Seacliff, New Zealand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Seacliff
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Village
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 Seacliff
Location in New Zealand
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Otago |
| Territorial authority | Dunedin City Council |
| Population
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| • Total | 100 |
| Time zone | UTC+12 (NZST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+13 (NZDT) |
| Local iwi | Ngāi Tahu |
Seacliff is a small village found north of Dunedin in the Otago region of New Zealand's South Island. It sits between Blueskin Bay and the Waikouaiti River mouth at Karitane. The village is on the eastern side of Kilmog hill. An old road called Coast Road and the South Island Main Trunk Railway both go through Seacliff.
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History of Seacliff
Seacliff is famous for being the home of the former Seacliff Lunatic Asylum. This was a large hospital built in the late 1800s. For many years, it was New Zealand's biggest public building.
The Seacliff Hospital Building
The hospital was designed by an architect named Robert Lawson. A well-known person, Sir Frederic Truby King, managed the hospital for a long time. He also started the Plunket, which is a charity that helps new parents and babies in New Zealand.
Famous Patients and a Sad Event
The writer Janet Frame was one of the many people who stayed at the hospital. There is a special plaque on a magnolia tree that remembers her time there. In 1942, before Janet Frame first arrived, a very sad event happened. A big fire broke out in one part of the hospital. Thirty-seven women who were in their rooms died in the fire.
Moving the Hospital
The Seacliff Hospital building had problems with its foundation. This meant the building was not very stable. Because of these issues, the hospital later moved to a new place called Cherry Farm.
What Happened to the Old Site?
After the hospital moved, there was a plan to turn the remaining buildings into a museum. It was going to be a museum about transport and technology. However, this plan never happened. Some of the items collected for the museum were moved to the Otago Settlers' Museum in Dunedin.
Today, the area where the hospital once stood is a recreation reserve. It is named the Truby King Reserve, after Sir Frederic Truby King. The buildings that are still there are now owned by private people.
Seacliff's Sporting Victory
Seacliff also has a cool sports story! In 1923, the local football team won the very first 1923 Chatham Cup. This is a big knockout competition for football in New Zealand. The Seacliff team beat Wellington's YMCA team by four goals to nil.
Seacliff Today
Today, Seacliff is home to several families. Some people travel to Dunedin for their jobs and for school. There are also a few artists who have their studios in the village.
