Woodbury, New Zealand
Woodbury | |
|---|---|
Rural settlement | |
 | |
| Coordinates: 44°02′S 171°12′E / 44.033°S 171.200°E | |
Nigel Bowen | |
| • Waitaki MP | Miles Anderson |
| • Te Tai Tonga MP | Tākuta Ferris |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.26 km2 (0.10 sq mi) |
| Population (June 2023)[2] | |
| • Total | 110 |
| • Density | 420/km2 (1,100/sq mi) |
Woodbury is a small township in the
History
The early history of Woodbury is centred around the timber industry and farming. The town was first established by Robert Taylor and Frederick Flatman in 1866 as a saw milling and farming settlement.[3] The town enjoyed rapid growth in its early years and was home to a large general store, two butchers shops, a shoemaker, a creamery, a blacksmith and a two-storeyed wooden hotel, that would later blow down in a gale.[3]
The settlement was originally known as Waihi Bush, however, was renamed Woodbury after the birthplace Elizabeth Flatman (Frederick Flatman's wife) in Gloucestershire, England.[4]
Demographics
The area is described as a rural settlement by Statistics New Zealand, and covers 0.26 km2 (0.10 sq mi).[1] It had an estimated population of 110 as of June 2023,[2] with a population density of 423 people per km2. Woodbury is part of the larger Arundel statistical area.[5]
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 96 | — |
| 2013 | 96 | +0.00% |
| 2018 | 105 | +1.81% |
| Source: [6] | ||
Woodbury had a population of 105 at the
Ethnicities were 91.4% European/Pākehā, 2.9% Pasifika, 5.7% Asian, and 5.7% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 51.4% had no religion, and 45.7% were Christian.
Of those at least 15 years old, 21 (23.3%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 9 (10.0%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $34,600, compared with $31,800 nationally. 12 people (13.3%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 42 (46.7%) people were employed full-time, 18 (20.0%) were part-time, and 3 (3.3%) were unemployed.[6]
Education
The original Waihi Bush school was opened in 1872,[7] the school would later be moved to its current location and renamed in 1881.[3] Woodbury school continues to operate today as a four teacher contributing primary school serving years 1 to 6, with a roll of 98 students as of February 2024.[8][9] The school's principal is Mike De Joux.[10]
Buildings
Eleanor Tripp Library
A small wooden library built as a memorial to Eleanor Tripp is still run by locals today and doubles as a museum. Outside the library is the area War Memorial.
St Thomas's Church
The original wooden church was consecrated in 1879, however population growth in the region ensured that a new, larger church was needed.[11] The church was rebuilt by Oswald Scott and Bert Cooling using Norman styling and stones from the local river, it was completed in 1938.[3] The interior of the church features stained glass windows made by Veronica Whall, Joseph Nuttgens and Stephen Bélanger-Taylor as well as carving by Frederick Gurnsey.[11] The church is still used today for services and is a popular wedding location.
Woodbury Domain
Land was reserved for the domain in 1883[3] and the Woodbury Hall was built in 1911 in celebration of the coronation of King George V.[12] The domain consists of a cricket pavilion, tennis courts, children's playground, public toilets and BBQ. Adjacent to the domain is the cemetery that has been used since 1879.
Notable residents
- Esther Studholme Hope(née Baker, 1885–1975), New Zealand painter
References
- ^ a b "ArcGIS Web Application". statsnz.maps.arcgis.com. Retrieved 5 November 2021.
- ^ a b "Subnational population estimates (RC, SA2), by age and sex, at 30 June 1996-2023 (2023 boundaries)". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 25 October 2023. (regional councils); "Subnational population estimates (TA, SA2), by age and sex, at 30 June 1996-2023 (2023 boundaries)". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 25 October 2023. (territorial authorities); "Subnational population estimates (urban rural), by age and sex, at 30 June 1996-2023 (2023 boundaries)". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 25 October 2023. (urban areas)
- ^ ISBN 9780473110925.
- ^ "Woodbury | NZHistory, New Zealand history online". www.nzhistory.net.nz. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- ^ 2018 Census place summary: Arundel
- ^ a b "Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census". Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. 7027252.
- ^ Barbara Harper, ed. (1971). "Waihi Bush School centennial, 1872 : 90th anniversary of Woodbury School, 1881-1971". Woodbury School.
- ^ "New Zealand Schools Directory". New Zealand Ministry of Education. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
- ^ "Woodbury School – 22/03/2016". Education Review Office. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- ^ "Woodbury School". Education Counts. Ministry of Education. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- ^ a b "St Thomas', Woodbury". The Anglican Parish of Geraldine. 1 January 2009. Retrieved 17 October 2016.
- ^ Nichelsen, Sandra. "Woodbury Hall". www.woodburyhall.co.nz. Retrieved 17 October 2016.