Johnsonville, New Zealand

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Johnsonville
Basic information
Local authority Wellington City
Electoral ward Onslow-Western
Population 6,201 (2001)
Postcode(s) 6037
Facilities
Railway station(s) Johnsonville Railway Station
Surrounds
North Churton Park
Northeast Paparangi
East Johnsonville–Porirua Motorway, Newlands
South Ngauranga Gorge
Southwest Broadmeadows, Khandallah
West Mount Kaukau
Northwest Ohariu Valley

Johnsonville is a large suburb in northern Wellington, New Zealand. It is seven kilometres north of the city centre, at the top of the Ngauranga Gorge, on the main route to Porirua (State Highway 1). The population of "J'ville" (as it is commonly known) was about 6,500 at the 2001 census.[1]

Public transport

Johnsonville is a reasonably large residential and commercial suburb. Johnsonville Station is the northern terminus of the Johnsonville branch line of the Tranz Metro electric passenger service to central Wellington, with an adjacent bus stop for several routes known as the Johnsonville Hub. Johnsonville supports a large commuter population. Housing is spread around the shopping hub in the centre and extends out to the base of Mt Kaukau to the west, and out across the hill towards the suburb of Newlands to the south-east.

Regional planning

As a part of the Northern Growth Management Plan from Wellington City Council, there exists a proposal to redevelop Johnsonville's main precinct into the "Johnsonville Town Centre." This plan recognises Johnsonville as Wellington's most economically important commercial and population hub outside the city centre. The plan recommends the creation of a unique and identifiable Johnsonville culture around the triangular precinct - bounded by Johnsonville Road to the east, Broderick Road to the south and Moorefield Road to the west.

History

Johnson's clearing

Johnsonville was originally the site of a Maori track from Wellington to Porirua. It was settled in 1841 by Frank Johnson who had purchased a certificate of selection and had drawn the 100 acre 'Section 11 Kinapora (Kenepuru) District'. Initially called 'Johnson's clearing', Frank Johnson built a house by the Johnsonville stream and a timber mill near the center of modern Johnsonville.

20th Century

Johnsonville became an independent town district in 1908. The town grew rapidly from 1938, when the town was linked to Wellington via a new electric train service and state housing was expanded in the town.

Infrastructure

Johnsonville has a large infrastructure and is self-sufficient; it has its own shopping mall, two supermarkets, a library and a good number of other shops.

Keith Spry Pool

Keith Spry pool is an indoor 25 meter heated pool with a diving pool, toddler pool, spa, sauna and BBQ area. The pool is run by Wellington City Council. On June 2013, work started on a $6 million revamp of the facilities which will expand the complex by 50 percent, add a new learn to swim pool, replace the roof and expand the changing rooms.[2]

Alex Moore Park

Alex Moore park is a sporting ground located on Broderick Road / Moorefield Road. The grounds host football, rugby, cricket, softball and athletics. The facilities include an artificial cricket surface, changing rooms and club house. The Alex Moore Park Development Project is planning a $6 million sports centre on the site that will replace the existing club house with a gym, meeting rooms and function area. [3]

Johnsonville Community Centre

The Johnsonville Community Centre is located on the corner of Frankmoore Avenue and Moorefield Road and provides community services including education, Citizens Advice Bureau, support groups and youth groups. The building is owned by the Wellington City Council and was opened in 1995.

Community and social groups

Johnsonville has a number of community groups including:

  • Johnsonville Returned Services Association
  • The Johnsonville club
  • Johnsonville community centre
  • Johnsonville Lions club

Education

Johnsonville is home to Onslow College, a relatively large high decile co-educational high school, Raroa Normal Intermediate and several primary schools.

Nearby suburbs

The residents of nearby suburbs such as Churton Park, Grenada Village, Newlands, Khandallah, Ngaio and Broadmeadows also use its facilities especially for shopping at the Johnsonville Shopping Centre and the two supermarkets.

External links

References

  1. ↑ 2001 New Zealand Census
  2. ↑ Rangi, Stephanie (20 June 2013) "Work on J'ville pool under way" Stuff.co.nz
  3. ↑ Jancic, Boris (2nd April 2013) "$6m Johnsonville sports centre planned" The Wellingtonian

Coordinates: 41°13′25″S 174°48′26″E / 41.22354°S 174.80724°E / -41.22354; 174.80724

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