Rangiora, New Zealand

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Rangiora is a rural town in the South Island of New Zealand. It is the largest town in north Canterbury and the seat of the Waimakariri District Council.

1 Geography
2 Populace
3 Climate
4 Attractions
5 Sports and Culture
6 See also
7 External links

[edit] Geography

Rangiora is 25 kilometres to the north of Christchurch, close to the northern end of Canterbury's Inland Scenic Route (formerly State Highway 72), which skirts the inner edge of the Canterbury Plains, running southwest to Timaru via Oxford and Geraldine. The Ashley River is just to the north of the town.

[edit] Populace

As of the 2001 census the population of the urban area was 10,800, with a further 3,500 in the surrounding rural area. Both urban and rural areas have seen population growth in excess of 11% in the preceding 5 years, a trend which has continued.^{[citation needed]} The town has several primary schools and two secondary schools. Rangiora High School has almost 1600 students and is the third largest secondary school in the South Island.

[edit] Climate

Being further inland than most of Christchurch, Rangiora experiences hotter summers and colder winters. The highest official temperature ever recorded in New Zealand was 42.4° C (108.3° F) at Rangiora in February 1973.

[edit] Attractions

Rangiora has become a gateway for local wineries, which have become popular in North Canterbury and, around Rangiora, there are a number to choose from. The Rangiora Showgrounds hosts an annual petrol-head show - Muscle Car Madness - which features a large array of vehicles. Rangiora boasts New Zealand's first and only commercial meadery. Located just outside the town it produces mead made from pure New Zealand honey and this is exported to many countries.

[edit] Sports and Culture

Rangiora Soccer has undergone strong growth in recent years^{[citation needed]}. Rangiora boasts two theatre companies (The North Canterbury Musical Society, The Rangiora Players) and a classic cinema situated in the historic Rangiora Town Hall. Rangiora High School has produced many excellent rugby and netball players in recent years.