Blenheim, New Zealand
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| Blenheim | ||
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| Urban Area | Population | 30,000 |
| Extent | north to Picton, east to Vernon, south to Kaikoura | |
| Territorial Authorities | Names | Blenheim |
| Regional Council | Name | Marlborough District Council |
| Population estimate is as at 30 June 2004 Source: Statistics New Zealand (http://www.stats.govt.nz) | ||
Blenheim is a city located in Marlborough, on the northeast of the South Island in New Zealand. The city has a population of about 30,000 people. The area in which surrounds the city, is well known as the center of New Zealand's wine industry. It enjoys one of New Zealand’s sunniest climates, with hot summers and crisp winters.
The region has a wide range of leisure activities visitors can enjoy, from swimming with dolphins in the Marlborough Sounds to watching whales in Kaikoura; from walks through the bush and along the rugged coastline, as well as scenic boat cruising, fishing, water-skiing and kayaking. The relaxed lifestyle along with the flourishing wine and gourmet food industry in Marlborough are enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike.
Blenheim is named for the 1704 Battle of Blenheim, at which troops led by John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough achieved victory over a combined French and Bavarian force.
History
Main article: Timeline Of Blenheim
The sheltered costal bays of Marlborough supported a small Maori population possibly early as the twelfth century. Anthropologists have christened this part of central Aotearoa, Waenganui, a region that streched from inland Ureweras to Kaiapohia. Maori in the Marlborough Region cultivated crops, including kumara and exploited marine resources.
Although the early history of Marlborough was closely associated with the Nelson settlement, the people of Marlborough wanted independence from Nelson. Ninteen years after the original Nelson settlement the request of Marlborough settlers was granted, and Marlborough became a separate province in 1859. Although gold was discovered in the province in the early 1860's the boom did not last and, while it helped to expand the region, the development of pastroralism 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.
Today the region's economy is still rurally based with pastoral and horticultural farming, providing a major source of income. The region's inhabitants continue to utilise the marine resources: Lake Grassmere is the country's only source of salt, and fishing and mussel farming are also extremely important in the region. Grape growing has been one of the fatest growing industries and Marlborough is now New Zealand's largest wine producing region. Marlborough has received world recognition for it's sauvignon blanc wines.
The sunny, pleasant climate has attracted people to the region, either as holiday-makers or as permanent settlers. The region is especially popular among retired people, as well as people seeking an alternative lifestyle.
Highlights
- Marlborough residents have the highest median age of 36.1 years, compared with 33.0 years nationally.
- The population of Marlborough is increasing at a faster rate than the national adverage.
- The population of the land surrounding the Marlborough Sound's is the fatest growing in the region.
- The region had the third-lowest population (38,397 usual residents on census night 1996), and a low population density.
- The population is predominately European and Maori.
- Agriculture and horticulture are important to the economy. The region is currently the largest and fastest growing grape producing area in the country.
- The region has the highest proportion of businesses in the agriculture, forestry and fishing industries - 16.9 percent compared with 4.4 percent nationally (as of 30 June 2004).
External links
- Destination Marlborough (http://www.destinationmarlborough.com/)
- Marlborough District Council (http://www.marlborough.govt.nz/)