Dipton, New Zealand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dipton
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|---|---|
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Southland region |
| Territorial authorities of New Zealand | Southland District |
| Ward | Oreti Ward |
| Community | Oreti Community |
| Electorates |
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Dipton is a small town located in the Southland region of New Zealand. It is about 20 kilometres south of Lumsden. Dipton is also about 60 kilometres north of Invercargill, a larger city.
For many years, Dipton was a stop on the Kingston Branch railway line. This railway operated from 1875 until it closed in 1982.
Dipton is known as the hometown of some important New Zealand politicians. One famous person from Dipton is Bill English. He was born nearby in Lumsden. Bill English used to be the leader of the New Zealand National Party. He also served as the Prime Minister of New Zealand.
Another politician connected to Dipton is Todd Barclay. He was born in Dipton. Todd Barclay later became the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Clutha-Southland area. He took over this role from Bill English.
Dipton is also close to the White Hill Wind Farm. This wind farm was finished in 2007. It was built by Meridian Energy, a New Zealand company that generates electricity. Wind farms use large turbines to create clean energy from the wind.
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About the People of Dipton
Dipton is part of a larger area called Oreti River. This area covers about 630 square kilometres. As of 2023, the estimated population for the Oreti River area was 2,150. This means there are about 3.4 people living in each square kilometre.
Population Changes Over Time
The population of the Oreti River area has changed over the years.
| Historical population for Oteti River | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
| 2006 | 1,926 | — |
| 2013 | 2,169 | +1.71% |
| 2018 | 2,100 | −0.64% |
In 2018, the population was 2,100 people. This was a small decrease from 2013. However, it was an increase compared to the population in 2006.
Who Lives in Dipton?
In 2018, there were slightly more males than females living in the area. The average age was about 38 years old.
- About 23% of the people were under 15 years old.
- About 17% were between 15 and 29 years old.
- Almost half (47%) were between 30 and 64 years old.
- About 14% were 65 years or older.
Most people in the area are of European descent (about 90%). There are also people of Māori heritage (about 8%). Smaller groups include people from Asia and the Pacific Islands.
Many people in the area (about 46%) said they had no religion. About 46% identified as Christian. A small number of people followed Māori religious beliefs or other religions like Hinduism and Buddhism.
Education in Dipton
Dipton has its own school called Dipton School. It is a state school that teaches students from Year 1 to Year 8. This means it covers primary and intermediate school ages. As of 2023, the school has a roll of 36 students. Dipton School first opened its doors in 1877.
