Cheviot, New Zealand

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Cheviot is a town located in the Hurunui District of north Canterbury, on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is located on State Highway 1 approximately 110 Km north of Christchurch. Cheviot is named for the nearby Cheviot Hills, themselves named after the Cheviot Hills between England and Scotland.

1 Population
2 The region
3 Places of interest
4 Schooling
5 External links
6 References

[edit] Population

At the time of the 2006 New Zealand census of population and dwellings, the population of Cheviot was 390, a decrease of just 3 from the 2001 census. A further 980 people lived in the rural areas serviced by the town or in adjacent villages such as Domett, Parnassus, Gore Bay and Port Robinson.

[edit] The region

Image:CheviotAreaMap.gif

Cheviot is a service town for highway traffic and for a pastoral farming district that is currently predominant in sheep farming. Located at the township is a volunteer Fire and Ambulance service plus two full time Police Officers. Surrounding settlements include:

[edit] Domett

Domett (pronounced Do-Mett) originally a railway town it is now only populated by farms and a petrol station, with the Old Main Road/Hurunui River Mouth Road junction. Located next to this junction is the old Domett Railway Station that has been relocated there with a new lease of life as a cafe. The Domett Service Station provides an after hour sale of fuel (with surcharge) as most Service Stations in the area close around 6pm.

[edit] Spotswood

Spotswood has an old Hall that is still used regularly, and mainly consists of farms placed around Waiau East Road.

[edit] Parnassus

Parnassus is slightly larger than the others but unfortunately the local Parnassus School has just closed it doors. The famous Waiau River road/rail bridge was here, before being abandoned and replaced with a new road bridge. Prior to the opening of the old bridge in the 1930's a Ferry Service operated over the River to allow the transport of goods north and south. The Waiau River ends its journey not far away however access to the river mouth must be made over farm property with the owner's permission. On the State Highway north of Parnassus is Leader Road which leads to the townships of Waiau, Rotherham, Culverden and Hanmer Springs.

[edit] Gore Bay

Gore Bay is a great surfing beach, and has many Summer Beach Houses, along with only 14 permanent residents. There are two local camping grounds, each with great beach access and business. It is a popular New Year's Eve venue. Of note is Cathedral Gully, a spectacular weathered clay canyon.

[edit] Port Robinson

Once a prospering port, Port Robinson is now just a wreck really. The old wharf may still be seen, but it's rather dangerous.

[edit] Places of interest

The Cheviot Tearooms, a quaint resting place on State Highway One, in the middle of Cheviot, it's a great place to stop for a cup of tea.
The Magpies Rest, Cheviot's local restaurant.
The Paddock, Cheviot's competition restaurant.
Cheviot Central Garage, located on the main street.
Cheviot Trust Hotel, located at the northern end of the main street.
Cheviot Motor Company, a garage and fuel stop located on Rolleston Street.
Crossroads Gallery, corner of Seddon and Hall Street, has local artists selections on sale and display.
Shop 35, located on the main street (next to the Cheviot Tearooms).
Cheviot Hammer Hardware, located on the main street provides most hardware needs and also a Lotto outlet.
St Anne's Lagoon, a nature reserve which used to provide Māori settlements around the area with eel, about 2km north of Cheviot.
Cheviot Hills Domain and Mansion Foundation, historical home of the founder of Cheviot, William "Ready Money" Robinson. The front steps of the Mansion are still in place, and lead into the Cricket pavilion.

[edit] Schooling

Schooling in Cheviot commenced in 1894. The first school was the McKenzie School located where the A&P Showgrounds are today. The name did not change to Cheviot School until 1931.From its inception, the school only provided primary education up to Form Two. In 1937, the school became the Cheviot District High School. The increased staffing and resources received with its new status enabled it to become the progressive school it is today. Students now have the opportunity to study courses throughout the full range of compulsory education. Use is made of distance learning to ensure a broad range of subjects and programmes for Year 11-13 students. Cheviot Area School is a composite, co-educational school catering for Year 1-13 students.It also has a wider role providing continuing education, facilities and support for community groups. The closest main contributing school, Parnassus, a year 1-6 school, is due to close down. The community contains two pre-schools - Cheviot Learning Centre and The Tree Hut. There is very strong community support for the school and an active Home & School Association.

Cheviot Area School competes in a sporting competition called CASAFest (Canterbury Area Schools Association Festival) with other schools in Akaroa, Amuri, Hawarden, Oxford, and Rangiora.

The School partakes in international exchanges with schools in Japan and Canada.