Southbridge, New Zealand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Southbridge
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Rural settlement
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Southbridge RFC cricket pitch
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Canterbury |
| Territorial authority | Selwyn District |
| Ward | Ellesmere |
| Electorates |
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| Area | |
| • Total | 2.22 km2 (0.86 sq mi) |
| Population
(June 2023)
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| • Total | 1,020 |
| • Density | 459/km2 (1,190/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+12 (NZST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+13 (NZDT) |
Southbridge is a small town located on the Canterbury Plains in the South Island of New Zealand. It is about 45 kilometers (28 miles) southwest of Christchurch. The town is nestled between other places like Leeston, Dunsandel, and the Rakaia River.
Southbridge is a hub for farming services. It also has many small and medium-sized businesses. You can find a swimming pool, tennis courts, and the Southbridge Primary School here, along with other fun places to visit.
Contents
History of Southbridge
Southbridge has an interesting past, especially with its connection to railways.
The Southbridge Railway Line
A special railway line, called a branch line, opened in Southbridge on July 13, 1875. This line connected the town all the way to Christchurch. Even though there were ideas to make the line longer, it always ended in Southbridge. Because of this, it became known as the Southbridge Branch.
In its early years, many trains used this line. By 1914, two trains that carried both people and goods, plus one train just for goods, ran every day. However, after the late 1920s, fewer people and goods used the railway. Passenger services to Southbridge stopped on April 14, 1951. The entire line closed completely on June 30, 1962. Today, not much of the old railway line is left, but you can still spot where the railway crossings used to be.
Ngāti Moki Marae
Southbridge is also home to Ngāti Moki marae. A marae is a special tribal meeting ground for the Ngāi Tahu people and their Te Taumutu Rūnanga branch. The Ngāti Moki wharenui (meeting house) is also part of this important cultural site.
People of Southbridge
Statistics New Zealand describes Southbridge as a rural settlement. It covers an area of 2.22 square kilometers (0.86 square miles).
Population Growth
The population of Southbridge has grown over the years.
| Historical population for the Southbridge settlement | ||
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| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
| 2006 | 738 | — |
| 2013 | 858 | +2.18% |
| 2018 | 906 | +1.09% |
In 2018, the town had 906 people living there. This was an increase of 48 people (5.6%) since 2013. It was also an increase of 168 people (22.8%) since 2006. There were 327 households in total. The population was almost evenly split between males (456) and females (453).
About 22.2% of the people were under 15 years old. Most people (47.4%) were between 30 and 64 years old. About 15.2% were 65 or older.
Backgrounds and Beliefs
Most people in Southbridge are of European/Pākehā background (92.7%). Some residents are Māori (8.3%), Pasifika (1.7%), or Asian (2.0%). People can identify with more than one background.
When asked about their beliefs, 57.0% of people said they had no religion. About 32.1% were Christian. A small number were Buddhist (0.3%) or had other beliefs (2.3%).
Education and Work
About 10.6% of people aged 15 or older had a university degree. About 23.0% did not have formal qualifications. Many people in Southbridge are employed. About 52.8% worked full-time, and 17.4% worked part-time.
Education in Southbridge
Southbridge has a long history of providing education to its young people.
Southbridge School
Southbridge School is a primary school for students in years 1 to 6. It was first opened in 1868. As of August 2024, the school has about 176 students.
Southbridge District High School
Southbridge District High School opened in 1903. It shared buildings with the primary school until a fire destroyed them in 1924. After the fire, new buildings were built on the same spot for the high school. The primary school then moved to a new location across the road. The high school closed its doors in 1981.
Famous People from Southbridge
Many notable people have connections to Southbridge:
- Colonel Allen Bell (1870–1936) was a politician born in Southbridge.
- Dan Carter (born 1982) is a famous rugby union player who was born in Southbridge.
- George Howes (1879–1946) was an entomologist (someone who studies insects) born in Southbridge.
- Pat McEvedy (1880–1935) was a rugby union player and manager born in Southbridge.
- Francie Turner (born 1992) is a coxswain (a person who steers a rowing boat) who grew up in Southbridge.
- Mabel Rose Wilson (1883–1962) was a domestic worker and a leader in her community.
