Woodbury, New Zealand facts for kids

Woodbury is a small town in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand's South Island. It is located about 8 kilometers (5 miles) inland from Geraldine. Woodbury is known as the entry point to the nearby Waihi and Orari River Gorges, and the Four Peaks area. The town is home to several small local businesses.

Discovering Woodbury's Past

The story of Woodbury began with the timber industry and farming. In 1866, Robert Taylor and Frederick Flatman started the town as a place for sawmilling and farming.

Woodbury grew quickly in its early days. It had a large general store, two butcher shops, a shoemaker, a creamery, and a blacksmith. There was also a two-story wooden hotel, which was later blown down in a strong wind.

The settlement was first called Waihi Bush. It was later renamed Woodbury after Elizabeth Flatman's birthplace in Gloucestershire, England. Elizabeth was Frederick Flatman's wife.

Who Lives in Woodbury?

Woodbury is considered a rural settlement by Statistics New Zealand. It covers a small area of 0.26 square kilometers (0.10 sq mi).

In 2018, Woodbury had a population of 105 people. This was an increase of 9 people since the 2013 census. There were 48 households in the town.

Most people in Woodbury identify as European/Pākehā. Some residents also identify as Pasifika, Asian, or other ethnicities. Many people in Woodbury do not have a religious affiliation, while others are Christian.

Learning in Woodbury

The first school in the area, called Waihi Bush school, opened in 1872. The school later moved to its current spot and was renamed Woodbury School in 1881.

Today, Woodbury School is a primary school for students in years 1 to 6. It has four teachers. The school's principal is Mike De Joux.

Important Buildings and Places

Eleanor Tripp Library and Museum

There is a small wooden library in Woodbury that was built to remember Eleanor Tripp. Locals still run this library today. It also works as a museum, showing items from the town's history. Outside the library, you can find the area's War Memorial.

St Thomas's Church

The first wooden church was built in 1879. As more people moved to the area, a bigger church was needed. Oswald Scott and Bert Cooling rebuilt the church in 1938. They used a Norman style and stones from the local river.

Inside the church, you can see beautiful stained glass windows. These were made by artists like Veronica Whall, Joseph Nuttgens, and Stephen Bélanger-Taylor. There are also carvings by Frederick Gurnsey. St Thomas's Church is still used for services and is a popular place for weddings.

Woodbury Domain and Park

Land was set aside for the Woodbury Domain in 1883. The Woodbury Hall was built in 1911 to celebrate the crowning of King George V.

The domain has a cricket pavilion, tennis courts, a children's playground, public toilets, and BBQ areas. Next to the domain is the cemetery, which has been used since 1879.

Famous People from Woodbury

• Esther Studholme Hope (1885–1975), a New Zealand painter.