Wikipedia

Southshore, New Zealand

Southshore
Suburb
Southshore and South New Brighton
Southshore and South New Brighton
Map
Coordinates: 43°33′0″S 172°44′51″E / 43.55000°S 172.74750°E / -43.55000; 172.74750
CountryNew Zealand
CityChristchurch
Local authorityChristchurch City Council
Electoral wardCoastal
Community boardWaitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood
Area
[1]
 • Land124 ha (306 acres)
Population
 (2018 Census)[2]
 • Total1,041
South New Brighton
(Avon Heathcote Estuary)
Southshore
 (Pegasus Bay)
Sumner

Southshore (Māori: Te Kōrero Karoro) is an eastern coastal suburb within Christchurch, New Zealand. It is sited on a narrow sandspit that runs along the eastern side of the Avon Heathcote Estuary. The area occupying the modern-day suburb previously had some Māori presence, which is supported by pre-European artefacts discovered in the area, the suburb being rich with birdlife and wildlife and considered an important food-gathering place by local tribes.

In its early years, the suburb had very few permanent residents due to the absence of facilities and insufficient transportation; it was later heavily urbanised after World War II. Residents are generally of low socio-economic status. Although it was informally called Southshore for some years previously, the name became formally recognised in 1955. The area was damaged in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake and 198 properties were zoned red. The suburb is currently linked by route 60 to its neighbouring suburbs and central Christchurch.

Geography edit

The Avon-Heathcote Estuary was forged approximately 450 years ago.[3] Sand from the mouth of the Waimakariri River was carried southward the east coast of the South Island, and built up along the coastline of modern-day Christchurch, progressively forming what is today known as the "Southshore Spit".[4]

The suburb is sited on a narrow sandspit that is between the Pacific Ocean and the Avon Heathcote Estuary. To the south of the suburb across the estuary lies Sumner and the Rapanui Rock which forms a natural barrier between the suburbs, to the north is South New Brighton.[5][6] Other suburbs nearby the estuary include Redcliffs, Mount Pleasant and Ferrymead.[7] Southshore is approximately 8 km (5.0 mi) from the Central Business District (CBD), and 5 km (3.1 mi) from New Brighton's main retail area.[8][9] Caspian Street provides a clear boundary between the suburb of South New Brighton and Southshore.[10]

There is a large public reserve at the southern end of the suburb. A large number of recreational uses of the suburb happens in this reserve such as kite surfing.[11] It is a common place for seeing the bar-tailed godwits, departing from the Spit on their 11,000 km (6,800 mi) journey to Alaska.[12] A wildlife sanctuary (similar to Zealandia) was proposed to be built in this reserve in 1969 and was never finalised due to being a disruption to future development in the suburb and other recreational activities.[13]

History edit

Māori settlement edit

 
The Karoro, Māori consider the suburb as the "meeting place of the seagulls"
 
Aerial view of Southshore (1974)

The Māori were the first settlers in Southshore. The Māori name for the Southshore Spit is Te Kōrero Karoro, literally meaning "the chattering of the seagulls" which also refers to "the meeting place of the seagulls".[14][15] The area was rich with birdlife and wildlife and was considered and important food-gathering place. Flightless birds such as kiwi and moa notably inhabited the area. Seagulls are still widespread throughout the suburb nowadays, especially the karoro (southern black-backed gull).[16]

In the eighteenth century, Māori predominantly grew kūmara (sweet potato) and aruhe in the area. There was a wharenui totem discovered in the sandhills near Tern Street, and discovery of hāngī pits and a human skull which dated back to pre-European occupation of the area, which confirm the Māori presence in the area.[16][17] The suburb holds cultural significance for the local tribes and sub-tribes, Ngāi Tūāhuriri, a sub-tribe of Ngāi Tahu are the caretakers of the area and therefore have food-gathering rights.[18]

European settlement edit

Prior to the 20th century the area was locally known to early European settlers as "Sandhills Run", they recalled discovering Māori fishing equipment and eel traps along the shoreline. As more settlers arrived, they constructed baches and established dairy farming in the suburb.[14][19][20] In 1916, most of the suburb was subdivided into residential sections. There was very sparse transportation to the neighbourhood during this time period, thus Southshore had very few permenant residents during this era also due to the lack of facilities in the suburb.[21] Consequently, "The Spit" was used as a gun range for volunteers to practise during World War I.[22]

Development in the suburb was slow with residents not receiving a water supply until 1922.[23] Southshore was heavily urbanised after World War II. Residents are generally of low socio-economic status.[24] In 1955, the Christchurch City Council was still thinking about naming the area; the Canterbury Museum advocated for the Māori name, Te Kōrero Karoro, however many locals disliked this proposal because they thought it was "too long".[25] The Christchurch City Council suggested an alternative proposal for the suburb to be named Southend. It was called Southshore informally for some years previously, and was named formally in 1955.[26][27]

Demographics edit

Southshore is part of the South New Brighton SA2 statistical area.[28]

Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
20061,395—    
20131,137−2.88%
20181,041−1.75%
Source: [2]
 
Southshore Spit Reserve

Southshore, comprising the SA1 statistical areas of 7026559–560 and 7026572–575, covers 1.24 km2 (0.48 sq mi).[1] It had a population of 1,041 at the 2018 New Zealand census, a decrease of 96 people (−8.4%) since the 2013 census, and a decrease of 354 people (−25.4%) since the 2006 census. There were 417 households, comprising 519 males and 525 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.99 males per female, with 198 people (19.0%) aged under 15 years, 162 (15.6%) aged 15 to 29, 498 (47.8%) aged 30 to 64, and 183 (17.6%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 94.2% European/Pākehā, 12.1% Māori, 3.2% Pasifika, 2.6% Asian, and 3.2% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 59.7% had no religion, 28.8% were Christian, 0.3% had Māori religious beliefs, 0.3% were Hindu, 0.6% were Muslim, 0.9% were Buddhist and 2.3% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 195 (23.1%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 117 (13.9%) people had no formal qualifications. 159 people (18.9%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 408 (48.4%) people were employed full-time, 162 (19.2%) were part-time, and 30 (3.6%) were unemployed.[2]

Transportation edit

Historically, Southshore was an important travel route for the Māori. They walked from the fortified settlement in South New Brighton, (Te Kai-a-Te-Karoro) and the Kaiapoi Pā onwards further inland, to the area nowadays known as Southshore (Te Kōrero Karoro) and beyond across the Avon Heathcote Estuary (Te Ihutai) to the Banks Peninsula.[29][30] There was also a Māori sand dune walking track called Pohoareare from the modern-day suburb of Ōpāwaho outpost settlement to New Brighton and onwards to Southshore.[31]

There was a strong proposal in 1912 to construct a bridge from Southshore across the estuary to Sumner, however, some local organisations were against this proposal and a local farmer called "Moore" who grazed livestock on the southern end of the spit was also against this, this led to the decision for the bridge not to be built.[32] Similarily with a another proposal to install a "chain ferry link" across the estuary to the suburb for walkers and cyclists but not vehicles, but this idea was never finalised.[33]

Since 1939, the suburb's main and only entrance has been Rocking Horse Road; its name origin reflects Peter Skellerup, a former deputy mayor of the city, who drove the road in its early years, described it as "travelling on a rocking horse" before it was metalled and levelled.[34][35] In 1952, the suburb was linked by several bus routes to its neighbouring suburbs and the central city.[36] In 1981, residents saw the opening of the South Brighton Bridge, which saved residents time, a more convenient route.[37] Today, Southshore's public transportation is served by the frequent Hillmorton—Southshore (route 60) bus service operated under the Metro brand, it serves the suburb to its neighbouring suburbs and the final destenation of the route being the suburb of Wigram (not Hillmorton) on the opposite edge of the city.[38][39]

Christchurch earthquakes edit

Southshore was hit hard by the 4 September 2010 Canterbury and 22 February 2011 Christchurch earthquakes. Damage was caused to houses and land. Southshore was initially put into the orange zone before the beach side was zoned green on 29 October 2011.[40] The estuary side remains in the orange zone awaiting land announcements to decide if it is financially worth repairing and rebuilding on that land due to the extensive damage caused by the two main shakes and also the ongoing aftershocks.[40]

In August 2011, residents were informed that they could expect a land zoning decision within six weeks. Later that month, it was announced that the decision would be released in September. In mid September, the decision was delayed due to "unexpected complexity". On 12 October, Gerry Brownlee as Earthquake Recovery Minister apologised for the delay and asked for another two weeks of patience. The 29 October 2011 decision split Southshore into two zones. In November, Brooklands was zoned red, but the decision for Southshore was further delayed. In mid December, Brownlee wrote to residents, stating that a decision would be made "prior to Christmas".[40] On 23 March 2012, land zoning decisions were made for the remaining areas of Linwood, Richmond and the Avon Loop within the Central City, while Brownlee wrote to the 401 Southshore home owners stating that they should have a decision during April.[41] By the end of April, Roger Sutton as Chief Executive of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority issued an apology to residents for further delays.[40] The decision was released on 18 May 2012, with 198 of the properties zoned red and the remaining 203 properties allowed to be lived in.[42]

References edit

  1. ^ a b "ArcGIS Web Application". statsnz.maps.arcgis.com. Archived from the original on 24 March 2023. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  2. ^ a b c "Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census". Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. 7026559–560 and 7026572–575.
  3. ^ Harris, A sense of place and time, p.2–8 cited in Owen, (1992)
  4. ^ Harris, A sense of place and time, p.5 cited in Owen, (1992)
  5. ^ VC Browne NZ Aerial Photograph Collection, 1320–1345
  6. ^ Cloke et al. 2023, p. 41–42.
  7. ^ "Place name detail: Southshore". New Zealand Gazetteer. New Zealand Geographic Board. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  8. ^ "Distance between Southshore, Christchurch, Canterbury, NZL and New Brighton,Canterbury, New Zealand (Canterbury,New Zealand)". Distance Calculator via GlobeFeed.com. 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  9. ^ "Community profile – November 2014 New Brighton—Southshore" (PDF). Christchurch City Council. 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on 10 February 2016. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  10. ^ Comfort, J.A. Lessons From The Past – A History of Coastal Hazards at South Brighton Spit, Christchurch (PDF) (Master of Arts with Honours in Geography thesis). University of Canterbury. p. 4. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  11. ^ Greenaway, R. (2007). Avon-Heathcote Estuary recreation survey 2006-2007. Christchurch, New Zealand: Rob Greenaway and Associates. p. 12.
  12. ^ "Hundreds farewell godwits ahead of eight-day journey from Christchurch to Alaska". Stuff. 20 February 2023. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  13. ^ "Sanctuary Not Possible", The Press, 19 August 1969, p. 11
  14. ^ a b Taylor 1952, p. 46.
  15. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 13.
  16. ^ a b Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 11. 13. 19.
  17. ^ Andersen 1927, p. 99.
  18. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 7. 19.
  19. ^ Penney 1982, p. 191–192.
  20. ^ Biggs, Leslie Ronald. The formation, control, and utilisation of the coastal sand dunes between the Waimakariri River and the Sumner estuary (Master of Arts thesis). University of Canterbury. p. 26. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  21. ^ Penney 1982, p. 192–197.
  22. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 44.
  23. ^ Hillier 2006, p. 46.
  24. ^ Cloke et al. 2023, p. 41.
  25. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 55.
  26. ^ "Christchurch Place Names: N-Z : South New Brighton" (PDF). Christchurch City Libraries. February 2016. p. 81. Archived (PDF) from the original on 20 October 2016. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  27. ^ "New Brighton Sandspit", The Press, 6 October 1955, p.11
  28. ^ 2018 Census place summary: South New Brighton
  29. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 14–19.
  30. ^ Beattie 1945, p. 100.
  31. ^ Harris, As it was: early Maori and European settlement, p. 15 cited in Owen, (1992)
  32. ^ "The Estuary bridge which is still awaited" The Press, 10 April 1976, p. 11
  33. ^ Killick, David (26 November 2014). "Coastal pathway will enhance city lifestyle". Stuff. Archived from the original on 6 October 2015. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  34. ^ Penney 1982, p. 194.
  35. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 56–57.
  36. ^ Penney 1982, p. 199.
  37. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 55. 80.
  38. ^ Harvie, Will (16 February 2023). "'Search and rescue mission' for 5000 trees planted by Christchurch volunteers". Stuff. Archived from the original on 16 March 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  39. ^ "Hillmorton / Southshore, Metro". Metro Info. Archived from the original on 8 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  40. ^ a b c d Greenhill 2012.
  41. ^ Mann, Charley; Nicole Mathewson (23 March 2012). "New riverside red zone". The Press. Archived from the original on 19 August 2014. Retrieved 4 May 2012.
  42. ^ Young, Rachel (18 May 2012). "Southshore decision 'devastating'". The Press. Archived from the original on 21 June 2022. Retrieved 21 June 2022.

Works cited edit

  • Rowlands, Don; Moore, Peter; Osborn, Lee (2006). Sand Dunes to Suburb. Christchurch, New Zealand: Southshore Residents' Association History Group.
  • Penney, Sarah E. W. (1982). The Estuary of Christchurch. Christchurch, New Zealand: Penney Ash Publications.
  • Hillier, L. (2006). Early European life 1776–1946. Christchurch, New Zealand.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  • Andersen, J.C (1927). Place-names of Banks Peninsula: a topographical history. Christchurch, New Zealand. ISBN 9781877151774.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  • Taylor, W.A (1952). Lore and history of the South Island Maori. Christchurch, New Zealand. ISBN 9781869643799.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  • Greenhill, Marc (2 May 2012). "Delays cold and callous, say angry orange-zone residents". The Press. p. 1.
  • Beattie, J.H. (1945). Māori place-names of Canterbury : including one thousand hitherto unpublished names collected from Māori sources. Dunedin, New Zealand: Otago Daily Times.
  • Owen, S.J. (1992). The Estuary Where Our Rivers Meet the Sea Christchurch's Avon-Heathcote Estuary and Brooklands Lagoon. Christchurch, New Zealand: Christchurch City Council. ISBN 9780473015954.
  • Cloke, Paul; Conradson, David; Pawson, Eric; Perkins, Harvey C. (2023). The Post-Earthquake City: Disaster and Recovery in Christchurch, New Zealand. London, United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis. doi:10.4324/9780429275562. ISBN 9781000839401.

External links edit

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