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Redwood, Christchurch

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. Before the area was settled the original forest cover was tōtara and kahikatea. Like much of Christchurch, the early settlers drained the swamps and cut the bush to create farmland.

Redwood
Suburb
Barnes Road is a typical residential street in Redwood.
The Styx River forms the northern border of the suburb.
Redwood Spring are a natural freshwaster spring at the north end of the suburb near the Styx River.
Redwood Park is a large public park in the centre of the neighbourhood.
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 2024)[2]
 • Total8,500
Northwood
Casebrook
Redwood
 Marshland
Papanui Northcote Mairehau

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. The Main North Road runs through the suburb, connecting it to both the Christchurch Central City and settlments further north including Belfast and Kaiapoi. Redwood is part of the Christchurch Central parliamentary electorate.

History

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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 is named after a protected Redwood tree on Prestons Road

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] The Redwood scout hall was constructed between 1978 and 1980.[27] In 1986 a refuse transfer station was opened[28] on the northern side of Styx Mill Road.[29] The refuse station was the subject of some community pushback.[30][31][32]

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.[33]

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.[34]

Redwood has its own community radio station called Classic Gold Radio Redwood 107.5FM.[35]

Demographics

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Redwood covers 3.32 km2 (1.28 sq mi).[1] It had an estimated population of 8,500 as of June 2024, with a population density of 2,560 people per km2.

Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
20068,331—    
20138,112−0.38%
20188,184+0.18%
Source: [36]

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.[36]

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[37]
Redwood West 0.82 2,202 2,685 807 35.1 years $27,400[38]
Redwood East 1.27 3,201 2,520 1,254 38.8 years $33,100[39]
New Zealand 37.4 years $31,800

Politics

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Redwood is part of the Christchurch Central parliamentary electorate.[40] The currently elected member of parliament is Duncan Webb of the Labour party.[41][42]

Redwood is part of the Papanui Ward for Christchurch City Council local body elections.[43] The currently elected councillor is Victoria Henstock.[44] The area is also represented by the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central community board.[45]

Transport

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The 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,[46] allowing traffic to bypass the suburb. Environment Canterbury operates several bus services that serve Redwood, including the 1,[47] 95,[48] 107[49] and 125.[50]

 
Main North Line viewed from the Styx overbridge

The Styx overbridge on Main North Road was first constructed in the mid 1930s.[51] A second bridge was added alongside the first in 2004 to widen the road.[51]

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.[52] The station was located in the area of the Redwood Springs subdivision, near the Styx overbridge. The station was finally closed in 1984.[52]

Alongside the rail tracks is the Christchurch Railway Cycleway that connects Redwood to the central city.[53] The cycle path extends north through Redwood to connect to Main North Road in Belfast.[54][55]

Education

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Redwood School and Northcote School are contributing primary schools catering for years 1 to 6.[56][57] They have rolls of 300 and 152, 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

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Redwood, Christchurch.

Bibliography

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

Citations

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  1. ^ a b "ArcGIS Web Application". statsnz.maps.arcgis.com. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  2. ^ "Aotearoa Data Explorer". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  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). Christchurch City Council. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 May 2021.
  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). Community Support and Partnerships Unit (Report). Christchurch City Council. February 2023.
  27. ^ "Advertisements Column 9". The Press. 22 March 1978. p. 24. Retrieved 3 January 2024 – via Papers Past.
  28. ^ "Refuse station opens". The Press. National Library of New Zealand. 30 June 1986. p. 8. Retrieved 3 January 2024 – via Papers Past.
  29. ^ "EcoDrop transfer stations and recycling centres". Christchurch City Council. Archived from the original on 20 December 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  30. ^ "Council seat 'vote against station'". The Press. National Library of New Zealand. 15 February 1985. p. 7. Retrieved 3 January 2024 – via Papers Past.
  31. ^ "Third refuse station opposed". The Press. National Library of New Zealand. 6 February 1985. p. 5. Retrieved 3 January 2024 – via Papers Past.
  32. ^ "Legal move on Styx decision". The Press. National Library of New Zealand. 25 January 1985. p. 5. Retrieved 3 January 2024 – via Papers Past.
  33. ^ "Christchurch Chronology: 1989". Christchurch City Libraries. Christchurch City Council. Archived from the original on 21 September 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  34. ^ Glasson, Chris (2000), "Redwood Springs subdivision", Macmillan Brown Library, University of Canterbury, retrieved 7 January 2024
  35. ^ "Radio Redwood, 107.5FM Christchurch, NZ". radioredwood.com. Archived from the original on 30 May 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  36. ^ a b "Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census". Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. Redwood North (318600), Redwood West (318800) and Redwood East (319600).
  37. ^ 2018 Census place summary: Redwood North
  38. ^ 2018 Census place summary: Redwood West
  39. ^ 2018 Census place summary: Redwood East
  40. ^ "Christchurch Central – Electorate Profile – New Zealand Parliament". New Zealand Parliament. Government of New Zealand. 30 January 2024. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  41. ^ "Hon Dr Duncan Webb". New Zealand Parliament. Government of New Zealand. 13 December 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  42. ^ "Hon Dr Duncan Webb – MP for Christchurch Central". NZ Labour Party. Archived from the original on 16 December 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  43. ^ "Ward and Community Boards map". Christchurch City Council. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  44. ^ "Victoria Henstock". Christchurch City Council. Archived from the original on 21 March 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  45. ^ "Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board". Let's Talk (website). Christchurch City Council. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  46. ^ "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.
  47. ^ "Route 1: Rangiora/Cashmere". www.metroinfo.co.nz. Environment Canterbury. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  48. ^ "Route 95: Waikuku and Pegasus/City". www.metroinfo.co.nz. Environment Canterbury. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  49. ^ "Route 107: Styx Mill/Northlands Mall". www.metroinfo.co.nz. Environment Canterbury. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  50. ^ "Route 125: Redwood/Westlake | Metro Christchurch". www.metroinfo.co.nz. Environment Canterbury. Archived from the original on 25 January 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  51. ^ a b Hills & Hills 2006, p. 139.
  52. ^ a b Scoble, Juliet (2010). Names & Opening & Closing Dates of Railway Stations in New Zealand (PDF) (Report). Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 January 2023.
  53. ^ "Northern Line (open Kilmarnock Street to Tuckers Road)". Christchurch City Council (article). Archived from the original on 23 October 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
  54. ^ "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.
  55. ^ Koorey, Glen (3 June 2024), "First Look: Northern Line – northern section", Cycling in Christchurch, retrieved 3 June 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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