Christchurch is a city that is located in New Zealand. It is located in the South Island and is the largest city in this region in terms of population. In addition to being the most populous city in South Island, it is also the third most populous in the entire country. According to the most recent population estimates taken in 2017, the city’s metro area has a population of 396,700 while the city itself has a population of 381,500.
Christchurch Demographics
The city has residents that have moved there from all over the world. The largest population was initially born in the United Kingdom, with over 21,000 of its residents coming from that area. There are also over 6,800 residents that were originally born in China, over 5,500 that were born in Australia, and over 3,100 that came from the Philippines. Other residents include South Koreans, South Africans, Indians, Samoans, and Americans.
The city also is home to most of the South Island’s Pacific Islanders. About 62% of these people residing in Christchurch. Over 83% of the residents come from European nations, far outnumbering the national average of 74%.
Christchurch History
Archaeological evidence shows that the area was first inhabited back in 1250, but Europeans settled the city in the 1840s. Following its establishment, a road was constructed beginning in the 1840s, and a railway line from Ferrymead was built in 1863. A railway tunnel to Lyttelton opened four years later.
Christchurch was the first city in New Zealand to be established as a city through a royal charter. This occurred in 1856. The city began to develop, and most of the Gothic Revival buildings that still stand today were built during this time.
The city continued to see growth throughout the 1900s. The city also has had its share of disasters, including a fire that killed 41 that occurred in 1947 and multiple earthquakes in the 2010s. Following the earthquakes, the city has begun to rebuild rapidly, particularly when it comes to residential buildings. There will be about 50,000 homes constructed through 2028 as part of the city’s recovery plan. The city now has shopping areas, the city center known as Cathedral Square which is currently being rebuilt, and many arts and cultural attractions.
Christchurch Population Growth
The city has seen a rapidly growing population in recent years, surpassing the 300,000 milestone by the time of the 1996 census. In recent years, some population declines have been observed, particularly following the earthquakes that occurred in the early 2010s. However, because the city has been developing a plan to rebuild rapidly, population growth is climbing once again.