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Woodlands, New Zealand facts for kids

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Woodlands
Country New Zealand
Region Southland region
Territorial authorities of New Zealand Southland District
Ward Waihopai-Toetoe Ward
Community board Waihopai-Toetoe Community
Electorates
  • Invercargill
  • Te Tai Tonga (Māori)
Area
 • Total 24.01 km2 (9.27 sq mi)
Population
 (June 2023)
 • Total 300
 • Density 12.5/km2 (32/sq mi)
Postcode(s)
9871
Area code(s) 03

Woodlands is a small town in the Southland region of New Zealand's South Island. It sits on the banks of the Waihopai River. The town is located northeast of Invercargill, between Dacre and Longbush. Other nearby places include Rakahouka to the northwest and Rimu and Waituna to the south.

Who Lives in Woodlands?

Woodlands is a rural settlement. It covers about 24 square kilometers. In 2018, the town had a population of 273 people. This means there were about 11 people living in each square kilometer.

Population Changes Over Time

Historical population
Year Pop. ±% p.a.
2006 255 —    
2013 261 +0.33%
2018 273 +0.90%

The number of people living in Woodlands has slowly grown. In 2006, there were 255 residents. By 2013, this increased to 261. In 2018, the population reached 273 people. This was an increase of 12 people since 2013.

A Look at the Community

In 2018, there were 111 households in Woodlands. There were slightly more males (141) than females (135). About 18.7% of the people were under 15 years old. Most residents, 52.7%, were between 30 and 64 years old.

Most people in Woodlands are of European background (87.9%). Some residents identify as Māori (12.1%). A smaller number are Asian (7.7%) or Pasifika (1.1%). People can identify with more than one ethnicity.

When asked about religion, 46.2% of people said they had no religion. About 45.1% identified as Christian. A small number had Māori religious beliefs or other religions.

Getting Around Woodlands

The town is located right on State Highway 1. This is a major road in New Zealand. Woodlands is also on the Main South Line, which is part of the main railway line in the South Island.

The Railway's History

The railway line to Woodlands opened on February 11, 1874. For a short time, Woodlands was the end of the railway line from Invercargill. Later, on June 7, 1875, the line was extended past Woodlands to Mataura. Today, the railway is only used for carrying goods. Passenger trains, like the "Southerner," stopped running on this line in 2002.

Woodlands War Memorial

Many people from Woodlands fought in World War I. A special memorial stands in the town. It honors those who bravely served and lost their lives in the war.

Education in Woodlands

Woodlands has a school called Woodlands Full Primary School. This school teaches students from year 1 to year 8. It opened its doors in 1871. As of February 2024. , the school has 92 students.

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