Belfast, New Zealand

Belfast is a suburb of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is in the north of the city 10 km from Cathedral Square, close to the banks of the Waimakariri River.

For the city in Northern Ireland, see Belfast.

Belfast
Belfast
Coordinates: 43°27′S 172°38′E
CountryNew Zealand
RegionCanterbury
Territorial authorityChristchurch City
WardShirley-Papanui
Population
 (2013 census)[1]
 • Total7,806

History

Belfast is named after Belfast in Northern Ireland. It was originally known as North Road District, Seven Mile Peg, Styx, or by its Māori name Purarekanui.[2] James McNeight Watt (1838–1892) emigrated from Belfast and was a partner with the original meat works, around which the settlement grew. Watt, who developed much of the area, is believed to have given it its present name.[3]

Location and services

Belfast is well known for the freezing works, Northwood New World and the Northwood 'Supa Centa', which houses The Warehouse, Countdown, Smiths City and a Subway restaurant, amongst others. In 2006 the Barracutta bar which is now called Styx and Stones opened among these.

Belfast is home to the Belfast Rugby Club, which competes in the Christchurch rugby competition. The team's colours are green and gold. Its main sports ground is Sheldon Park. The northern end of the suburb houses light industry.

In recent years the Northwood subdivision was built near Belfast. This is part of Belfast, but is generally agreed to be a subdivision and an autonomous region.

Notable people from Belfast
  • Shane Bond (Former player for New Zealand Black Caps cricket team)
  • Bill Bush (former All-Black) Now President Belfast Rugby Club (Cobras)
  • Craig Green (former All Black)
  • Jamie Nutbrown Former Canterbury Crusaders halfback, also a former Super Rugby referee.
  • Wayne Smith (All Black's assistant coach)

References
  1. Combined population totals from 2013 Census QuickStats about a place : Belfast and 2013 Census QuickStats about a place : Belfast South. Statistics New Zealand, retrieved 28 June 2019.
  2. Reed, A. W. (2010). Peter Dowling (ed.). Place Names of New Zealand. Rosedale, North Shore: Raupo. p. 45. ISBN 978-0-14-320410-7.
  3. Harper, Margaret (July 2011). "Christchurch Place Names" (PDF). Christchurch City Libraries. p. 21. Retrieved 1 October 2011.
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