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Table of Contents
Christchurch is the third most populated city in New Zealand, followed by Auckland and Wellington. It is situated on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island.
See the fact file below for more information on the Christchurch or alternatively, you can download our 22-page Christchurch worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.
Key Facts & Information
LOCATION
- Christchurch is located in the South Island of New Zealand and the seat of Canterbury.
- The Christchurch urban area is located on the South Island’s east coast, on the north of Banks Peninsula.
- At the center of the city, the Avon River is situating along with urban parks beside its banks.
HISTORY
- There is archaeological evidence that suggests that the first people who inhabited the Christchurch area in around 1250 BCE.
- These pieces of evidence were found on Redcliffe in 1876, which indicates that the Christchurch area was first settled by tribes that hunted moa, a prehistoric flightless bird, in 1250 BCE.
- The evidence then suggests that the first inhabitants of the Christchurch area were followed by the Waitaha Tribe, who migrated from the East Coast of the North Island in the 16th Century.
- The Waitaha Tribe was defeated in a tribal warfare by the Ngāti Māmoe tribe.
- The Ngāti Māmoe tribe was then defeated by the Ngāi Tahu tribe who reigned until the arrival of the European Settlers.
- In the early 1840s, after the Weller brothers purchased the land of Putaringamotu, a party of European settlers was formed, which was led by Herriott and McGillivray who then established a city, later to be known as Christchurch.
- In 1843, the Deans brothers took over their abandoned holdings and stayed.
- The name of the city was given on March 27, 1848 by the Canterbury Association which settled in Canterbury Plains.
- On July 31, 1856, Christchurch was proclaimed a city via Royal Charter.
- Christchurch was the oldest establishment in New Zealand to have been baptized.
ETYMOLOGY
- The city was named after Christ Church, Oxford, a constituent college of Oxford University in England.
- The name of the city was derived from a college because it was the Alma Mater of John Robert Godley, founder of Christchurch and the one who suggested its name.
- In the native Māori language, the city is called “Ōtautahi” which means “the place of Tautahi.”
COUNTRY’S WORST FIRE DISASTER
- New Zealand’s worst fire disaster happened in Christchurch.
- Ballantynes Department Store in the inner city was burned in 1947.
- 41 people were killed in the fire.
GOVERNMENT
- Christchurch’s local government is a democracy.
- The Christchurch City Council comprises the Mayor of Christchurch and 16 councillors elected in 16 wards.
- The 16 wards of Christchurch are Spreydon, Cashmere, Halswell, Riccarton, Hornby, Fendalton, Waimairi, Papanui, Innes, Central, Linwood, Heathcote, Harewood, Burwood, Coastal, and Banks Peninsula.
- There are Community Boards, District Councils; a Canterbury Regional Council known as “Environment Canterbury”; and a District Health Board (Canterbury).
- When it comes to their Central Government, Christchurch is covered by seven general electorates: Christchurch Central, Christchurch East, Ilam, Port Hills, Selwyn, Waimakariri, and Wigram—and one Māori electorate: Te Tai Tonga (the southern district).
- Each electorate is represented by one member in the New Zealand House of Representatives.
SERIES OF EARTHQUAKES
- A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Christchurch and the central Canterbury region at 4:35 am, on Saturday, September 4, 2010.
- The 2010 quake happened in the town of Darfield, west of the city at a depth of 10 kilometres.
- The quake caused widespread damage to the city and inflicted minor injuries, but fortunately, the earthquake did not cause direct fatalities.
- However, nearly six months later, on February 22, 2011, a second earthquake occured and hit the city at 12:51 in the afternoon.
- The quake centered closer to the city with a magnitude of 6.3 near Lyttelton at a depth of 5 kilometres.
- Even though the 2011 earthquake has a lower magnitude compared to the previous quake, the impact of its ground shaking reached a more violent intensity.
- The 2011 earthquake was one of the strongest earthquakes that hit an urban area.
- 185 people were killed, and among them were people from 20 different countries.
- Christchurch Cathedral was severely damaged.
- The CTV Building collapsed and caused major fatalities.
- Continuing aftershocks were experienced for some time.
SIGHTS TO SEE
- The Lyttelton tunnel opened in 1964; it’s a tunnel connecting Lyttelton and Christchurch.
- The Christchurch Cathedral was built between 1864 and 1904 in the city center.
- After the 2011 earthquake damaged the Cathedral, it had to be deconsecrated.
- The Peacock Fountain is a colorful fountain found in Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
- If you are looking for a nice place to stroll and relax in Christchurch, St. James Public Park is a great spot.
- As for indoor tours, the Christchurch Art Gallery offers a substantial art collection and public exhibitions from time to time.
Christchurch Worksheets
This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about Christchurch across 22 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Christchurch worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the Christchurch which is the third most populated city in New Zealand, followed by Auckland and Wellington. It is situated on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island.
Complete List Of Included Worksheets
- Christchurch Facts
- Short Answers
- Flag Redesign
- History of Christchurch
- Caption the Photo
- Sights to See
- People and Tribes
- Disaster News
- Travelogue Review
- Christchurch Newsletter
- Cities of New Zealand
Link/cite this page
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Link will appear as Christchurch Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, July 12, 2019
Use With Any Curriculum
These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.