Tinwald, New Zealand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tinwald
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Suburb
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 Tinwald
Location in New Zealand
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Local authority | Ashburton |
| Electoral ward | Ashburton |
| Area | |
| • Land | 470 ha (1,160 acre) |
| Population
(June 2023)
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| • Total | 3,860 |
  Tinwald, New Zealand  |
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Tinwald is a small town in the Canterbury area of New Zealand. It is about 3 kilometers (about 2 miles) south of Ashburton. The Ashburton River / Hakatere separates Tinwald from Ashburton.
The town got its name from Tinwald Downs in Scotland. This was the birthplace of Robert Wilkin. He was an early European settler and owned a lot of land in the area.
A very important person from Tinwald was William Massey. He was the Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1912 to 1925. A Prime Minister is the leader of a country's government.
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Exploring Tinwald's Railway History
The main railway line in the South Island, called the Main South Line, goes through Tinwald. From 1878 to 1968, Tinwald was a special railway junction. This meant it was where another railway line, the Mount Somers Branch, connected.
Today, part of the old Mount Somers Branch line is preserved. It is now home to The Plains Vintage Railway & Historical Museum. This museum often has public open days. You can ride on old trains there!
One special train at the museum is K 88. This old steam locomotive was found in a river in 1974. It was fixed up and started running again in 1982. K 88 still runs services at The Plains Railway today.
Life in Tinwald Today
Tinwald has several shops along its main road. You can find places to eat, like cafés. There is also a pub and a supermarket for daily needs.
Tinwald's Past: Early Settlement
European people started settling in the Tinwald area in 1873. A man named Robert Wilkin bought 900 acres of land. He used this land as a base for trading animals. He named the area Tinwald Downs, just like his birthplace in Scotland.
Understanding Tinwald's Population
Tinwald covers an area of about 4.70 square kilometers. Its population has been growing steadily. In 2018, about 3,558 people lived there. This was an increase of 312 people since 2013. It was also 564 more people than in 2006.
Most people in Tinwald are of European descent. There are also people from Māori, Pasifika, and Asian backgrounds. About 13% of the people living in Tinwald were born outside of New Zealand.
Learning in Tinwald: Local School
Tinwald School is a primary school for children in years 1 to 6. It is a coeducational school, meaning both boys and girls attend. The school first opened its doors in 1879.
