Redwood, Christchurch

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Coordinates: 43°28′36″S 172°37′01″E / 43.47660°S 172.61696°E / -43.47660; 172.61696
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Redwood
Suburb
Redwood, Christchurch in early summer
Redwood, Christchurch in early summer
Map
Coordinates: 43°28′36″S 172°37′01″E / 43.47660°S 172.61696°E / -43.47660; 172.61696
CountryNew Zealand
CityChristchurch
Local authorityChristchurch City Council
Electoral wardPapanui
Community boardWaipapa Papanui-Innes-Central
Area
[1]
 • Land332 ha (820 acres)
Population
 (June 2023)[2]
 • Total8,260
Northwood
Casebrook
Redwood
 Marshland
Papanui Northcote Mairehau

Redwood is a northern suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand which includes the sub-division of Redwood Springs. It is bordered by the Styx River to the north.

History[edit]

Māori collected food from several areas in the Styx River catchment, but there appear to have been no permanent settlements in the area before European colonisation.[3][4] The area was covered in low-lying raupō swamp and marshland.[5]

Before the area was settled the original forest cover was Tōtara[6][7] and Kahikatea. Like much of Christchurch, the early settlers drained the swamps and cut the bush to create useful farmland.[8]

By the late 1950s many of the rural sections were being subdivided into residential houses. The row of shops near Prestons Road began opening in 1957.[9]

The suburb was first named Styx but renamed following a popular vote of local residents in the 1960s.[10] Voters were asked to choose between Caselwood, Clearview, Northpark, Redpark and Redwood.[11] The name comes from a large protected redwood tree still standing on Prestons Road.[12][13] The tree was planted in the late 19th century by Thomas Preston, who was an early settler in the area and after whom Prestons Road is named.[13][14]

The site of Redwood Park was purchased in 1960 to be used for a secondary school.[15] By 1963 the plan for a high school had been abandoned. The land was made the Sturrocks Road Reserve, and was being prepared for a sports ground and kindergarten.[16] By 1964 the plans had been extended to include a community centre.[17] By the end of the year the sports field had been levelled and sown with grass. A bonfire was lit on Guy Fawkes Night to raise money for the project.[18] In 1965 the industrial park on the corner of Sturrocks and Cavendish roads was established.[19] In 1967 the reserve was renamed to Redwood Park.[20]

The Redwood Public Library opened on 9 November 1968.[21] The octagonal[21] building was designed by Waimairi County Council architect Len Wooding.[22] The library building also contains a child care centre.[23] A public toilet and plunket rooms were also built in front of the library.[22] The plunket rooms are now used by a community group.[24]

The suburb underwent a rapid expansion beginning in the 1970s,[25][26] with several subdivisions turning the previously semi-rural area into a true suburb.[27] The Redwood scout hall was constructed between 1978 and 1980.[28] In 1986 a refuse transfer station was opened[29] on the northern side of Styx Mill Road.[30] The refuse station was the subject of some community pushback.[31][32][33]

The area was originally part of the Waimairi County but was amalgamated into Christchurch City Council as part of the 1989 New Zealand local government reforms.[34]

The suburb saw further growth in the 2000s, with the Regent's Park subdivision in the north-west, and the Redwood Springs subdivision in the north-east.[35]

Redwood has its own community radio station called Classic Gold Radio Redwood 107.5FM.[36]

Demographics[edit]

Redwood covers 3.32 km2 (1.28 sq mi).[1] It had an estimated population of 8,260 as of June 2023, with a population density of 2,488 people per km2.

Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
20068,331—    
20138,112−0.38%
20188,184+0.18%
Source: [37]

Redwood had a population of 8,184 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 72 people (0.9%) since the 2013 census, and a decrease of 147 people (−1.8%) since the 2006 census. There were 3,051 households, comprising 3,990 males and 4,194 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.95 males per female, with 1,587 people (19.4%) aged under 15 years, 1,632 (19.9%) aged 15 to 29, 3,705 (45.3%) aged 30 to 64, and 1,260 (15.4%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 83.4% European/Pākehā, 11.9% Māori, 3.2% Pasifika, 9.2% Asian, and 2.4% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

The percentage of people born overseas was 18.2, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 51.5% had no religion, 37.1% were Christian, 0.4% had Māori religious beliefs, 1.0% were Hindu, 0.8% were Muslim, 0.7% were Buddhist and 1.9% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 1,047 (15.9%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 1,437 (21.8%) people had no formal qualifications. 984 people (14.9%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 3,354 (50.8%) people were employed full-time, 1,002 (15.2%) were part-time, and 255 (3.9%) were unemployed.[37]

Individual statistical areas
Name Area
(km2)		 Population Density
(per km2)		 Households Median age Median
income
Redwood North 1.09 2,781 2,551 990 39.8 years $37,000[38]
Redwood West 0.82 2,202 2,685 807 35.1 years $27,400[39]
Redwood East 1.27 3,201 2,520 1,254 38.8 years $33,100[40]
New Zealand 37.4 years $31,800

Politics[edit]

Redwood is part of the Christchurch Central parliamentary electorate.[41] The currently elected member of parliament is Duncan Webb of the Labour party.[42][43]

Redwood is part of the Papanui Ward for Christchurch City Council local body elections.[44] The currently elected councillor is Victoria Henstock.[45] The area is also represented by the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central community board.[46]

Transport[edit]

Main North Road is a major four-lane arterial road that runs north-south through the middle of Redwood, connecting it to both the Christchurch Central City and suburbs further north including Belfast and Kaiapoi.[10] The Christchurch Northern Motorway runs north-south just to the east of Redwood,[47] allowing traffic to bypass the suburb. Environment Canterbury operates several bus services that serve Redwood, including the 1,[48] 95,[49] 107[50] and 125.[51]

The Styx overbridge on Main North Road was first constructed in the mid 1930s.[52] A second bridge was added alongside the first in 2004 to widen the road.[52]

The Main North Railway passes through Redwood. Redwood was the location of the Styx railway station which was open to passengers between 1872 and 1977.[53] The station was located in the area of the Redwood Springs subdivision, near the Styx overbridge. The station was finally closed in 1984.[53]

Alongside the rail tracks is the Christchurch Railway Cycleway that connects Redwood to the central city.[54] The cycle path is being extended north through Redwood to connect to Main North Road in Belfast.[55]

Education[edit]

Redwood School and Northcote School are contributing primary schools catering for years 1 to 6.[56][57] They have rolls of 268 and 131, respectively. Redwood School opened in 1969,[58]: 156  and Northcote in 1960.[58]: 119  Papanui High School is the major public high school zoned for the area.[10]: 8 [59][60] St. Bedes College, a special-character integrated Catholic boys boarding school is also located in Redwood.[61]

References[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Redwood, Christchurch.

Bibliography[edit]

  • Hills, Darren; Hills, Helen (2006). Settling near the Styx River (book). Christchurch, New Zealand: D A & H J Hills. ISBN 9780473111342.

Citations[edit]

  1. ^ a b "ArcGIS Web Application". statsnz.maps.arcgis.com. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  2. ^ "Population estimate tables - NZ.Stat". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  3. ^ Hills & Hills 2006, p. 7.
  4. ^ "Te Kete Wānanga o Te Kōpare o Iho". Christchurch City Libraries. Christchurch City Council. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  5. ^ Hills & Hills 2006, p. 8.
  6. ^ Crean, Mike (4 August 2013). "Styx River's bubbling springs tell a story". Stuff (article). Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  7. ^ Hills & Hills 2006, p. 4.
  8. ^ Hills & Hills 2006.
  9. ^ Zealand (14 September 1957). "Advertisements Column". The Press. Retrieved 3 January 2024 – via Papers Past.
  10. ^ a b c Community Profile: Redwood (PDF) (Report). Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 May 2021. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  11. ^ "NAME FOR SUBURB: Poll Favours Redwood". The Press. 4 September 1967. p. 14. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  12. ^ "Christchurch District Plan: Appendix 9.4.7.1 Schedules of significant trees". districtplan.ccc.govt.nz. Christchurch City Council. Archived from the original on 6 June 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024. 340 Main North Road, T908, 18C, 2479122.793, 5748099.019
  13. ^ a b Bulovic, Annette (18 March 2013), "REDWOOD – Thomas Herbert Preston (1824 – 1884)", Peeling Back History, archived from the original on 20 May 2022, retrieved 7 January 2024
  14. ^ Hills & Hills 2006, p. 151.
  15. ^ "SITE FOR HIGH SCHOOL: 20 Acres Bought in Tuckers Road". The Press. 31 August 1960. p. 12. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  16. ^ "Waimairi News In Brief". The Press. 21 June 1963. p. 15. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  17. ^ "Community Centre Wanted for Reserve". The Press. National Library of New Zealand. 7 March 1964. p. 20. Retrieved 3 January 2024 – via Papers Past.
  18. ^ "Bonfire To Raise Money For Community Centre". The Press. National Library of New Zealand. 4 November 1964. p. 23. Retrieved 3 January 2024 – via Papers Past.
  19. ^ "Industrial Area". The Press. National Library of New Zealand. 5 May 1965. p. 9. Retrieved 3 January 2024 – via Papers Past.
  20. ^ "New Names". The Press. National Library of New Zealand. 20 October 1967. p. 14. Archived from the original on 23 September 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024 – via Papers Past.
  21. ^ a b "Redwood Library". heritage.christchurchcitylibraries.com. Archived from the original on 2 April 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  22. ^ a b "The Redwood Library Block". The Press. National Library of New Zealand. 25 October 1967. p. 18. Retrieved 3 January 2024 – via Papers Past.
  23. ^ "Contact Us". Redwood Early Childhood Centre. 11 July 2016. Archived from the original on 24 March 2022. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  24. ^ "Neighbourhood Links – Northcote/Redwood". Facebook. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  25. ^ "Advertisements Column 6". The Press. 21 June 1969. p. 39. Retrieved 3 January 2024 – via Papers Past.
  26. ^ Papanui Ward Profile (PDF) (Report). Christchurch City Council. February 2023. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  27. ^ "Sections for sale sign in Redwood". canterburystories.nz (Image). Christchurch City Council. 12 April 1980. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  28. ^ "Advertisements Column 9\". The Press. 22 March 1978. p. 24. Retrieved 3 January 2024 – via Papers Past.
  29. ^ "Refuse station opens". The Press. National Library of New Zealand. 30 June 1986. p. 8. Retrieved 3 January 2024 – via Papers Past.
  30. ^ "EcoDrop transfer stations and recycling centres". Christchurch City Council. Archived from the original on 20 December 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  31. ^ "Council seat 'vote against station'". The Press. National Library of New Zealand. 15 February 1985. p. 7. Retrieved 3 January 2024 – via Papers Past.
  32. ^ "Third refuse station opposed". The Press. National Library of New Zealand. 6 February 1985. p. 5. Retrieved 3 January 2024 – via Papers Past.
  33. ^ "Legal move on Styx decision". The Press. National Library of New Zealand. 25 January 1985. p. 5. Retrieved 3 January 2024 – via Papers Past.
  34. ^ "Christchurch Chronology: 1989". Christchurch City Libraries. Christchurch City Council. Archived from the original on 21 September 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  35. ^ Glasson, Chris (2000), "Redwood Springs subdivision", Macmillan Brown Library, University of Canterbury, retrieved 7 January 2024
  36. ^ "Radio Redwood, 107.5FM Christchurch, NZ". radioredwood.com. Archived from the original on 30 May 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  37. ^ a b "Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census". Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. Redwood North (318600), Redwood West (318800) and Redwood East (319600).
  38. ^ 2018 Census place summary: Redwood North
  39. ^ 2018 Census place summary: Redwood West
  40. ^ 2018 Census place summary: Redwood East
  41. ^ "Christchurch Central – Electorate Profile – New Zealand Parliament". New Zealand Parliament. Government of New Zealand. 30 January 2024. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  42. ^ "Hon Dr Duncan Webb". New Zealand Parliament. Government of New Zealand. 13 December 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  43. ^ "Hon Dr Duncan Webb – MP for Christchurch Central". NZ Labour Party. Archived from the original on 16 December 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  44. ^ "Ward and Community Boards map". Christchurch City Council. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  45. ^ "Victoria Henstock". Christchurch City Council. Archived from the original on 21 March 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  46. ^ "Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board". Let's Talk (website). Christchurch City Council. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  47. ^ "Christchurch Northern Corridor | Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency". www.nzta.govt.nz. Waka Kotahi. Archived from the original on 27 September 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  48. ^ "Route 1: Rangiora/Cashmere". www.metroinfo.co.nz. Environment Canterbury. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  49. ^ "Route 95: Waikuku and Pegasus/City". www.metroinfo.co.nz. Environment Canterbury. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  50. ^ "Route 107: Styx Mill/Northlands Mall". www.metroinfo.co.nz. Environment Canterbury. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  51. ^ "Route 125: Redwood/Westlake | Metro Christchurch". www.metroinfo.co.nz. Environment Canterbury. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  52. ^ a b Hills & Hills 2006, p. 139.
  53. ^ a b Scoble, Juliet (2010). Names & Opening & Closing Dates of Railway Stations in New Zealand (PDF) (Report). Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 January 2023. {{cite report}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  54. ^ "Northern Line (open Kilmarnock Street to Tuckers Road)". Christchurch City Council (article). Archived from the original on 23 October 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  55. ^ "Major cycleway paving its way to completion". Newsline (article). Christchurch City Council. 16 August 2023. Archived from the original on 16 November 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  56. ^ Education Counts: Redwood School
  57. ^ Education Counts: Northcote School
  58. ^ a b "Miscellaneous Local Historical Information" (PDF). Christchurch City Libraries. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  59. ^ "Draft Enrolment Scheme Home Zone for Papanui High School – 2022" (PDF). Shaping Education. Ministry of Education (New Zealand). 2022.
  60. ^ "Current Zone". Papanui High School (website). 2020. Archived from the original on 1 October 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  61. ^ "Enrolment – St Bede's College". St Bede's College (website). Archived from the original on 24 September 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
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