Southshore, New Zealand

Coordinates: 43°33′0″S 172°44′51″E / 43.55000°S 172.74750°E / -43.55000; 172.74750
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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 2.5 km (1.6 mi) long sandspit that runs along the eastern side of the Avon Heathcote Estuary and is 8 km (5.0 mi) eastwards from the city centre. The area occupying the modern-day suburb had Māori presence, which is supported by pre-European artefacts discovered in the area. The spit is rich with bird life and wildlife and considered an important food-gathering place by Ngāi Tūāhuriri, a sub-tribe of Ngāi Tahu. The coastal sand dunes were historically an important thoroughfare route for the Māori.

In its early years, the suburb had very few permanent residents due to the absence of facilities and insufficient transportation; it was urbanised after World War II. Although it was informally called Southshore for some years the name became formally recognised in 1955. The area was damaged in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake and 198 properties were red zoned. Southshore maybe prone to coastal related hazards such as tsunamis, floods, and sea level rise. Southshore's public bus service is currently served by route 60 to its neighbouring suburbs and central Christchurch.

Geography[edit]

Southshore Spit Reserve

The Avon Heathcote Estuary was formed approximately a millennium 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 known as the "Southshore Spit".[4] The "Spit" is 2.5 km (1.6 mi) long sandspit with a minimum width of about 300 m (980 ft) at the suburbs boundary with South New Brighton (Caspian Street) and a maximum width of 500 m (1,600 ft) at its southern end.[5]

The suburb is sited on a narrow sandspit which is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Avon Heathcote Estuary. To the north of Southshore is South New Brighton, to the south of the suburb across the estuary lies the suburb of Sumner and Rapanui Rock, known locally as "Shag Rock". The estuary forms a natural barrier between the suburbs.[6] Southshore is a largely residential suburb.[7]

Since 1939, the suburb's main and only entrance has been Rocking Horse Road. The name originates reportedly from Peter Skellerup, a former deputy mayor of the city, who drove the road in its early years, describing it to his son as "travelling on a rocking horse" before it was metalled and levelled.[8][9] Caspian Street provides a clear boundary between the suburbs of South New Brighton and Southshore.[10]

The inner side of the "Southshore Spit" commands panoramic views of the estuary, as well as some of the eastern suburbs of Christchurch, such as Redcliffs, Mount Pleasant, Ferrymead, and parts of Hillsborough spur.[11] 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.[12][13]

History[edit]

Māori settlement[edit]

The karoro (kelp gull), Māori consider the suburb as the "meeting place of the seagulls"

The Māori were the first settlers on the spit, known as Te Kōrero Karoro, meaning "the chattering of the seagulls" which can also mean "the meeting place of the seagulls".[14][15] Southshore is considered an important food-gathering place by local Māori. The area was (and still is) home to a wide range of birds and plants. There were many communal houses around the estuary, which were mainly built from out of local raupō and other native trees.[16] Southshore holds historical and cultural importance to local Māori due to large amounts of pipi and flounder gathered in the area.[17][18] In the eighteenth century, Māori predominantly grew aruhe and kūmara in the sandy soil around the area.[19]

Early European settlers discovered Māori fishing equipment, eel traps and hāngī pits, which were used by the Māori to primarily cook seafood. In Southshore's early years, it was believed a local jogger discovered a wharenui totem in the sand dunes near Tern Street, but others dispute this, as there is no documentation. A human skull was discovered which was dated to Māori occupation of the area.[16][20] The suburb holds cultural significance for Ngāi Tūāhuriri, who are the kaitiaki (caretakers) of the area, and have special food-gathering rights in the estuary and the area.[21][22]

European settlement[edit]

Aerial view of the suburb (1974)

Prior to the 20th century the area was known locally to early European settlers as "Sandhills Run". As more settlers arrived, they constructed baches and established a dairy station in the suburb.[23][24] In 1916, most of the suburb was subdivided into residential sections. There was sparse transportation and lack of facilities in the area in the early twentieth century and Southshore had very few permanent residents.[25] "The Spit" was used as a gun range for volunteers to practise during World War I. and following.[26] Southshore has no primary or secondary schools, the nearest primary school is South New Brighton School (established in 1922), 3.2 km (2.0 mi) to the north.[27]

Development in the suburb was slow with residents not receiving a water supply until 1922.[28] Southshore grew rapidly and was heavily urbanised after World War II. 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".[29] The Christchurch City Council suggested an alternative proposal for the entire suburb to be named Southend since the southern edge of the suburb was commonly known as Southend at the time. It was also called Southshore informally for some years until this became the official name in 1955.[30][31] There is large public reserve at the southern end of the suburb, which is the location of most of the suburb's recreational activities.[32]

Governance[edit]

Southshore is part of the Christchurch East parliamentary electorate. The currently elected member of parliament is Reuben Davidson of the Labour Party.[33] Southshore is part of the Coastal Ward for Christchurch City Council local body elections. The currently elected councillor is Celeste Donovan.[34] The Christchurch City Council currently administers Southshore.

Historically, Christchurch East has supported the Labour Party in general elections and is considered one of Labour's safest seats.[35]

Demographics[edit]

Southshore is part of the South New Brighton SA2 statistical area.[36]

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

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.[17] They used the suburb as thoroughfare south alongside coastal sand dunes. There was a walking track from the fortified settlement of Kaiapoi Pā towards South New Brighton, and onwards further to the area now known as Southshore and beyond across the Avon Heathcote Estuary to the Banks Peninsula.[37][38] There was also a Māori sand dune walking track called Pohoareare, between the Ōpāwaho outpost settlement to New Brighton and onwards to Te Kōrero Karoro.[a]

There was a 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, which led to the decision for the bridge not to be built.[40] Similarly, another proposal was made 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.[41]

In 1952, the suburb was linked by several bus routes to its neighbouring suburbs and the central city.[42] In 1981, residents saw the opening of the South Brighton Bridge, which saved residents time, a more convenient route.[43] 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 destination of the route being the suburb of Wigram (not Hillmorton) on the opposite edge of the city.[44][45]

Coastal-related hazards[edit]

Since Southshore and its neighbouring suburb South New Brighton are coastal suburbs, complex sea-level rise scenarios, flooding and erosion risks have affected the community of Southshore and South New Brighton and are seeking solutions.[46] Christchurch City Council's rejected a request to restore collapsed walls along the red-zoned estuary edge, and since have proposed a cobble beach along the eastern edge of the estuary. There has numerous challenge encroached in proposing a plan like this such as archeological sites and coastal bird populations.[47][48]

Southshore is also prone to other sea-related hazards such as tsunamis and storms.[49] This, combined with the ongoing flood-risk in the suburb led to the suburb being less popularised in recent years with other home buyers appealing to further inland suburbs such as Shirley and Burwood.[50]

Canterbury 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.[51] 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.[51]

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".[51] 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.[52] By the end of April, Roger Sutton as Chief Executive of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority issued an apology to residents for further delays.[51] 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.[53]

References[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Te Kōrero Karoro, refers to the entirety of Southshore and the southern edge of South New Brighton.[39][17]

Citations[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. ^ Macpherson, J. M. Environmental geology of the Avon-Heathcote Estuary (Doctor of Philosophy thesis). Christchurch, New Zealand: University of Canterbury. p. 11. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  4. ^ Harris, A sense of place and time, p.5 cited in Owen, (1992)
  5. ^ 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. 35–36. Archived (PDF) from the original on 29 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  6. ^ Cloke et al. 2023, p. 41–42.
  7. ^ VC Browne NZ Aerial Photograph Collection, 1320–1345
  8. ^ Penney 1982, p. 194.
  9. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 56–57.
  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. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 February 2023. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  11. ^ "Place name detail: Southshore". New Zealand Gazetteer. New Zealand Geographic Board. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  12. ^ "Distance between Southshore and New Brighton (Canterbury, New Zealand)". Distance Calculator via GlobeFeed.com. 2023. Archived from the original on 29 May 2024. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  13. ^ "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.
  14. ^ Taylor 1952, p. 46.
  15. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 13.
  16. ^ a b Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 11. 13. 19.
  17. ^ a b c Moore Davis 2015, p. 6.
  18. ^ Brailsford, Barry (1981). The Tattooed Land The Southern Frontiers of the Pa Maori. The Eltham Borough Council. p. 182. ISBN 0958350221.
  19. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 15. 19.
  20. ^ Andersen 1927, p. 46. 99.
  21. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 7. 19.
  22. ^ "South New Brighton Reserves Management Plan" (PDF). Christchurch City Council. 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 November 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  23. ^ Penney 1982, p. 191–192.
  24. ^ 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. Archived from the original on 29 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  25. ^ Penney 1982, p. 192–197.
  26. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 44.
  27. ^ "Distance between Southshore and South New Brighton School, Canterbury, (New Zealand)". Distance Calculator via GlobeFeed.com. 2023. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  28. ^ Hillier 2006, p. 46.
  29. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 55.
  30. ^ "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.
  31. ^ "South Brighton Sandspit". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  32. ^ Greenaway, R. (2007). Avon-Heathcote Estuary recreation survey 2006–2007. Christchurch, New Zealand: Rob Greenaway and Associates. p. 12.
  33. ^ Morton, Nathan (16 October 2023). "Election 2023 results: The South Island's new elected leaders following blue tidal wave". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 16 October 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  34. ^ Barcley, Chris (28 January 2022). "Coastal ties go back to childhood for Celeste Donovan". Otago Daily Times. Archived from the original on 18 May 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  35. ^ Law, Tina (13 March 2023). "Labour stalwart wins selection to contest Christchurch East". Stuff. Archived from the original on 12 January 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
  36. ^ 2018 Census place summary: South New Brighton
  37. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 14–19.
  38. ^ Beattie 1945, p. 100.
  39. ^ Harris, As it was: early Maori and European settlement, p. 15 cited in Owen, (1992)
  40. ^ "The Estuary bridge which is still awaited" The Press, 10 April 1976, p. 11
  41. ^ Killick, David (26 November 2014). "Coastal pathway will enhance city lifestyle". Stuff. Archived from the original on 6 October 2015. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  42. ^ Penney 1982, p. 199.
  43. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 55. 80.
  44. ^ 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.
  45. ^ "Hillmorton / Southshore, Metro". Metro Info. Archived from the original on 8 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  46. ^ Church, Logan (12 November 2020). "$12.5m to fight erosion and flooding in Southshore and South New Brighton". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  47. ^ Law, Tina (26 January 2024). "'Milestone' reached in long-awaited estuary edge development". The Press. Archived from the original on 23 February 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  48. ^ "How can Southshore live with the sea?". Radio New Zealand. 7 August 2017. Archived from the original on 30 June 2019. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  49. ^ Robson, Seth, "Danger alert for trendy suburbs", The Press, 9 November 1998
  50. ^ Joanna, Norris (1 March 2005). "Risk of tsunami no deterrent to house buyers". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. p. 5. ISSN 0113-9762 – via ProQuest.
  51. ^ a b c d Greenhill 2012.
  52. ^ 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.
  53. ^ 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.
  • Moore Davis, Kyle (10 December 2015). "Brief of evidence of Kyle Moore Davis for Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Ngā Rūnanga" (PDF). Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 February 2016. Retrieved 3 June 2024.

External links[edit]

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