Blenheim, New Zealand

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Blenheim
Waiharakeke (Māori)
Urban area
Blenheim pictured from the International Space Station (ISS)
Blenheim pictured from the International Space Station (ISS)
Blenheim is located in New ZealandBlenheimBlenheim
Coordinates: 41.514°S 173.960°ECoordinates: 41.514°S 173.960°E
Country New Zealand
Region Marlborough
Territorial authority Marlborough District
Named for Battle of Blenheim
Member of Parliament Stuart Smith, Kaikoura Electorate
Suburbs
List
Government
• Mayor John Leggett
Area
• Total 17.20 km2 (6.64 sq mi)
Population (June 2020)[1]
• Total 28,200
• Density 1,600/km2 (4,200/sq mi)
Postcode
7201
Area code(s) 03
Blenheim (/ˈblɛnɪm/ BLEN-im; Māori: Waiharakeke) is the most populous town in the
region of Marlborough, in the north east of the South Island of New Zealand. It has
an urban population of 28,200 (June 2020).[1] The surrounding Marlborough wine
region is well known as the centre of the New Zealand wine industry. It enjoys one
of New Zealand's sunniest climates, with warm, relatively dry summers and cool,
crisp winters.

Blenheim is named after the Battle of Blenheim (1704), where troops led by John
Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough defeated a combined French and Bavarian force.

The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of "flax
stream" for Waiharakeke.[2]

Contents
1 History
2 Geography
2.1 Climate
3 Demographics
4 Suburbs
5 Economy
5.1 Wine
6 Lifestyle
7 Events and points of interest
8 Transport
8.1 Air
8.2 Road
8.3 Rail
9 Infrastructure and services
9.1 Electricity
9.2 Water supply and sanitation
10 Education
11 Media
11.1 Print
11.2 Radio
12 Notable people
13 References
14 External links
History

"Kia Ora Welcome to Blenheim"

The sheltered coastal bays of Marlborough supported a small Māori population
possibly as early as the 12th century. Archaeological evidence dates Polynesian
human remains uncovered at Wairau Bar to the 13th century. The rich sea and bird
life of the area would easily have supported such small communities. As the Māori
population of the area increased, they developed the land to sustain the growing
population. In the early 1700s canals and waterways were dug among the natural
river courses, allowing for the first forms of farming in the area including that
of fish and native water fowl. A total of approximately 18 km of channels are known
to have been excavated before the arrival of European settlers. Māori in the
Marlborough Region also cultivated crops, including kumara (sweet potato).

The area is also home to the first serious clash of arms between Māori and the
British settlers after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. The Wairau Affray
which occurred in what is now the village of Tuamarina.

The settlement was originally known to Europeans as The Beaver or Beaverton[3] due
to its frequent flooding.[4]

Although the early history of Marlborough was closely associated with the Nelson
settlement, the people of Marlborough desired independence from Nelson. In 1859,
nineteen years after the original Nelson settlement, the request of Marlborough
settlers was granted, and Marlborough became a separate province. Although gold was
discovered in the province in the early 1860s the resulting boom did not last, and
while the gold rush helped to expand the region, it was the development of
pastoralism which provided the greatest long-term benefits. Marlborough squatters
developed huge sheep runs that dominated the countryside, rivalling Canterbury's
sheep stations in size and wealth.

Geography

View from above looking north from Blenheim

The Taylor River in central Blenheim

[icon]
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (June 2008)
Situated on the Wairau Plain, the town is mostly flat with only its southernmost
fringe rising to the base of the Wither Hills. As the plain is surrounded by
mountains on all but the eastern flank, which is open to Cook Strait, it is
relatively well protected from the frequent southerly weather fronts occurring
during winters. The area does however experience some high wind events during the
course of the year, especially from the west where the wind is funneled down the
Wairau Valley directly at the town. Open and exposed areas in and around Blenheim
are also hit quite hard by winds blowing inland from Cook Strait. Blenheim sits at
the confluence of the Taylor and Ōpaoa rivers. It is in a tectonically active zone
and experiences several (usually small) earthquakes each year. The boundary between
the Pacific plate (on which Blenheim sits) and the Indo-Australian plate passes
just north of Blenheim.

Climate
The climate is generally very settled, largely due to the rainshadow effect of the
mountain ranges to the west which shelter Blenheim from the heaviest of rains that
hit the western part of the South Island.

Summers are typically warm and dry while winters are normally cool and frosty with
clear sunny days that follow. Snowfall is rare as it is sheltered from cold
southerly weather by the mountain ranges to the south.

Thunderstorms are an uncommon occurrence due to the sheltered climate. There is a

higher likelihood in summer, when afternoon heating can generate a buildup of
clouds above the ranges.

The highest recorded temperature is 37.8C, Recorded on 7 February 1973.[5] The

lowest is −8.8C.

Climate data for Blenheim (1981–2010)

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 24.1
(75.4) 23.8
(74.8) 21.9
(71.4) 19.0
(66.2) 16.0
(60.8) 13.3
(55.9) 12.6
(54.7) 13.8
(56.8) 15.8
(60.4) 18.0
(64.4) 20.0
(68.0) 22.2
(72.0) 18.4
(65.1)
Daily mean °C (°F) 18.0
(64.4) 17.6
(63.7) 15.8
(60.4) 13.0
(55.4) 10.2
(50.4) 7.7
(45.9) 7.0
(44.6) 8.2
(46.8) 10.3
(50.5) 12.2
(54.0) 14.2
(57.6) 16.5
(61.7) 12.6
(54.7)
Average low °C (°F) 11.8
(53.2) 11.5
(52.7) 9.8
(49.6) 6.9
(44.4) 4.5
(40.1) 2.2
(36.0) 1.5
(34.7) 2.6
(36.7) 4.7
(40.5) 6.5
(43.7) 8.4
(47.1) 10.8
(51.4) 6.8
(44.2)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 48.9
(1.93) 49.4
(1.94) 46.5
(1.83) 52.7
(2.07) 60.6
(2.39) 70.7
(2.78) 74.3
(2.93) 62.2
(2.45) 65.2
(2.57) 67.4
(2.65) 55.0
(2.17) 58.1
(2.29) 711.0
(27.99)
Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) 5.0 5.1 5.5 5.3 6.7 7.9 7.6
8.0 8.5 8.3 6.9 6.7 81.5
Average relative humidity (%) 68.7 74.2 74.9 77.5 81.5 82.3 83.7 80.8 73.3
72.1 67.7 67.5 75.4
Mean monthly sunshine hours 262.2 223.7 230.8 193.7 172.7 151.6 157.1 183.9 189.5
226.7 234.7 248.8 2,475.3
Source: NIWA Climate Data[6]
Demographics
The Blenheim urban area, as defined by Statistics New Zealand, covers 17.20 km2
(6.64 sq mi) and incorporates eleven statistical areas. It has an estimated
population of 28,200 as of June 2020.[1]

The Blenheim urban area had a usual resident population of 26,832 at the 2018 New
Zealand census, an increase of 2,220 people (9.0%) since the 2013 census, and an
increase of 3,138 people (13.2%) since the 2006 census. There were 13,056 males and
13,779 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.95 males per female. Of the total
population, 4,677 people (17.4%) were aged up to 15 years, 4,461 (16.6%) were 15 to
29, 11,526 (43.0%) were 30 to 64, and 6,168 (23.0%) were 65 or older.[7]

Ethnicities were 85.3% European/Pākehā, 13.7% Māori, 3.9% Pacific peoples, 5.6%
Asian, and 2.6% other ethnicities (totals add to more than 100% since people could
identify with multiple ethnicities).[7]

Individual statistical areas in Blenheim (2018 census)[8]

SA2 name Population Dwellings Median age Median income
Blenheim Central 1,152 489 37.1 years $28,800
Mayfield 1,674 708 38.2 years $29,400
Redwoodtown East 2,742 1,224 42.2 years $29,200
Redwoodtown West 2,613 1,140 43.7 years $26,700
Riversdale-Islington 2,319 909 38.3 years $28,900
Springlands 3,321 1,317 48.4 years $30,100
Whitney East 2,394 1,053 44.0 years $29,000
Whitney West 2,652 1,137 41.7 years $31,500
Witherlea East 2,808 1,155 44.2 years $34,400
Witherlea West 2,601 1,095 46.4 years $35,400
Yelverton 2,559 1,092 47.7 years $29,000
Suburbs

The Taylor River Geyser

Central business district of Blenheim in 2012
Inner suburbs:
Blenheim CBD
Burleigh
Farnham
Islington
Mayfield
Redwoodtown
Riversdale
Roselands
Solar Heights
Springlands
St Andrews
Witherlea
Wither Hills
Wither Rise
Yelverton
Outer suburbs:
Fairhall
Grovetown
Omaka
Renwick
Riverlands
Spring Creek
Woodbourne
Economy
The region's economy is rurally based with pastoral and horticultural farming
providing a major source of income. The modern inhabitants, as their forebearers,
continue to utilise the marine resources available. Lake Grassmere is the country's
only salt works, producing 50% of its total salt requirement. Fishing and mussel
farming are also extremely important in the region. Olive growing has also become
popular in recent years.

Wine
Main article: Marlborough wine region
Viticulture also has a very large impact on the local economy both directly, by way
of employment and servicing required, and also by way of 'wine tourism'. The local
cellars attracted hundreds of thousands of domestic and international tourists
every year. The area also hosts the annual Marlborough Wine & Food Festival. The
Marlborough wine region is now New Zealand's largest, and receives worldwide
recognition for its Sauvignon Blanc wines.

With its growing international critical recognition, much of the Marlborough wine
industry has come to be dominated by large firms, owned by major New Zealand
companies or offshore investors. There are over 50 vineyards near Blenheim.
Agricultural land prices in the Wairau Valley increased dramatically in the 1990s
and 2000s.

Lifestyle
The sunny, pleasant climate has long attracted people to the region, as holiday-
makers or as permanent settlers. The region is especially popular among retired
people, as well as people seeking an alternative lifestyle. Rapid population growth
and other factors though have led to a contemporary chronic shortage of affordable
housing for low and middle income earners.

The Marlborough Region has a wide range of predominantly outdoor leisure activities
and the relaxed lifestyle and the flourishing wine and gourmet food industry in
Marlborough are enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike.
Events and points of interest

Seymour Square, the main square of Blenheim

Seymour Sq, Blenheim in early spring 2012

Omaka Aerodrome, south of the town centre, is the setting for the two-yearly
Classic Fighters Marlborough airshow. With a large emphasis on aircraft of World
War One, it has been held since 2001.

Seymour Square and Pollard Park are two of the town centres main attractions for
walks and general tourism. Seymour Square is an open public area in the centre,
containing the War Memorial and Clock Tower, unveiled in 1928, classified as a
"Category I" ("places of 'special or outstanding historical or cultural heritage
significance or value'") historic place by Heritage New Zealand.[9] The Square was
named after Henry Seymour.[10] Pollard Park is a large public park including
children's play areas, native shrubbery, rose gardens, a landscaped waterway, and
is home to the Blenheim Golf Club and its 9-hole course, the Marlborough Tennis
club and its courts, and Blenheim Croquet Club. They are dry and arid ranges which
have previously been the site of severe grass fires.

The GCSB Waihopai communications monitoring facility, part of the ECHELON network,
is near Blenheim.

Transport
Air
Woodbourne Airport is a domestic airport and an RNZAF operational base. There are
direct flights from Auckland and Wellington with Air New Zealand and from
Wellington, Christchurch, and Paraparaumu with Sounds Air.[11]

Omaka Aerodrome, to the south of the town centre, is used solely by private and
vintage aircraft. The Classic Fighters airshow (based mainly on World War I and II
aircraft) is held biennially at Easter.

Road
State Highway 1 runs through Blenheim and State Highway 6 terminates at the
junction of the two state highways. Blenheim is notable for a town of its size in
that it does not have traffic lights at any intersection.[12] Instead, roundabouts
speed arterial traffic flow. Since the installation of roundabouts traffic volumes
have quickly increased and upgrading options are being considered, e.g. traffic
lights, longer two-lane approaches and even a bypass.[13]

Rail
Blenheim is on the Main North Line, the northern part of the unofficially-named
South Island Main Trunk Railway. The Coastal Pacific, the daily summer-only long-
distance passenger train between Picton and Christchurch, stops at Blenheim Railway
Station. The 1906 station has been listed NZHPT Category II since 1982.[14] It is a
standard Vintage station, with Tudor half-timbering and tile.[15]

A major rail freight facility is north of Blenheim at Spring Creek.

The narrow-gauge Blenheim Riverside Railway runs through the town.

Infrastructure and services

Electricity
The Marlborough Electric Power Board (MEPB) was formed in October 1923 and
established the Blenheim's first public supply in April 1927, following the
commissioning of the Waihopai hydroelectric power station 40 km southwest of
Blenheim. Two diesel generators were commissioned at Springlands in 1930 and 1937
to supplement the supply from Waihopai. The town was connected to Cobb Power
Station in 1945,[16] which in turn was connected to the rest of the South Island
grid in 1956. The diesel generators were relegated to standby duty, last generated
power on 22 July 1992, and were decommissioned in 2003. The Energy Companies Act
1992 saw the MEPB corporatised and renamed Marlborough Electric. The 1998
electricity sector reforms required electricity companies to separate their lines
and supply businesses. Marlborough Electric sold its generation and retailing
business to Trustpower, with the remaining lines business renamed Marlborough
Lines.[17]

Today, Marlborough Lines owns and operates the electricity distribution network
servicing the town, with electricity fed from Transpower's national grid at its
Blenheim substation in Springlands.

Water supply and sanitation

Blenheim's water supply is drawn from the Wairau aquifier via nine bores and is
treated at two plants in Middle Renwick Road and Bomford Street.[18]

Education
The first school opened in 1859. By 1875 there were three classes: Blenheim Upper
Boys', Blenheim Lower Boys', and Blenheim Girls' and Infants'. Blenheim High School
was formed within the school in 1879.[19]

Catholic schools for boys and girls were established in 1872, replaced by St Mary's
Boys' school in 1886. In 1929 St Mary's was rebuilt after a fire.[20]

Marlborough High School, a coeducational secondary school, was founded in Blenheim

in 1900. In 1919 it changed its name to Marlborough College. The intermediate
section was split to form Bohally Intermediate in 1956. The college was split into
separate boys' and girls' schools in 1963, with Marlborough Boys' College (MBC)
retaining the existing site and Marlborough Girls' College (MGC) moving to a new
site.[21] The intention to relocate both Marlborough Boys' College and Marlborough
Girls' College on the site currently occupied by MGC and Bohally Intermediate was
announced in 2019. Bohally Intermediate will relocate to the current MBC site on
Stephenson Street.[22]

There are currently 11 schools in the Blenheim urban area: [23]