Winchester, New Zealand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Winchester
|
|
|---|---|
|
Town
|
|
Wolseley Tavern, Winchester
|
|
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Canterbury |
| Territorial authority | Timaru District |
| Ward | Pleasant Point-Temuka |
| Community | Temuka |
| Electorates |
|
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.68 km2 (0.26 sq mi) |
| Population
(June 2023)
|
|
| • Total | 270 |
| • Density | 397/km2 (1,028/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+12 (New Zealand Standard Time) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+13 (New Zealand Daylight Time) |
| Postcode |
7958
|
| Local iwi | Ngāi Tahu |
Winchester is a small town located in the South-Canterbury region of New Zealand's South Island. It is about 6.9 kilometres north of Temuka and 51 kilometres southwest of Ashburton.
Both State Highway 1 and the Main South Line railway run through Winchester.
Contents
Discovering Winchester's Past
Winchester was started by Major John Albert Young. In 1863, he built the Winchester Hotel. This hotel was very popular with people who loved to fish in the nearby rivers. Later, in 1884, Major Young also built the Wolseley Hotel.
Early Industries and Growth
The Winchester Wool Scouring Works opened in 1869. It was located near the railway station. This factory cleaned a lot of wool and sheepskins every year. Winchester also had a flour mill, a saw mill, and a plant for cleaning seeds. There was even a factory that made products from concrete.
The Temuka and Geraldine Agricultural and Pastoral Association show has been held in Winchester since 1910. This event brings the community together. In 1956, Winchester had a population of 410 people.
Who Lives in Winchester?
Statistics New Zealand describes Winchester as a rural settlement. It covers an area of 0.68 square kilometres. As of June 2023, Winchester had an estimated population of 270 people. This means there are about 397 people living in each square kilometre.
Population Changes Over Time
The population of Winchester has stayed the same for a while.
- In 2006, there were 264 people.
- In 2013, the number was still 264.
- In 2018, it remained 264 people.
In 2018, there were 108 households in Winchester. There were more males (144) than females (123). About 19.3% of the people were under 15 years old.
Diverse Backgrounds and Beliefs
Most people in Winchester (92.0%) are of European/Pākehā background. Other groups include Māori (6.8%) and Asian (5.7%).
When it comes to religion, many people (59.1%) said they had no religion. About 27.3% were Christian. Some people also followed Māori religious beliefs or Hinduism.
Education and Work
About 9.9% of people aged 15 or older had a university degree. Around 32.4% did not have formal qualifications. Many people in Winchester are employed. About 49.3% work full-time, and 8.5% work part-time.
Learning in Winchester
Winchester has two schools that help young people learn and grow.
Winchester Rural School
Winchester Rural School is a primary school for students in years 1 to 6. It currently has a roll of 145 students.
Waihi School
Waihi School is a private Anglican school. It teaches students from year 4 to year 8. The school was started in 1907. It currently has 121 students.
Keeping Roads Safe
Efforts are being made to make the roads safer in Winchester.
Speed Limits on State Highway 1
Since October 2020, the 50 kilometre per hour speed limit on State Highway 1 has been extended. This change was made because local residents were worried about cars driving too fast. Between 2009 and 2018, there were 15 crashes on this section of the highway. These crashes caused minor injuries to five people.
New Roundabout for Better Flow
A new roundabout is being built at a busy five-way intersection. This intersection connects Winchester-Geraldine, Tiplady, McKenzie, and Coach roads. In the last 10 years, there have been eight crashes at this spot. The new roundabout cost $2 million and was funded by Waka Kotahi NZTA. The local community has been waiting for this project for a long time.
