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{{for multi|the genus of spiders|Otira (spider)|the Australian theological seminary |Otira Methodist Home Missionary Training College}} |
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{{Short description|Town in the West Coast Region of New Zealand}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}} |
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{{Use New Zealand English|date=August 2023}} |
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{{Infobox settlement |
{{Infobox settlement |
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| name |
| name = Otira Railway Station |
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| image_skyline |
| image_skyline = Otira Stagecoach Hotel, West Coast Region, New Zealand.jpg |
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| image_caption |
| image_caption = Otira Stagecoach Hotel |
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| population_total |
| population_total = |
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| population_as_of |
| population_as_of = |
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| subdivision_type |
| subdivision_type = Country |
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| subdivision_name |
| subdivision_name = New Zealand |
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| subdivision_type1 |
| subdivision_type1 = Region |
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| subdivision_name1 |
| subdivision_name1 = [[West Coast Region|West Coast]] |
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| subdivision_type2 |
| subdivision_type2 = District |
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| subdivision_name2 |
| subdivision_name2 = [[Westland District]] |
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| subdivision_type3 |
| subdivision_type3 = Ward |
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| subdivision_name3 |
| subdivision_name3 = Northern |
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| seat_type |
| seat_type = Electorates |
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| seat |
| seat = {{ubl|[[West Coast-Tasman]]|[[Te Tai Tonga]]}} |
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| |
| leader_title = Territorial authority |
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| |
| leader_name = [[Westland District Council]] |
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| |
| leader_title1 = Regional council |
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| |
| leader_name1 = [[West Coast Regional Council]] |
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| |
| leader_title2 = [[Mayor of Westland]] |
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| |
| leader_name2 = {{NZ officeholder data|Westland District Mayor|y}} |
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| leader_title3 = {{nowrap|[[West Coast-Tasman|West Coast-Tasman MP]]}} |
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| area_code = 03 |
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| |
| leader_name3 = {{NZ officeholder data|West Coast-Tasman MP|y}} |
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| |
| leader_title4 = [[Te Tai Tonga|Te Tai Tonga MP]] |
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| leader_name4 = {{NZ officeholder data|Te Tai Tonga MP|y}} |
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| coordinates = {{coord|-42.8311|171.5608|region:NZ|display=inline,title}} |
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| |
| timezone = [[Time in New Zealand|NZST]] |
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| |
| utc_offset = +12 |
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| |
| timezone_DST = NZDT |
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| utc_offset_DST = +13 |
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| postal_code_type = [[Postcodes in New Zealand|Postcode]] |
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| postal_code = 7875 |
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| area_code = 03 |
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| image_map = {{infobox mapframe|coord={{coord|-42.8311|171.5608}}|zoom=6}} |
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| coordinates = {{coord|-42.8311|171.5608|region:NZ|display=inline,title}} |
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| blank_name = Local [[iwi]] |
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| blank_info = [[Ngāi Tahu]] |
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| official_name = |
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}} |
}} |
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''' |
'''Otira''' is a small township fifteen kilometres north of [[Arthur's Pass (mountain pass)|Arthur's Pass]] in the central [[South Island]] of New Zealand. It is on the northern approach to the pass, a saddle between the [[Ōtira River|Ōtira]] and [[Bealey River]]s high in the [[Southern Alps (New Zealand)|Southern Alps]]. A possible meaning of {{lang|mi|Otira}} is ''"o"'' (place of) and ''"tira"'' (the travellers).<ref>{{cite book |title= On the Trans-Alpine Trail: A Travel Guide to State Highway 73 and the Midland Railway |last= Churchman |first= Geoffrey B |year= 1991 |publisher= IPL Books |location= Johnsonville, Wellington |isbn= 0-908876-73-4 }}</ref> Another possible meaning is ''"Oti"'' (finished) and ''"ra"'' (Sun), because Otira Gorge is usually in deep shadow.<ref>{{cite web |title=Otira Gorge |url=https://gazetteer.linz.govt.nz/place/4312 |access-date=27 December 2020}}</ref> |
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[[File:John Burns Gallery of Modern Art nestled in the Ōtira valley.JPG|thumb|left|John Burns Gallery of Modern Art nestled in the Otira Gorge]] |
[[File:John Burns Gallery of Modern Art nestled in the Ōtira valley.JPG|thumb|left|John Burns Gallery of Modern Art nestled in the Otira Gorge]] |
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==History== |
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Otira was originally a stop on the [[Cobb & Co. (New Zealand)|Cobb and Co]] stagecoach from [[Canterbury, New Zealand|Canterbury]] to the [[West Coast, New Zealand|West Coast]]. The [[Midland Line, New Zealand|Midland Line]] was extended from [[Stillwater, West Coast|Stillwater]] to [[Jacksons, New Zealand|Jacksons]] in 1894 and then Otira in 1899, when the pass was navigated by coach from Otira until the [[Otira Tunnel|railway tunnel]] opened in 1923. During the construction of the tunnel, Otira housed about 600 workers and their families. |
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The Otira Railway Station was opened on 13 November 1900 (ex-Goat Creek on 15 October 1900), and closed in February 1992.<ref>{{cite book |title= Names & Opening & Closing Dates of Railway Stations in New Zealand, 1863 to 2012 |last= Scoble |first= Juliet |year= 2012 |publisher= Scoble |location= Wellington }}</ref> |
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Ōtira was originally a stop on the [[Cobb & Co. (New Zealand)|Cobb and Co]] stagecoach from [[Canterbury, New Zealand|Canterbury]] to the [[West Coast, New Zealand|West Coast]]. The [[Midland Line, New Zealand|Midland Line]] was extended from [[Stillwater, West Coast|Stillwater]] to [[Jacksons, New Zealand|Jacksons]] in 1894 and then Ōtira in 1899, when the pass was navigated by coach from Ōtira until the [[Ōtira Tunnel|railway tunnel]] opened in 1923. During construction of the tunnel, Ōtira housed about 600 workers and their families. |
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The Ōtira Railway Station was opened on 13 November 1900 (ex-Goat Creek on 15 October 1900), and closed in February 1992.<ref>{{cite book |title= Names & Opening & Closing Dates of Railway Stations in New Zealand, 1863 to 2012 |last= Scoble |first= Juliet |year= 2012 |publisher= Scoble |location= Wellington }}</ref> |
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In the 1950s the town had a population of about 350, but this had dropped to 11 in 1988. |
In the 1950s the town had a population of about 350, but this had dropped to 11 in 1988. |
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While a small number of railway houses existed at the time the |
While a small number of railway houses existed at the time the Otira Tunnel was being built, the vast majority were built in 1922 and 1923 as part of the [[Railways Department's Housing Scheme]]. They were needed to house staff required for the greatly-upscaled railway operation following the completion of the tunnel. Love Brothers from Port Chalmers had the contract to build 43 houses in the new village.<ref>{{cite book |title= A Bob Both Ways: Celebrating 100 years of Naylor Love |last= Patterson |first= Rosemarie |year= 2010 |publisher= Advertising & Art |location= Dunedin |isbn= 978-0-473-16680-9}}</ref> A further house was built in 1951 at the bottom end of the village road. This survives today, along with 16 others from the former railway village. |
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The New Zealand Railways Corporation sold the village houses to Glenstone Holdings around the end of 1990, with a peppercorn lease on the land.<ref>{{cite book |title= Railway through the Rata: Memories of Otira |last= Wright |first= Stephen |year= 2012 |publisher= Two Wright Books |location= Christchurch|isbn= 978-0-473-20683-3}}</ref> In 1998 the remaining 18 ex-railway houses (one has since burnt down) were sold to Chris and Bill Hennah, along with the large two-storeyed hotel, community hall and fire station. The 20-odd hectares of leased land included the school grounds. The Hennahs bought the old school building itself, and nearby indoors swimming pool in 2002.<ref>{{cite book |title= Railway through the Rata: Memories of Otira |last= Wright |first= Stephen |year= 2012 |publisher= Two Wright Books |location= Christchurch|isbn= 978-0-473-20683-3}}</ref> |
The [[New Zealand Railways Corporation]] sold the village houses to Glenstone Holdings around the end of 1990, with a peppercorn lease on the land.<ref>{{cite book |title= Railway through the Rata: Memories of Otira |last= Wright |first= Stephen |year= 2012 |publisher= Two Wright Books |location= Christchurch|isbn= 978-0-473-20683-3}}</ref> In 1998 the remaining 18 ex-railway houses (one has since burnt down) were sold to Chris and Bill Hennah, along with the large two-storeyed hotel, community hall and fire station. The 20-odd hectares of leased land included the school grounds. The Hennahs bought the old school building itself, and nearby indoors swimming pool in 2002.<ref>{{cite book |title= Railway through the Rata: Memories of Otira |last= Wright |first= Stephen |year= 2012 |publisher= Two Wright Books |location= Christchurch|isbn= 978-0-473-20683-3}}</ref> |
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Love Brothers also built the railway hostel for refreshment rooms staff, along with the refreshment rooms which were situated at the north end of the railway station. The 'Refresh', as it was known, closed in November 1987 with the commencement of the TranzAlpine service between Christchurch and Greymouth.<ref>{{cite book |title= Railway through the Rata: Memories of Otira |last= Wright |first= Stephen |year= 2012 |publisher= Two Wright Books |location= Christchurch|isbn= 978-0-473-20683-3}}</ref> |
Love Brothers also built the railway hostel for refreshment rooms staff, along with the refreshment rooms which were situated at the north end of the railway station. The 'Refresh', as it was known, closed in November 1987 with the commencement of the TranzAlpine service between Christchurch and Greymouth.<ref>{{cite book |title= Railway through the Rata: Memories of Otira |last= Wright |first= Stephen |year= 2012 |publisher= Two Wright Books |location= Christchurch|isbn= 978-0-473-20683-3}}</ref> |
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Having paid $73,000 in 1998, the Hennahs put the village on the market in 2010 with an asking price of NZ$1.5 million.<ref name=forsale>{{cite web |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/sale-west-coast-town-44-people-3610130 |title=For sale: West Coast town with pub, 44 people |publisher=[[TVNZ]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130223025907/http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/sale-west-coast-town-44-people-3610130 |archive-date=23 February 2013 |access-date=29 June 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.otira.co.nz/ | title=Hennah Holdings Limited t_as Otira Village |
Having paid $73,000 in 1998, the Hennahs put the village on the market in 2010 with an asking price of NZ$1.5 million.<ref name=forsale>{{cite web |url=http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/sale-west-coast-town-44-people-3610130 |title=For sale: West Coast town with pub, 44 people |publisher=[[TVNZ]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130223025907/http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/sale-west-coast-town-44-people-3610130 |archive-date=23 February 2013 |access-date=29 June 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.otira.co.nz/ | title=Hennah Holdings Limited t_as Otira Village – Home | publisher=Hennah Holdings Limited | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130224041646/http://www.otira.co.nz/ | archive-date=24 February 2013 | access-date=10 August 2012 | url-status=live }}</ref> No bids were received but it remained on the market. When advertised again in 2013 the sale price had dropped to NZ$1 million,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/find-a-home/9460456/One-pub-town-going-for-1m|title=One-pub town going for $1m|first=Georgina|last=Stylianou|date=30 November 2013|publisher=Stuff}}</ref> and it sold the following year to Lester Rowntree for an undisclosed sum, although as at 2020 the Hennahs still own the ex-school building and swimming pool.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/10312651/Motueka-man-falls-for-Otira-buys-it|title=Motueka man falls for Otira – buys it|first=Sarah-Jane|last=O'Connor|date=26 July 2014|newspaper=The Press}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/116703693/selfconfessed-hoarder-has-grand-plans-for-tiny-west-coast-township|title=Self-confessed hoarder has grand plans for tiny West Coast township|first=Jendy |last=Harper|date=21 October 2019|newspaper=Stuff}}</ref> |
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Not far from the hotel (originally opened in 1902 but rebuilt following a fire in 1911)<ref>{{cite book |title= Railway through the Rata: Memories of Otira |last= Wright |first= Stephen |year= 2012 |publisher= Two Wright Books |location= Christchurch|isbn= 978-0-473-20683-3}}</ref> is the former post office which was built in 1952 to replace an earlier one. This has been refurbished into an art gallery |
Not far from the hotel (originally opened in 1902 but rebuilt following a fire in 1911)<ref>{{cite book |title= Railway through the Rata: Memories of Otira |last= Wright |first= Stephen |year= 2012 |publisher= Two Wright Books |location= Christchurch|isbn= 978-0-473-20683-3}}</ref> is the former post office which was built in 1952 to replace an earlier one. This has been refurbished into an art gallery known as the 'John Burns Gallery of Modern Art'. The complex exhibits art which is a surprise to many visitors, housed as it is in the middle of the Southern Alps. The former postmaster's house also survives. |
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Heading up the valley, there are a number of houses dotted along the highway. Rata Lodge Backpackers is situated near Goat Creek and provides alternative accommodation to the |
Heading up the valley, there are a number of houses dotted along the highway. Rata Lodge Backpackers is situated near Goat Creek and provides alternative accommodation to the Otira Stagecoach Hotel. |
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When the tunnel opened in 1923, traction power for the |
When the tunnel opened in 1923, traction power for the Otira to Arthur's Pass electrified section was provided by a steam-driven generating station known as the 'Power House' — a large imposing building which included a big shed and repair workshop for the electric locomotives.<ref>{{cite book |title= Railway through the Rata: Memories of Otira |last= Wright |first= Stephen |year= 2012 |publisher= Two Wright Books |location= Christchurch|isbn= 978-0-473-20683-3}}</ref> |
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The steam generating plant closed in July 1941, with the source of power then coming from the newly-constructed transmission line from Lake Coleridge to the West Coast.<ref>{{cite book |title= Railway through the Rata: Memories of Otira |last= Wright |first= Stephen |year= 2012 |publisher= Two Wright Books |location= Christchurch|isbn= 978-0-473-20683-3}}</ref> This involved building a transformer substation at |
The steam generating plant closed in July 1941, with the source of power then coming from the newly-constructed transmission line from Lake Coleridge to the West Coast.<ref>{{cite book |title= Railway through the Rata: Memories of Otira |last= Wright |first= Stephen |year= 2012 |publisher= Two Wright Books |location= Christchurch|isbn= 978-0-473-20683-3}}</ref> This involved building a transformer substation at Otira, along with a rectifier substation at the tunnel mouth. Staffing required at the Otira substation meant four houses were built, two of which still survive. The old power house has been demolished. |
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Close to the town are two major feats of [[civil engineering]]: the [[ |
Close to the town are two major feats of [[civil engineering]]: the [[Otira Tunnel]], and the Otira Viaduct. |
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== |
==Otira Viaduct== |
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[[Image:Mighty Big Bridge.jpg|thumb|left|The Otira viaduct]] |
[[Image:Mighty Big Bridge.jpg|thumb|left|The Otira viaduct]] |
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[[File:Tony Western Plaque.jpg|thumb|Tony Western Memorial Plaque on Otira Viaduct]] |
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The Ōtira [[viaduct]] is to the south of Otira, between Ōtira and the Arthur's Pass summit. Completed in 1999 by McConnell Smith Pty Ltd, the {{convert|440|m|ft}} four-span viaduct carries [[New Zealand State Highway 73|State Highway 73]] over a stretch of unstable land, replacing a narrow, winding, dangerous section of road that was prone to avalanches, slips and closures.<ref name="arthurspass">{{cite web|url=http://www.arthurspass.com/index.php?page=11|publisher=arthurspass.com|title=Arthur's Pass - Otira Viaduct|access-date=2017-04-26}}</ref> |
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The Otira [[viaduct]] is to the south of Otira, between Otira and the Arthur's Pass summit. Completed in 1999 by McConnell Smith Pty Ltd, the {{convert|440|m|ft}} four-span viaduct carries [[New Zealand State Highway 73|State Highway 73]] over a stretch of unstable land, replacing a narrow, winding, dangerous section of road that was prone to avalanches, slips and closures.<ref name="arthurspass">{{cite web|url=http://www.arthurspass.com/index.php?page=11|publisher=arthurspass.com|title=Arthur's Pass – Otira Viaduct|access-date=2017-04-26}}</ref> One person, Tony Western, 25, was killed during construction in July 1998 when a chain failed and a pump fell on him. <ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/117150792/awardwinning-otira-viaduct-near-arthurs-pass-notches-up-two-decades | title=Award-winning Otira Viaduct near Arthur's Pass notches up two decades | date=5 November 2019 }}</ref> A plaque was installed in his memory in the base of the westernmost pier. |
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{{clear left}} |
{{clear left}} |
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==Demographics== |
==Demographics== |
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Hokitika Valley-Otira statistical area covers {{Convert|1620.14|km2||abbr=on}}<ref name="Area">{{Cite web|title=ArcGIS Web Application|url=https://statsnz.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6f49867abe464f86ac7526552fe19787| access-date=15 March 2024|website=statsnz.maps.arcgis.com}}</ref> and had an estimated population of {{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Hokitika Valley-Otira|y}} as of {{NZ population data 2023 SA2|||y|y||,}} with a population density of {{Decimals|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Hokitika Valley-Otira|y}}|R}}/1620.14|2}} people per km<sup>2</sup>. |
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{{Historical populations|2006|636|2013|612|2018|651|percentages=pagr|source=<ref name="Census 2018"/>}} |
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The statistical area of Hokitika Valley-Otira, which at 1,615 square kilometres is much larger than Otira, had a population of 651 at the [[2018 New Zealand census]], an increase of 39 people (6.4%) since the [[2013 New Zealand census|2013 census]], and an increase of 15 people (2.4%) since the [[2006 New Zealand census|2006 census]]. There were 240 households. There were 333 males and 318 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.05 males per female. The median age was 36.6 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 180 people (27.6%) aged under 15 years, 96 (14.7%) aged 15 to 29, 294 (45.2%) aged 30 to 64, and 81 (12.4%) aged 65 or older. |
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{{Historical populations|2006|636|2013|612|2018|651|percentages=pagr|align=left|title=Historical population for Hokitika Valley-Otira|source=<ref name="Census 2018"/>}} |
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Ethnicities were 91.2% European/Pākehā, 11.5% Māori, 0.9% Pacific peoples, 3.2% Asian, and 4.6% other ethnicities (totals add to more than 100% since people could identify with multiple ethnicities). |
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Before the 2023 census, Hokitika Valley-Otira had a smaller boundary, covering {{Convert|1614.54|km2||abbr=on}}.<ref name="Area"/> Using that boundary, Hokitika Valley-Otira had a population of 651 at the [[2018 New Zealand census]], an increase of 39 people (6.4%) since the [[2013 New Zealand census|2013 census]], and an increase of 15 people (2.4%) since the [[2006 New Zealand census|2006 census]]. There were 240 households, comprising 333 males and 318 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.05 males per female. The median age was 36.6 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 180 people (27.6%) aged under 15 years, 96 (14.7%) aged 15 to 29, 294 (45.2%) aged 30 to 64, and 81 (12.4%) aged 65 or older. |
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Ethnicities were 91.2% European/[[Pākehā]], 11.5% [[Māori people|Māori]], 0.9% [[Pasifika New Zealanders|Pasifika]], 3.2% [[Asian New Zealanders|Asian]], and 4.6% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity. |
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The proportion of people born overseas was 9.7%, compared with 27.1% nationally. |
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The percentage of people born overseas was 9.7, compared with 27.1% nationally. |
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Although some people objected to giving their religion, 55.3% had no religion, 33.2% were Christian, 0.5% were Muslim and 3.2% had other religions. |
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Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 55.3% had no religion, 33.2% were [[Christianity in New Zealand|Christian]], 0.9% had [[Māori religion|Māori religious beliefs]], 0.5% were [[Islam in New Zealand|Muslim]] and 2.3% had other religions. |
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Of those at least 15 years old, 54 (11.5%) people had a bachelor or higher degree, and 96 (20.4%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $28,500, compared with $31,800 nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 255 (54.1%) people were employed full-time, 96 (20.4%) were part-time, and 9 (1.9%) were unemployed.<ref name="Census 2018">{{NZ census 2018|Hokitika Valley-Otira (312000)|hokitika-valley-otira|Hokitika Valley-Otira}}</ref> |
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Of those at least 15 years old, 54 (11.5%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 96 (20.4%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $28,500, compared with $31,800 nationally. 57 people (12.1%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 255 (54.1%) people were employed full-time, 96 (20.4%) were part-time, and 9 (1.9%) were unemployed.<ref name="Census 2018">{{NZ census 2018|Hokitika Valley-Otira (312000)|hokitika-valley-otira|Hokitika Valley-Otira}}</ref> |
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==Climate== |
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{{Weather box|width=auto |
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|metric first=y |
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|single line=y |
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|collapsed = Y |
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|location = Otira, elevation {{convert|383|m|ft|abbr=on}}, (1981–2010) |
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|Jan high C = 19.5 |
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|Feb high C = 20.0 |
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|Mar high C = 18.7 |
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|Apr high C = 15.0 |
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|May high C = 12.0 |
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|Jun high C = 9.6 |
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|Jul high C = 8.9 |
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|Aug high C = 10.4 |
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|Sep high C = 12.0 |
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|Oct high C = 14.3 |
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|Nov high C = 16.2 |
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|Dec high C = 17.8 |
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| year high C = |
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|Jan mean C = 14.6 |
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|Feb mean C = 15.0 |
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|Mar mean C = 13.6 |
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|Apr mean C = 10.6 |
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|May mean C = 8.0 |
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|Jun mean C = 5.8 |
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|Jul mean C = 4.9 |
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|Aug mean C = 6.1 |
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|Sep mean C = 7.7 |
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|Oct mean C = 9.8 |
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|Nov mean C = 11.4 |
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|Dec mean C = 13.0 |
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| year mean C = |
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|Jan low C = 9.7 |
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|Feb low C = 10.0 |
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|Mar low C = 8.5 |
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|Apr low C = 6.1 |
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|May low C = 3.9 |
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|Jun low C = 1.9 |
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|Jul low C = 0.8 |
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|Aug low C = 1.9 |
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|Sep low C = 3.3 |
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|Oct low C = 5.3 |
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|Nov low C = 6.7 |
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|Dec low C = 8.3 |
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| year low C = |
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|rain colour = green |
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|Jan rain mm = 451.4 |
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|Feb rain mm = 244.3 |
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|Mar rain mm = 339.7 |
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|Apr rain mm = 415.5 |
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|May rain mm = 534.1 |
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|Jun rain mm = 367.9 |
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|Jul rain mm = 372.2 |
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|Aug rain mm = 330.5 |
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|Sep rain mm = 499.0 |
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|Oct rain mm = 557.9 |
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|Nov rain mm = 483.1 |
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|Dec rain mm = 480.5 |
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|year rain mm = |
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|source 1 = NIWA (rain 1971–2000)<ref name= NIWA> |
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{{cite web |
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|url = http://cliflo.niwa.co.nz |
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|title = CliFlo – National Climate Database : Otira Substation |
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|publisher = NIWA |
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|access-date = 19 May 2024}}</ref> |
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}} |
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{{Weather box|width=auto |
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|metric first=y |
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|single line=y |
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|collapsed = Y |
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|location = Mount Philistine, elevation {{convert|1655|m|ft|abbr=on}}, (1991–2020) |
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|Jan high C = 10.1 |
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|Feb high C = 10.4 |
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|Mar high C = 9.0 |
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|Apr high C = 6.6 |
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|May high C = 4.7 |
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|Jun high C = 2.9 |
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|Jul high C = 1.7 |
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|Aug high C = 2.0 |
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|Sep high C = 3.3 |
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|Oct high C = 4.2 |
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|Nov high C = 6.0 |
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|Dec high C = 8.3 |
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| year high C = |
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|Jan mean C = 6.9 |
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|Feb mean C = 7.4 |
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|Mar mean C = 6.1 |
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|Apr mean C = 3.8 |
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|May mean C = 2.0 |
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|Jun mean C = 0.1 |
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|Jul mean C = -1.0 |
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|Aug mean C = -0.8 |
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|Sep mean C = 0.3 |
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|Oct mean C = 1.3 |
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|Nov mean C = 3.0 |
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|Dec mean C = 5.3 |
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| year mean C = |
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|Jan low C = 3.6 |
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|Feb low C = 4.4 |
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|Mar low C = 3.2 |
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|Apr low C = 0.9 |
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|May low C = -0.7 |
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|Jun low C = -2.6 |
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|Jul low C = -3.8 |
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|Aug low C = -3.6 |
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|Sep low C = -2.6 |
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|Oct low C = -1.6 |
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|Nov low C = 0.0 |
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|Dec low C = 2.4 |
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| year low C = |
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|source 1 = NIWA<ref name= > |
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{{cite web |
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|url = http://cliflo.niwa.co.nz |
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|title = CliFlo – National Climate Database : Mt Philistine Ews |
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|publisher = NIWA |
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|access-date = 19 May 2024}}</ref> |
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{{about||the genus of spiders|Ōtira (spider)|the Australian theological seminary |Ōtira Methodist Home Missionary Training College}} |
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==References== |
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{{Westland District|state=expanded}} |
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{{Arthur's Pass National Park}} |
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[[Category:Westland District]] |
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[[Category:Populated places in the West Coast, New Zealand]] |
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[[Category:Arthur's Pass National Park]] |
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Revision as of 13:32, 8 June 2024
Otira Railway Station | |
|---|---|
 Otira Stagecoach Hotel | |
 | |
| Coordinates: 42°49′52″S 171°33′39″E / 42.8311°S 171.5608°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | West Coast |
| District | Westland District |
| Ward | Northern |
| Electorates | |
| Government | |
| • Territorial authority | Westland District Council |
| • Regional council | West Coast Regional Council |
| • Mayor of Westland | Helen Lash |
| • West Coast-Tasman MP | Maureen Pugh |
| • Te Tai Tonga MP | Tākuta Ferris |
| Time zone | UTC+12 (NZST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+13 (NZDT) |
| Postcode | 7875 |
| Area code | 03 |
| Local iwi | Ngāi Tahu |
Otira is a small township fifteen kilometres north of Arthur's Pass in the central South Island of New Zealand. It is on the northern approach to the pass, a saddle between the Ōtira and Bealey Rivers high in the Southern Alps. A possible meaning of Otira is "o" (place of) and "tira" (the travellers).[1] Another possible meaning is "Oti" (finished) and "ra" (Sun), because Otira Gorge is usually in deep shadow.[2]
History
Otira was originally a stop on the Cobb and Co stagecoach from Canterbury to the West Coast. The Midland Line was extended from Stillwater to Jacksons in 1894 and then Otira in 1899, when the pass was navigated by coach from Otira until the railway tunnel opened in 1923. During the construction of the tunnel, Otira housed about 600 workers and their families.
The Otira Railway Station was opened on 13 November 1900 (ex-Goat Creek on 15 October 1900), and closed in February 1992.[3]
In the 1950s the town had a population of about 350, but this had dropped to 11 in 1988.
While a small number of railway houses existed at the time the Otira Tunnel was being built, the vast majority were built in 1922 and 1923 as part of the Railways Department's Housing Scheme. They were needed to house staff required for the greatly-upscaled railway operation following the completion of the tunnel. Love Brothers from Port Chalmers had the contract to build 43 houses in the new village.[4] A further house was built in 1951 at the bottom end of the village road. This survives today, along with 16 others from the former railway village.
The New Zealand Railways Corporation sold the village houses to Glenstone Holdings around the end of 1990, with a peppercorn lease on the land.[5] In 1998 the remaining 18 ex-railway houses (one has since burnt down) were sold to Chris and Bill Hennah, along with the large two-storeyed hotel, community hall and fire station. The 20-odd hectares of leased land included the school grounds. The Hennahs bought the old school building itself, and nearby indoors swimming pool in 2002.[6]
Love Brothers also built the railway hostel for refreshment rooms staff, along with the refreshment rooms which were situated at the north end of the railway station. The 'Refresh', as it was known, closed in November 1987 with the commencement of the TranzAlpine service between Christchurch and Greymouth.[7]
Having paid $73,000 in 1998, the Hennahs put the village on the market in 2010 with an asking price of NZ$1.5 million.[8][9] No bids were received but it remained on the market. When advertised again in 2013 the sale price had dropped to NZ$1 million,[10] and it sold the following year to Lester Rowntree for an undisclosed sum, although as at 2020 the Hennahs still own the ex-school building and swimming pool.[11][12]
Not far from the hotel (originally opened in 1902 but rebuilt following a fire in 1911)[13] is the former post office which was built in 1952 to replace an earlier one. This has been refurbished into an art gallery known as the 'John Burns Gallery of Modern Art'. The complex exhibits art which is a surprise to many visitors, housed as it is in the middle of the Southern Alps. The former postmaster's house also survives.
Heading up the valley, there are a number of houses dotted along the highway. Rata Lodge Backpackers is situated near Goat Creek and provides alternative accommodation to the Otira Stagecoach Hotel.
When the tunnel opened in 1923, traction power for the Otira to Arthur's Pass electrified section was provided by a steam-driven generating station known as the 'Power House' — a large imposing building which included a big shed and repair workshop for the electric locomotives.[14]
The steam generating plant closed in July 1941, with the source of power then coming from the newly-constructed transmission line from Lake Coleridge to the West Coast.[15] This involved building a transformer substation at Otira, along with a rectifier substation at the tunnel mouth. Staffing required at the Otira substation meant four houses were built, two of which still survive. The old power house has been demolished.
Close to the town are two major feats of civil engineering: the Otira Tunnel, and the Otira Viaduct.
Otira Viaduct
The Otira viaduct is to the south of Otira, between Otira and the Arthur's Pass summit. Completed in 1999 by McConnell Smith Pty Ltd, the 440 metres (1,440 ft) four-span viaduct carries State Highway 73 over a stretch of unstable land, replacing a narrow, winding, dangerous section of road that was prone to avalanches, slips and closures.[16] One person, Tony Western, 25, was killed during construction in July 1998 when a chain failed and a pump fell on him. [17] A plaque was installed in his memory in the base of the westernmost pier.
Demographics
Hokitika Valley-Otira statistical area covers 1,620.14 km2 (625.54 sq mi)[18] and had an estimated population of 660 as of June 2023,[19] with a population density of 0.41 people per km2.
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 636 | — |
| 2013 | 612 | −0.55% |
| 2018 | 651 | +1.24% |
| Source: [20] | ||
Before the 2023 census, Hokitika Valley-Otira had a smaller boundary, covering 1,614.54 km2 (623.38 sq mi).[18] Using that boundary, Hokitika Valley-Otira had a population of 651 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 39 people (6.4%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 15 people (2.4%) since the 2006 census. There were 240 households, comprising 333 males and 318 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.05 males per female. The median age was 36.6 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 180 people (27.6%) aged under 15 years, 96 (14.7%) aged 15 to 29, 294 (45.2%) aged 30 to 64, and 81 (12.4%) aged 65 or older.
Ethnicities were 91.2% European/Pākehā, 11.5% Māori, 0.9% Pasifika, 3.2% Asian, and 4.6% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.
The percentage of people born overseas was 9.7, compared with 27.1% nationally.
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 55.3% had no religion, 33.2% were Christian, 0.9% had Māori religious beliefs, 0.5% were Muslim and 2.3% had other religions.
Of those at least 15 years old, 54 (11.5%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 96 (20.4%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $28,500, compared with $31,800 nationally. 57 people (12.1%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 255 (54.1%) people were employed full-time, 96 (20.4%) were part-time, and 9 (1.9%) were unemployed.[20]
Climate
| Climate data for Otira, elevation 383 m (1,257 ft), (1981–2010) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 19.5 (67.1) |
20.0 (68.0) |
18.7 (65.7) |
15.0 (59.0) |
12.0 (53.6) |
9.6 (49.3) |
8.9 (48.0) |
10.4 (50.7) |
12.0 (53.6) |
14.3 (57.7) |
16.2 (61.2) |
17.8 (64.0) |
14.5 (58.2) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 14.6 (58.3) |
15.0 (59.0) |
13.6 (56.5) |
10.6 (51.1) |
8.0 (46.4) |
5.8 (42.4) |
4.9 (40.8) |
6.1 (43.0) |
7.7 (45.9) |
9.8 (49.6) |
11.4 (52.5) |
13.0 (55.4) |
10.0 (50.1) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 9.7 (49.5) |
10.0 (50.0) |
8.5 (47.3) |
6.1 (43.0) |
3.9 (39.0) |
1.9 (35.4) |
0.8 (33.4) |
1.9 (35.4) |
3.3 (37.9) |
5.3 (41.5) |
6.7 (44.1) |
8.3 (46.9) |
5.5 (41.9) |
| Average rainfall mm (inches) | 451.4 (17.77) |
244.3 (9.62) |
339.7 (13.37) |
415.5 (16.36) |
534.1 (21.03) |
367.9 (14.48) |
372.2 (14.65) |
330.5 (13.01) |
499.0 (19.65) |
557.9 (21.96) |
483.1 (19.02) |
480.5 (18.92) |
5,076.1 (199.84) |
| Source: NIWA (rain 1971–2000)[21] | |||||||||||||
| Climate data for Mount Philistine, elevation 1,655 m (5,430 ft), (1991–2020) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 10.1 (50.2) |
10.4 (50.7) |
9.0 (48.2) |
6.6 (43.9) |
4.7 (40.5) |
2.9 (37.2) |
1.7 (35.1) |
2.0 (35.6) |
3.3 (37.9) |
4.2 (39.6) |
6.0 (42.8) |
8.3 (46.9) |
5.8 (42.4) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 6.9 (44.4) |
7.4 (45.3) |
6.1 (43.0) |
3.8 (38.8) |
2.0 (35.6) |
0.1 (32.2) |
−1.0 (30.2) |
−0.8 (30.6) |
0.3 (32.5) |
1.3 (34.3) |
3.0 (37.4) |
5.3 (41.5) |
2.9 (37.2) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 3.6 (38.5) |
4.4 (39.9) |
3.2 (37.8) |
0.9 (33.6) |
−0.7 (30.7) |
−2.6 (27.3) |
−3.8 (25.2) |
−3.6 (25.5) |
−2.6 (27.3) |
−1.6 (29.1) |
0.0 (32.0) |
2.4 (36.3) |
0.0 (31.9) |
| Source: NIWA[22] | |||||||||||||
References
- ^ Churchman, Geoffrey B (1991). On the Trans-Alpine Trail: A Travel Guide to State Highway 73 and the Midland Railway. Johnsonville, Wellington: IPL Books. ISBN 0-908876-73-4.
- ^ "Otira Gorge". Retrieved 27 December 2020.
- ^ Scoble, Juliet (2012). Names & Opening & Closing Dates of Railway Stations in New Zealand, 1863 to 2012. Wellington: Scoble.
- ^ Patterson, Rosemarie (2010). A Bob Both Ways: Celebrating 100 years of Naylor Love. Dunedin: Advertising & Art. ISBN 978-0-473-16680-9.
- ^ Wright, Stephen (2012). Railway through the Rata: Memories of Otira. Christchurch: Two Wright Books. ISBN 978-0-473-20683-3.
- ^ Wright, Stephen (2012). Railway through the Rata: Memories of Otira. Christchurch: Two Wright Books. ISBN 978-0-473-20683-3.
- ^ Wright, Stephen (2012). Railway through the Rata: Memories of Otira. Christchurch: Two Wright Books. ISBN 978-0-473-20683-3.
- ^ "For sale: West Coast town with pub, 44 people". TVNZ. Archived from the original on 23 February 2013. Retrieved 29 June 2010.
- ^ "Hennah Holdings Limited t_as Otira Village – Home". Hennah Holdings Limited. Archived from the original on 24 February 2013. Retrieved 10 August 2012.
- ^ Stylianou, Georgina (30 November 2013). "One-pub town going for $1m". Stuff.
- ^ O'Connor, Sarah-Jane (26 July 2014). "Motueka man falls for Otira – buys it". The Press.
- ^ Harper, Jendy (21 October 2019). "Self-confessed hoarder has grand plans for tiny West Coast township". Stuff.
- ^ Wright, Stephen (2012). Railway through the Rata: Memories of Otira. Christchurch: Two Wright Books. ISBN 978-0-473-20683-3.
- ^ Wright, Stephen (2012). Railway through the Rata: Memories of Otira. Christchurch: Two Wright Books. ISBN 978-0-473-20683-3.
- ^ Wright, Stephen (2012). Railway through the Rata: Memories of Otira. Christchurch: Two Wright Books. ISBN 978-0-473-20683-3.
- ^ "Arthur's Pass – Otira Viaduct". arthurspass.com. Retrieved 26 April 2017.
- ^ "Award-winning Otira Viaduct near Arthur's Pass notches up two decades". 5 November 2019.
- ^ a b "ArcGIS Web Application". statsnz.maps.arcgis.com. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
- ^ "Population estimate tables - NZ.Stat". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
- ^ a b "Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census". Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. Hokitika Valley-Otira (312000). 2018 Census place summary: Hokitika Valley-Otira
- ^ "CliFlo – National Climate Database : Otira Substation". NIWA. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ "CliFlo – National Climate Database : Mt Philistine Ews". NIWA. Retrieved 19 May 2024.