Washdyke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Washdyke
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Suburb
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 Washdyke
Location in New Zealand
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Local authority | Timaru |
| Electoral ward | Timaru |
| Area | |
| • Land | 1,066 ha (2,634 acre) |
| Population
(June 2023)
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| • Total | 1,150 |
  Washdyke  |
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Washdyke is an industrial area located in the northern part of Timaru, a city in south Canterbury, New Zealand. It's a busy place where two important roads meet: State Highway 1, which goes north from Timaru, and State Highway 8, which starts here.
Washdyke is famous for its horse racing track, "Phar Lap Raceway." This track is named after the legendary racehorse, Phar Lap, who was born right here in 1926!
The main railway line, called the Main South Line, also runs through Washdyke. Long ago, Washdyke was an important railway junction. A special branch line, the Fairlie Branch, started here in 1874 and went all the way to Fairlie. However, this branch line closed in 1968. Since 2002, passenger trains no longer stop in Washdyke.
Just south of Washdyke, you'll find Washdyke Lagoon. This is a medium-sized lagoon where the water level changes with the tides. Many different types of wading birds like to visit this lagoon.
Washdyke's Population and People
Washdyke covers an area of about 10.66 square kilometers. As of 2023, it has an estimated population of 1,150. This means there are about 108 people living in each square kilometer.
In 2018, the population of Washdyke was 1,017 people. This was a small increase from 2013. Most people living in Washdyke are of European descent, but there are also people from Māori, Pasifika, and Asian backgrounds. About 10% of the people in Washdyke were born outside of New Zealand.
When it comes to beliefs, nearly half of the people in Washdyke said they had no religion in 2018. Many others identified as Christian.
Learning in Washdyke
Washdyke used to have its own primary school, called Washdyke School. It first opened its doors in 1874. However, in 2004, Washdyke School joined with Marchwiel School to create a new school called Oceanview Heights School. This new school is located on the old Marchwiel site.
