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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 located on a narrow 2.5 km (1.6 mi) long sandspit that runs along the eastern side of the Avon Heathcote Estuary and west of the Pacific Ocean. The suburb is 8 km (5.0 mi) eastwards from the city centre and 5 km (3.1 mi) south from New Brighton's main retail area.

Before urbanisation, the area was largely swampland bordered by large coastal dunes which had some Māori presence. The area holds strong historical and cultural importance to the local Māori iwi, Ngāi Tūāhuriri, because of the large amounts of resources and seafood gathered in the area and estuary prior to urbanisation of the area. Prehistoric evidence of middens in the area combined with Māori occupation on the sandspit indicates a high potential for the presence of archaeology in the area.

In its early years, the area was known locally to early European settlers as "Sandhills Run". They constructed baches and established a dairy station in the suburb. Southshore initially had very few permanent residents due to the absence of facilities and insufficient transportation; it was later urbanised in the late 1940s. The area was damaged in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake and 198 properties were red-zoned. Southshore is prone to coastal-related hazards such as tsunamis, and sea level rise. At a national level, Southshore is part of the Christchurch East parliamentary electorate. Locally, it is part of the Coastal Ward for local body elections.

Southshore's population predominantly consists of European New Zealanders, its above-average housing costs and coastal setting attracts an older demographic to the area. Notable people with connections with the suburb include motorcycle speedway rider Ivan Mauger, former deupty-mayor of Christchurch Peter Skellerup, and the chairman of the Ngāi Tahu Māori Trust Tipene O'Regan.

Toponymy

[edit]

The Māori name for the suburb is Te Kōrero Karoro, meaning 'the chattering of the seagulls' which can alternatively refer to as 'the meeting place of the seagulls'.[3] The sandspit was sometimes referred to as Te Ihutai, literally meaning 'the nose of the tides'.[4]

Prior to the 20th century the area was known locally to early European settlers as 'Sandhills Run', however, this name is no longer in common usage.[5] The name Southshore was officially adopted in 1955.[6] Te Kōrero Karoro was previously advocated by the Canterbury Museum, however many locals disliked this proposal because they thought it was 'too long' and names of Māori origin were generally unpopular in the South Island.[7] The name 'Southend' was suggested by the Christchurch City Council, 'Southend' lacked in appeal to many residents, since many locals for over a decade had known the area as 'Southshore', which was also the name of an early residential subdivision in the suburb.[8][9]

History

[edit]

Māori settlement

[edit]

Like the rest of Christchurch, the Māori were the first settlers in the area,[10] and the coastal sandspit was known as Te Kōrero Karoro. Southshore is considered an important food-gathering place by local Māori. The area and the estuary is home to a wide range of birds and plants. There were many Māori houses (wharenui) around the estuary, which were mainly built from out of local raupō and other native trees.[11][12] Southshore holds historical and cultural importance to local Māori due to large amounts of pipi and flounder gathered in the area. Archaeological evidence of middens in the area combined with the Māori history in the area indicates a high potential for the presence of archaeology in the area.[13][14]

In the eighteenth century, Māori predominantly grew aruhe and kūmara in the sandy soil around the area (particularly at the mouth of the Avon River).[15] 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, a local jogger presumably discovered a wharenui totem in the sand dunes near Tern Street, but others dispute this, as there is no documentation. Later, a skull was discovered here which dated to Māori occupation of the area.[11]

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.[16][17] 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.[18][19] There was also a sand dune walking track called Pohoareare, between the Ōpāwaho settlement to New Brighton and onwards to Te Kōrero Karoro.[a][22][23]

European settlement

[edit]

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.[5][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][26] The Spit was used as a gun range for volunteers to practise during World War I and following.[27] A local resident between 1940 and 1945, noted the New Zealand Army bulldozed the sandhills and removed the vegetation around Caspian Street to set up a position for defence. This work possibly lowered the land surface here, and the area is prone to extensive flooding by estuary and sea waters. In 1958, another local resident filled a marshy area in use of six sections before building at the Caspian Street and Estuary Road intersection.[28] Development in the suburb was slow because of the absence of facilities, soon receiving a water supply until 1954.[29][30] In 1953, Southshore residents received electricity.[31]

Southshore grew rapidly and was heavily urbanised after World War II in the late 1940s. Southshore later received a sewerage system in 1967, channelling and kerbs were installed to the suburbs main road, Rocking Horse Road, which often flooded.[32][28] There is a large public reserve at the southern end of the suburb, which is the location of most of the suburb's recreational activities.[33] 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.[34][35] The housing type in Soutshore is predominantly mid-20th century to contemporary homes.[36]

Geography

[edit]
Southshore Spit Reserve

The Avon-Heathcote Estuary was formed approximately between 1000 and 2000 years ago by longshore drift.[37] 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".[38] The Spit is a 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 and a maximum width of 500 m (1,600 ft) at its southern end.[39]

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,[40] also known as "Shag Rock".[41] The "Sumner Bar" forms a natural barrier between the suburbs. Prior to European settlement, the area now occupied by Rockinghorse Road from Heron Street to Torea Street was largely swampland, bordered by large coastal sand dunes, that were prone to flooding at high tide.[42][43] In Christchurch's early years, the "Brighton Spit" generally referred to all the land south of Bridge Street.[44] Today, the Southshore's boundary with South New Brighton is generally considered to be Caspian Street.[45][b]

The western side of the "Southshore Spit" commands views of the estuary, as well as some of the other eastern suburbs of Christchurch, and parts of the Hillsborough spur. Other suburbs nearby across the estuary include, Redcliffs, Mount Pleasant, and Ferrymead.[40] Southshore is located 5 km (3.1 mi) south from New Brighton's main retail area. Christchurch's coastline is characterised by intermediate-type sandy beaches. Historically, coastal dunes provided important resources for local Māori, including weaving materials from made the natural sand binder pīngao. In the 19th century, naitive vegetation were removed or burned by early European settlers. Introduced plants such as marram grass were rebuilt and stabilised when the settlers realised the dunes were a useful coastal protection resource.[46]

As a coastal suburb, Southshore is exposed to complex sea-level rise scenarios, flooding and coastal erosion risks.[47][48] As of 2024, the Christchurch City Council has approved NZ$12,500,000 in funding to address issues related to erosion and flooding in Southsore and South New Brighton.[49] The council rejected a request to restore collapsed walls along the red-zoned estuary edge, and have proposed a cobble beach along the eastern edge of the estuary. Challenges to the proposed plan are the local archaeological sites and coastal bird populations.[50][51] Southshore is also prone to other sea-related hazards such as tsunamis and storms.[52][53]

[edit]
  • Gallery of the suburb
  • Tī kōuka in the sand dunes near Tern Street.
    Tī kōuka in the sand dunes near Tern Street.
  • Aerial view of Southshore (1974)
    Aerial view of Southshore (1974)
  • A young seal on the beach
    A young seal on the beach

Governance

[edit]

The Christchurch City Council administers Southshore. It is part of the Coastal Ward for Christchurch City Council local body elections.[54] The currently elected councillor is Celeste Donovan.[55] Nationally, Southshore is part of the Christchurch East parliamentary electorate. The currently elected member of parliament is Reuben Davidson of the Labour Party.[56] Historically, Christchurch East has supported the Labour Party in general elections and is considered one of Labour's safest seats.[57]

Demographics

[edit]

Southshore is part of the South New Brighton SA2 statistical area.[58]

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]

Its demographics also reflect unique characteristics in relation to the Canterbury region more broadly, which indicates higher proportions of European New Zealanders, women, and home-owners compared to the Canterbury average. Southshore's above-average housing costs, and the coastal setting of the suburb attracted an older demographic to the area.[59]

Canterbury earthquakes

[edit]
Map of residential red zone in and around Christchurch, including much of the estuary edge of Southshore.

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.[60] The estuary side remained in the orange zone awaiting a decision whether it was financially worth repairing and rebuilding on that land due to the extensive damage caused by the two main shakes and also the ongoing aftershocks.[60]

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.[61] 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".[60]

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.[62] By the end of April 2012, Roger Sutton as Chief Executive of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority issued an apology to residents for further delays.[60] One of the last areas to recive a formal zoning decision was Southshore.[63] It was publicly released on 18 May 2012, with 198 of the properties zoned red and the remaining 203 properties allowed to be lived in.[64][65] For committed stayers in Southshore, earthquake damage combined with the lack of amenities had less impact on their dedication to the community of the suburb.[66] As of 2024 the red-zoned western side of the suburb facing the estuary is an urban green space.[67]

Transport

[edit]
Rocking Horse Road, the suburb's main and only entrance

Historically, Southshore was an important travel route for the Māori. They used the suburb as thoroughfare south alongside coastal sand dunes.[21] A longstanding aspiration of many people in Christchurch is a bridge across the estuary connecting the area of Southshore to Sumner. However, this concept has always been resulted with issues. Such as the land at the southern end of the spit, where a local farmer grazed livestock. Further problems with people denying the intending bridge builders easy access through their land were also encountered.[68] Similarly, there was another proposal in 2014 to install a "chain ferry link" across the estuary, but this idea was never finalised.[69]

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).[31][70]

In 1952, the suburb was linked by several bus routes to its neighbouring suburbs and central Christchurch.[71] In 1981, residents saw the opening of the South Brighton Bridge, which saved residents time, a more convenient route.[72]

Today, Southshore's public transport is served by the 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.[73]

Notable people

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Noted people with Southshore connections include many of them being "original residents" in the suburb, several of whom were long-term residents.[74]

References

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Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Te Kōrero Karoro, refers to the entirety of Southshore and the southern area of South New Brighton.[20][21]
  2. ^ Christchurch has no official definition of the boundaries of suburbs, and as a result there may be inconsistencies between sources about some boundaries.

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. ^ Taylor 1952, p. 46; Andersen 1927, p. 99.
  4. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 12.
  5. ^ a b Penney 1982, p. 191–192.
  6. ^ "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.
  7. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 55–56.
  8. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 55.
  9. ^ "South Brighton Sandspit". The Press. 10 August 1955. Archived from the original on 5 June 2024. Retrieved 5 June 2024 – via Papers Past.
  10. ^ Rice 2008, p. 9–10.
  11. ^ a b Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 11, 13, 19.
  12. ^ Brailsford, Barry (1981). The Tattooed Land The Southern Frontiers of the Pa Maori. The Eltham Borough Council. p. 182. ISBN 0958350221.
  13. ^ Moore Davis 2015, p. 6–7.
  14. ^ Gates, Charlie (3 August 2013). "Finds rewrite Chch history". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. ISSN 0113-9762. ProQuest 1417050068.
  15. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 15. 19.
  16. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 7. 19.
  17. ^ "South New Brighton Reserves Management Plan" (PDF). Christchurch City Council. 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 November 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  18. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 14–19.
  19. ^ Beattie 1945, p. 100.
  20. ^ Harris, As it was: early Maori and European settlement, p. 15 cited in Owen, (1992)
  21. ^ a b Moore Davis 2015, p. 6.
  22. ^ Gillespie, Noel (2007). Opawa: The Outpost on the Banks of the Heathcote: The Colourful History of One of Christchurch's Oldest Settlements. Christchurch, New Zealand. p. 1–2. ISBN 9780473124045.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  23. ^ Owen 1992, p. 15.
  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. ^ O'Brien, Ray (2008). Memories of Pleasant Point Yacht Club, 1921–1980. Pleasant Point Yacht Club. p. 12.
  27. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 44.
  28. ^ a b Findlay & Kirk 1998, p. 103.
  29. ^ Hillier, 2006, p. 45–46 cited in Rowlands (2006)
  30. ^ "Southshore Ratepayers' Association". The Press. No. 27401. 14 July 1954. Retrieved 16 September 2024 – via Papers Past.
  31. ^ a b Penney 1982, p. 194.
  32. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 50–107.
  33. ^ Greenaway, R. (2007). Avon-Heathcote Estuary recreation survey 2006–2007. Christchurch, New Zealand: Rob Greenaway and Associates. p. 12.
  34. ^ "Distance between Southshore and South New Brighton School, Canterbury, (New Zealand)". Distance Calculator via GlobeFeed.com. 2023. Archived from the original on 3 June 2024. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  35. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 47.
  36. ^ "Suburb snapshot Southshore: [2 Edition]". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 21 January 2006. ProQuest 314776065.
  37. ^ Macpherson, J. M. (1978). Environmental geology of the Avon-Heathcote Estuary (Doctor of Philosophy thesis). Christchurch, New Zealand: University of Canterbury. p. 11. doi:10.26021/8183. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  38. ^ Harris, A sense of place and time, p.5 cited in Owen, (1992)
  39. ^ Comfort 1995, pp. 36–36.
  40. ^ a b "Place name detail: Southshore". New Zealand Gazetteer. New Zealand Geographic Board. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  41. ^ O'Callaghan, Jody (12 June 2020). "Shag Rock defacer apologises". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. ISSN 0113-9762. ProQuest 2411730297.
  42. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 83.
  43. ^ Findlay & Kirk 1998, p. 104.
  44. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 81.
  45. ^ Comfort 1995, pp. 4.
  46. ^ Hart, Deirdre E; Knight, Gemma A (2009). "Geographic Information System Assessment of Tsunami Vulnerability on a Dune Coast". Journal of Coastal Research. 25 (1). Allen Press Inc.: 132. doi:10.2112/07-0960.1.
  47. ^ Comfort 1995, p. 98, 102–104, 116.
  48. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 97.
  49. ^ Church, Logan (12 November 2020). "$12.5m to fight erosion and flooding in Southshore and South New Brighton". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 6 June 2024. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  50. ^ 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.
  51. ^ "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.
  52. ^ Comfort 1995, pp. 9.
  53. ^ Robson, Seth (8 November 1998). "Danger alert for trendy suburbs". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. ISSN 0113-9762. ProQuest 314144453.
  54. ^ "Coastal Ward Profile" (PDF). Christchurch City Council. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 May 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  55. ^ 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.
  56. ^ 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.
  57. ^ 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.
  58. ^ 2018 Census place summary: South New Brighton
  59. ^ Dickinson 2019, p. 279.
  60. ^ a b c d Greenhill 2012.
  61. ^ "Zoning delay". The Press. Christchurch, New Zealand. 1 May 2012. ISSN 0113-9762. ProQuest 1010265580.
  62. ^ 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.
  63. ^ Dickinson 2019, p. 279–280.
  64. ^ Young, Rachel (18 May 2012). "Southshore decision 'devastating'". The Press. Archived from the original on 21 June 2022. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  65. ^ "Land zone announcement Friday 18 May 2012". Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority. 18 May 2012. Archived from the original on 16 November 2012. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  66. ^ Dickinson 2019, p. 282.
  67. ^ Harvie, Will (7 April 2024), "For lease? Red-zoned driveways could be rented to neighbours", The Press, retrieved 10 June 2024
  68. ^ "The Estuary bridge which is still awaited". The Press. No. 34125. 10 April 1976. Retrieved 17 September 2024 – via Papers Past.
  69. ^ Killick, David (26 November 2014). "Coastal pathway will enhance city lifestyle". Stuff. Archived from the original on 6 October 2015. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  70. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 56–57.
  71. ^ Penney 1982, p. 199.
  72. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 55. 80.
  73. ^ "Hillmorton / Southshore, Metro". Metro Info. Archived from the original on 8 May 2024. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  74. ^ Rowlands, Moore & Osborn 2006, p. 129–141.
  75. ^ Lewis, Oliver (28 April 2018). "Life story: Speedway rider Ivan Mauger remembered as the greatest of all time". Stuff. Archived from the original on 27 August 2018. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  76. ^ McCrone, John (8 February 2014). "Sir Tipene O'Regan: Man of mana". The Press. Archived from the original on 28 December 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2024.

Works cited

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