. This main road connects Collingwood to other places.
If you drive southwest from town, you go into the Aorere Valley. If you head north, the road leads to Cape Farewell. Along this northern road, you will find several smaller settlements.
People of Collingwood
Collingwood is considered a rural settlement by Statistics New Zealand. In 2018, about 258 people lived there. The town covers an area of 1.66 square kilometers.
Most people in Collingwood are of European descent. Some residents also identify as Māori or Asian. Many people in Collingwood say they have no religious beliefs. Others identify as Christian or Buddhist.
Many adults in Collingwood have a university degree or higher education. A good number of people work full-time or part-time.
Education in Collingwood
Collingwood Area School is the main school in the area. It teaches students from Year 1 (youngest) all the way to Year 13 (oldest). It also offers adult education. In 2009, the school celebrated its 150th anniversary.
Tourism in Collingwood
Collingwood is a popular place for tourists. It is home to the only company that offers tours to Farewell Spit. This makes Collingwood a key starting point for exploring that unique natural area.
Notable Buildings in Collingwood
Saint Cuthbert's Anglican Church
Saint Cuthbert's Church was finished in 1873. It was built on land believed to be given by William Gibbs, the town's founder. Local people helped build it by donating their time and timber. Thomas Brunner designed the church. This church is special because it has survived all the fires that damaged Collingwood. It is a New Zealand Heritage Category 1 listed building, meaning it's very important. The church can seat about 50 people.
The Old Courthouse
The courthouse was built in 1901. It was located just outside the main town area at the time. Because of its location, it survived the big fire in 1904. For many years, this old courthouse building has been used as a cafe.
The Old Post Office
The Post Office building was constructed in 1906. It was built after the 1904 fire. It also survived the 1930 fire, thanks to the Collingwood Volunteer Fire Brigade.
Collingwood Museum
The Collingwood Museum and Aorere Centre are located on Tasman Street. The museum opened in 1969. It is in a building that used to be the council office, built in 1910. The museum shows displays about the local history of the area.
Golden Bay Machinery & Settlers Museum
The Golden Bay Machinery & Settlers Museum is just outside Collingwood. You can find it at 869 Collingwood-Bainham Road, in Rockville. This museum has a collection of old farm machines, including tractors and other vehicles. It also displays items from early settlers. You can even see some working steam machines there.
