Cracroft, New Zealand facts for kids
Cracroft is a suburb located in the south-west part of Christchurch, a major city in Canterbury, New Zealand. It sits right at the base of the Port Hills Range, which are a chain of hills that add to the area's natural beauty.
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How Cracroft Got Its Name
Cracroft was named after a man called John Cracroft Wilson. He was an early settler who came to this part of Christchurch in 1854. He chose to live at the bottom of the Port Hills, and over time, the area took on his name.
Becoming an Official Suburb
For a long time, the area now known as Cracroft was part of another suburb called Cashmere. However, local residents wanted their own distinct suburb.
The Residents' Association Steps In
In 1993, the Cracroft Residents' Association started working hard to make Cracroft an official suburb. They began "lobbying," which means they tried to convince the authorities to make the change.
Official Recognition
Their efforts paid off! In 1999, the New Zealand Geographic Board officially recognized Cracroft as a suburb. This process is called "gazetting," and it means the name and boundaries are formally recorded. At this point, Cracroft was officially separated from Cashmere.
