Blenheim, New Zealand
Encyclopedia : B : BL : BLE : Blenheim, New Zealand
| Blenheim | |
| |
| Population: | 34,500 (EST 2005) |
| Mayor: | Alistair Sowman |
| Territorial Authority | |
|---|---|
| Names: | Blenheim |
| Regional Council: | Marlborough District Council |
Blenheim is a town in Marlborough, in the northeast of the South Island in New Zealand. It has a population of about 30,000. The area which surrounds the town is well known as a centre of New Zealand's wine industry. It enjoys one of New Zealand’s sunniest climates, with hot summers and crisp winters.
The region has a wide range of leisure activities, from swimming with dolphins in the Marlborough Sounds to watching whales in Kaikoura; from walks through the bush and along the rugged coastline, as well as scenic boat cruising, fishing, water-skiing and kayaking. The relaxed lifestyle and the flourishing wine and gourmet food industry in Marlborough are enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike.
Blenheim is named after the Battle of Blenheim (1704), where troops led by John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough defeated a combined French and Bavarian force.
History
The sheltered coastal bays of Marlborough supported a small Māori population possibly as early as the 12th century. Anthropologists have christened this part of central Aotearoa, Waenganui, a region that streched from inland Ureweras to Kaiapohia. Māori in the Marlborough Region cultivated crops, including kumara (sweet potato) and exploited marine resources.Although the early history of Marlborough was closely associated with the Nelson settlement, the people of Marlborough wanted independence from Nelson. Nineteen years after the original Nelson settlement the request of Marlborough settlers was granted, and Marlborough became a separate province in 1859. Although gold was discovered in the province in the early 1860s the boom did not last and, while it helped to expand the region, the development of pastoralism provided the greatest long-term benefits. Marlborough squatters developed huge sheep runs that dominated the countryside, rivalling Canterbury's sheep stations in size and wealth.
Today the region's economy is still rurally based with pastoral and horticultural farming, providing a major source of income. The region's inhabitants continue to utilise the marine resources. Lake Grassmere is the country's only source of salt, and fishing and mussel farming are also extremely important in the region. Grape growing has been one of the fastest growing industries and Marlborough is now New Zealand's largest wine producing region, receiving worldwide recognition for its sauvignon blanc wines.
The sunny, pleasant climate has attracted people to the region, either as holiday-makers or as permanent settlers. The region is especially popular among retired people, as well as people seeking an alternative lifestyle.
Geography
Demographics
| Historical population | |
|---|---|
| Census year | Population |
| 1986 | 22,998 |
| 1991 | 23,787 |
| 1996 | 25,713 |
| 2001 | 26,550 |
| 2005 | 35,000 |
Age
- 21.3% of people living in Blenheim were under 15, compared with 22.7% for all of New Zealand.
- 16.7% of people living in Blenheim were aged 65 years and over, compared with 12.1% for all of New Zealand.
Education
- 28.7% of people aged 15 years and over had a post-school qualification, compared with 32. percent for New Zealand as a whole.
Ethnic background
Most Blenheim residents are of European origin, predominately of British descent, but small Māori, Pacific Island and Asian communities exist. Ethnic diversity has increased in recent years with the arrival of large numbers of South Americans (mostly Brazilians) and Asians (mainly Japanese and Koreans) who work in the expanding viticulture sector.The [2001 New Zealand Census] showed that of people in the Blenheim Urban Area :
- 94.4% belonged to the European ethnic group.
- 3.1% belonged to the Asian ethnic group.
- 1.1% belonged to the Māori ethnic group.
- 1.1% belonged to the Pacific Island ethnic group.
Economy
Education
Public schools
Transportation
Air
Woodbourne Airport is a domestic airport. There are direct flights from Wellington, Christchurch and Nelson. Nearby is the RNZAF Woodbourne base.Road
Rail
Rail passenger services are serviced by the Blenheim Railway Station, which also acts as a local information centre. Passenger services are confined to the TranzCoastal, operated by Tranz Scenic. Freight services are operated by Toll Rail.A major railway classification yard is located north of Blenheim at Spring Creek.
Media
Radio
The following is a list of radio stations in Blenheim.
FM Stations
| Frequency | Callsign | Nickname | Format | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88.1 | The Shed | Classic rock | ||
| 88.7 | Sunshine Radio | Easy listening | ||
| 96.9 | Clssic Hits Marlborough | Easy listening | ||
| 92.9 | Sounds FM | Pop | ||
| 94.1 | Easy FM | Easy listening | ||
Events and points of interest
Highlights
- Marlborough residents have the highest median age of 36.1 years, compared with 33.0 years nationally.
- The population of Marlborough is increasing at a faster rate than the national average.
- The population of the land surrounding the Marlborough Sounds is the fatest growing in the region.
- The region had the third-lowest population (38,397 usual residents on census night 1996), and a low population density.
- The population is predominantly European and Māori.
- Agriculture and horticulture are important to the economy. The region is currently the largest and fastest growing grape producing area in the country.
- The region has the highest proportion of businesses in the agriculture, forestry and fishing industries - 16.9% compared with 4.4% nationally (as at 30 June 2004).
References
External links
- from Wikitravel
- [Destination Marlborough]
- [Marlborough District Council]
- [Marlborugh Express newspaper]
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