Temuka

Temuka is a town on New Zealand's Canterbury Plains, 15 kilometres north of Timaru and 142 km south of Christchurch. It is located at the centre of a rich sheep and dairy farming region, for which it is a service town. It lies on the north bank of the Temuka River, just above its confluence with the Opihi River.

Temuka
Temuka
Coordinates: 44°14′40″S 171°16′40″E
CountryNew Zealand
RegionCanterbury
Territorial authorityTimaru District
Area
 • Total8.35 km2 (3.22 sq mi)
Elevation
15 m (49 ft)
Population
 (June 2020)[1]
 • Total4,660
 • Density560/km2 (1,400/sq mi)
Postcode(s)
7920
Area code(s)03
Temuka and the Opihi River. The photo was taken from an Air New Zealand ATR-72 flight from Christchurch to Invercargill

Demographics

With a population of 4,047 people in 2013,[2] it is the second largest town in South Canterbury after Timaru. Temuka is home to three schools, two primary schools and one secondary school. Temuka is accessed by New Zealand's State Highway Number 1 and the Main South Line railway allowing for major cargo handling. Temuka is north of the Opihi and Temuka rivers. The local secondary school, Opihi College, takes its name from the Opihi River. Both rivers are popular with locals and tourists. Almost all traffic passing north or south goes through or around Temuka. Temuka has recently had the redevelopment of the local Domain by incorporating a skate park to join the other facilities which include a swimming pool, mini golf, golf, netball, outdoor bowls and tennis. There are also rugby and football fields, a stadium complex and a holiday park.

History and culture
This 1900 red brick courthouse with Baroque elements was designed by John Campbell of the Public Works Department, and functioned until 1979. It is now the town museum.

The name Te umu kaha (original spelling) means long-lasting ovens, from the earth ovens that Māori used to cook the plentifully-growing cabbage trees. Temuka was a stop on the Main South Line until passenger services were discontinued. At one time Temuka supported wool scouring plants, it had a flour mill and manufactured electric power transmission insulators.

Temuka previously had its own council system in place, but has been under the administration of Timaru District Council since 1989. Recently, the council has been redeveloping Temuka in the form of cleaning waterways, new walkways, redeveloping of existing walkways, new gardens, domains, new tennis courts, complete skate park and general modernisation of the large service town.

Marae

Arowhenua marae, a marae (tribal meeting ground) of Ngāi Tahu and its Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua branch, is located south of Temuka.[3] It includes Te Hapa o Niu Tireni wharenui (meeting house).[4]

In October 2020, the Government committed $50,232 from the Provincial Growth Fund to upgrade the marae, creating 16 jobs.[5]

Education

There are currently three primary and secondary schools in Temuka:

  • Temuka Primary
  • St. Joseph's Temuka
  • Opihi College – originally called Temuka High School until 2005 when the name was changed

Business

Temuka is home to a large trucking company, Temuka Transport. This company has about 40 trucks which are used to service the South Canterbury area. Also located in the town is Temuka Homeware. This company produces ceramic crockery. Currently, the older and traditional items are seeing an increase of demand from collectors and the accompanying industry. Located in Temuka are various businesses including supermarkets, takeaways, collectors, hardware stores, office supply stores, and art galleries.

Temuka is home to New Zealand Insulators (NZI), the major supplier of insulators to New Zealand's power industry. Temuka houses NZI's corporate headquarters, South Island warehouse, and local factory. Temuka is also home to the only bagpipe bag manufacturing business in New Zealand, Gannaway New Zealand, manufacturing cowhide, goatskin, and sheepskin bagpipe bags exported worldwide.[6]

Notable residents

References
  1. "Population estimate tables - NZ.Stat". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  2. 2013 Census QuickStats about a place : Temuka
  3. "Te Kāhui Māngai directory". tkm.govt.nz. Te Puni Kōkiri.
  4. "Māori Maps". maorimaps.com. Te Potiki National Trust.
  5. "Marae Announcements" (Excel). growregions.govt.nz. Provincial Growth Fund. 9 October 2020.
  6. "Welcome to Gannaway New Zealand – The Bagpipe Centre". Gannawaynz.co.nz. Retrieved 17 February 2016.
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