Granity facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Granity
Granity War Memorial
Country	New Zealand
Region	West Coast
District	Buller District
Ward	Seddon
Electorates	West Coast-Tasman Te Tai Tonga
Area
• Total	2.36 km2 (0.91 sq mi)
Population  (June 2023)
• Total	170
• Density	72.0/km2 (187/sq mi)

Granity is a small town on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. It is about 28 kilometers (17 miles) north-east of Westport. You can find it along State Highway 67. The town sits on a narrow strip of land. To the west is the Tasman Sea, and to the east are steep mountains.

Granity was once a busy coal-mining town. However, as the mining industry slowed down, the town's population got smaller. Some nearby towns, like Denniston, have almost become ghost towns. The name "Granity" came from gold prospectors. They chose it because there was a lot of granite rock in the area.

Granity's Population Changes

Granity is considered a rural settlement. In 2018, its population was 170. This was a decrease from earlier years. For example, in 1911, 589 people lived there. By 1956, the population had dropped to 547.

The town's population was 168 people at the 2018 New Zealand census. This was a decrease from 2013 and 2006. Most people living in Granity are of European background. About 12.5% identify as Māori. Many people in Granity do not have a religious belief. The average age of people in Granity is older than the national average.

Granity's Economy and History

Granity has a history linked to its natural resources. The Granity Creek Sawmill started in 1846. It was a big employer, meaning many people worked there. The town was also important for the Westport Coal Company. This company had its engineering part in Granity.

The railway station in Granity was very important for coal. It was used to load and send coal from the nearby Millerton mine. The railway station operated from 1892 until 1982. However, it stopped carrying passengers in 1946.

Education in Granity

Granity School first opened in 1879 in Ngakawau. Later, it moved to a spot between Ngakawau and Granity. In 1901, about 100 students attended the school.

Today, Granity School teaches students from years 1 to 8. The school's buildings are close to the beach. The beach is slowly eroding, meaning it's wearing away. This erosion is happening at about 40 centimeters (16 inches) per year. A stopbank has been built to protect the school. This has made the school grounds stick out further onto the beach than other nearby properties.

Unique Wildlife in Granity

Granity is home to a very special animal called the cobble skink. This skink is a type of lizard. It is extremely rare and is in danger of disappearing forever. The cobble skink is only found on a small part of the pebbled coast right here in Granity. This makes the town an important place for protecting this unique creature.

Notable People from Granity

Some famous people have come from Granity. One example is Bub Bridger. She was a well-known writer and performer.

Images for kids

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  The Lyric Theatre

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  Band rotunda

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  Fund-raising Centre - the community "op-shop"

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  Granity Community Library