Cambridge | |
---|---|
Town | |
Coordinates: 37°53′S175°28′E / 37.883°S 175.467°E | |
Country | New Zealand |
Region | Waikato |
District | Waipa District |
Ward | Cambridge Ward |
Community | Cambridge Community |
Electorates | |
Government | |
• Territorial Authority | Waipa District Council |
• Regional council | Waikato Regional Council |
Area | |
• Total | 27.35 km2 (10.56 sq mi) |
Population (June 2023) [2] | |
• Total | 21,800 |
• Density | 800/km2 (2,100/sq mi) |
Postcode | 3432, 3434 |
Cambridge (Māori : Kemureti) [3] is a town in the Waipa District of the Waikato region of the North Island of New Zealand. Situated 24 kilometres (15 mi) southeast of Hamilton, on the banks of the Waikato River, Cambridge is known as "The Town of Trees & Champions". The town has a population of 21,800, [2] making it the largest town in the Waipa District, and the third largest urban area in the Waikato (after Hamilton and Taupō).
Cambridge was a finalist in the 2017 and 2019 New Zealand's Most Beautiful Large Town awards, run by Keep New Zealand Beautiful. [4] [5] It was awarded the title New Zealand's Most Beautiful Large Town in October 2019. [6]
Prior to the arrival of Europeans there were a number of Maori pā in the vicinity of what would become Cambridge. [7] In the 1850s missionaries and farmers from Britain settled in the area and introduced modern farming practices to local Maori, helping them set up two flour mills and importing grinding wheels from England and France. [8] During the 1850s, wheat was a profitable crop but when merchants in Auckland began purchasing cheaper grain from Australia the market went into decline.[ citation needed ]
The European town of Cambridge was established when the 3rd Regiment of the Waikato Militia were settled there in 1864 following the Invasion of the Waikato. The town was named after Prince George, Duke of Cambridge, the Commander-in-Chief of the British Army at the time. [9]
Electric street lights were first switched on in 1922. [10]
Cambridge covers 27.35 km2 (10.56 sq mi) [1] and had an estimated population of 21,800 as of June 2023, [2] with a population density of 797 people per km2.
Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
---|---|---|
2006 | 13,899 | — |
2013 | 16,101 | +2.12% |
2018 | 18,654 | +2.99% |
Source: [11] |
Before the 2023 census, the town had a smaller boundary, covering 26.67 km2 (10.30 sq mi). [1] Using that boundary, Cambridge had a population of 18,654 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 2,553 people (15.9%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 4,755 people (34.2%) since the 2006 census. There were 7,080 households, comprising 8,925 males and 9,726 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.92 males per female, with 3,690 people (19.8%) aged under 15 years, 3,147 (16.9%) aged 15 to 29, 7,908 (42.4%) aged 30 to 64, and 3,918 (21.0%) aged 65 or older.
Ethnicities were 90.1% European/Pākehā, 10.5% Māori, 1.5% Pacific peoples, 5.3% Asian, and 1.8% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.
The percentage of people born overseas was 24.1, compared with 27.1% nationally.
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 50.4% had no religion, 38.7% were Christian, 0.5% had Māori religious beliefs, 0.7% were Hindu, 0.2% were Muslim, 0.5% were Buddhist and 2.0% had other religions.
Of those at least 15 years old, 3,279 (21.9%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 2,682 (17.9%) people had no formal qualifications. 3,045 people (20.3%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 7,413 (49.5%) people were employed full-time, 2,133 (14.3%) were part-time, and 408 (2.7%) were unemployed. [11]
Name | Area (km2) | Population | Density (per km2) | Households | Median age | Median income |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hautapu | 7.43 | 474 | 64 | 171 | 33.8 years | $34,600 [12] |
Cambridge North | 1.80 | 1,737 | 965 | 564 | 39.9 years | $44,200 [13] |
Cambridge West | 2.23 | 2,481 | 1,113 | 1,017 | 47.2 years | $32,200 [14] |
Cambridge East | 1.58 | 2,808 | 1,777 | 1,071 | 40.7 years | $34,300 [15] |
Cambridge Park-River Garden | 3.01 | 1,251 | 416 | 417 | 38.6 years | $41,700 [16] |
Oaklands-St Kilda | 1.68 | 1,440 | 857 | 522 | 43.6 years | $38,600 [17] |
Cambridge Central | 2.81 | 855 | 304 | 438 | 57.3 years | $26,000 [18] |
Leamington West | 1.26 | 1,467 | 1,164 | 642 | 49.1 years | $28,600 [19] |
Leamington South | 2.24 | 1,752 | 782 | 624 | 42.5 years | $35,600 [20] |
Leamington Central | 1.19 | 2,406 | 2,022 | 855 | 34.3 years | $31,800 [21] |
Leamington East | 1.41 | 1,983 | 1,406 | 759 | 42.9 years | $34,500 [22] |
New Zealand | 37.4 years | $31,800 |
Cambridge is administered by the Waipa District Council. It is the largest town in the District, but not the seat of the council, which is at Te Awamutu.
Nationally, Cambridge is part of the Taupō general electorate and the Hauraki-Waikato Māori electorate. [23]
Cambridge's main sources of employment and income come from dairy farming, tourism, the equine industry and sport. Dairy farming provides more than one in 10 jobs [24] in the Waipa District. The tourism industry supports 12.7% of jobs in Waipa District. [25] The equine industry provides more than 600 jobs in the Waikato, with many based in and around Cambridge. [26] It is estimated that one in five Cambridge residents work in nearby Hamilton. [27]
Cambridge lies adjacent to State Highway 1, which connects the town with Hamilton in the northwest and Tauranga, Rotorua and Taupō in the southeast. Access to Cambridge from the north is via the Cambridge Road and Victoria Road interchanges, and from the south is via the Tirau Road interchange. Prior to the Waikato Expressway extension opening in December 2015, SH 1 ran through the centre of Cambridge, though in 1985 it had been diverted from the main shopping street, to run via Carters Flat. [28]
State Highway 1B leaves SH 1 at the Victoria Road interchange and provides a route north to SH 1 at Taupiri, providing a route north towards Auckland while bypassing Hamilton to the east.
Hamilton Airport, 18 minutes drive from Cambridge, is the nearest airport and provides daily flights to all New Zealand's main centres. [29]
A public bus service connects Cambridge with central Hamilton via Tamahere and Waikato University several times daily. [30]
Cambridge was formerly the terminus of the Cambridge Branch railway, but this closed beyond Hautapu in 1999.
Until the railway was built the Waikato River was the main form of transport, Cambridge being the limit of navigation. Steamers continued to serve Cambridge until the 1930s. [31] The wharf was near the Karapiro Stream, [32] where the river was wide enough for steamers to turn. [33]
There are a number of nearby rural districts which identify socially and economically with Cambridge. These districts would typically have a few hundred residents, a primary school and a community hall for local social events. In the early 20th century, many of these districts also had their own small milk processing factories. These districts are Bruntwood, French Pass, Goodwood/Fencourt, Hautapu, Hora Hora, Karapiro, Kaipaki, Maungatautari, Te Miro, and Whitehall
This section needs to be updated.(February 2024) |
Cambridge and nearby Lake Karapiro have become the homes for national sports organisations such as cycling (track, road, mountain biking and BMX), rowing, triathlon and as high performance centres for kayaking and canoeing. [34]
A purpose built velodrome facility, the Grassroots Trust Velodrome, was opened by William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, in Cambridge on 12 April 2014. [35] In December 2015, Cambridge hosted the 2015–16 UCI Track Cycling World Cup. There are also many cycle and walking tracks that have been purpose built around Cambridge. The 60 km (37 mi) Te Awa River Ride, [36] from Ngāruawāhia to Karapiro, is planned to be fully open by the end of 2021. [37] It currently has two paths open which are for cyclists and walkers. The purpose built track runs from the centre of Cambridge out to the velodrome and follows the Waikato river. There is also a wide cycleway running from Leamington to Lake Karapiro Domain. Cambridge will host the New Zealand National Road Race Championships and the accompanying time trial between the years of 2020 and 2022 with an option for a fourth year, the event will take place in mid February. [38]
The town is now well known for its Thoroughbred studs and stables, which have produced many champion horses in the sports of racing and show jumping. Cambridge is popularly known as the 'equine capital' of New Zealand. [39] Internationally known thoroughbred studs in the area include:
Lake Karapiro, recognised as one of the premium rowing lakes in the world, is close by, producing several world rowing champions, notably Rob Waddell, Robbie Manson, the Evers-Swindell twins, Georgina and Caroline, Mahé Drysdale and James Dallinger. The 2010 World Rowing Championships were held at Lake Karapiro.
Cambridge is home to two clubs, Hautapu Sports Club, founded in 1903, and Leamington Rugby Sports Club, founded in 1897.
Cambridge is home to Cambridge FC who were the 2017 and 2015 Waikato Bay of Plenty Premiership champions, [40] and Waipa Sports Club of the Year in 2014 and 2015. [41]
Cambridge and the surrounding district is host to many sporting, cultural and trade events. More than 120,000 visitors attend the National Agricultural Fieldays [42] every year at the Mystery Creek Events Centre between Cambridge and Hamilton.
Every summer, Lake Karapiro hosts the Waka Ama Sprint National Championships and the hydroplane racing as part of the New Zealand Grand Prix Circuit. In February, the Keyte Watson Polo Tournament takes place at Leamington, Cambridge. Every March, Cambridge holds its four-day Autumn Festival and in December, a Christmas Festival (including a town parade) takes place. [43]
Cambridge's local annual event is the Battle of the Bridges, a rugby and netball competition between the two sports clubs in Cambridge, Leamington and Hautapu, however the trophy is awarded to the winning team in the rugby match. The event takes place in August each year. The first ever match between the two sides, in 2013, ended in a 0–0 draw. [44]
Switch FM is a local radio station.
Cambridge also has two local newspapers, the Cambridge News [45] and the Cambridge Edition. [46]
There is also a lively Facebook page that is used to share and request information and resources. [47]
Cambridge High School is the town's co-educational state secondary school for Year 9 to 13 students, [48] [49] with a roll of 1,786 as of February 2024. [50] Cambridge Middle School is the town's intermediate school for Year 7 to 10 students, [51] with a roll of 671. [52]
The town has three state primary schools for Year 1 to 6 students: Cambridge East School [53] [54] with a roll of 375; [55] Cambridge School, [56] [57] with a roll of 355; [58] Leamington School, [59] [60] with a roll of 486. [61]
Cambridge also has two non-state schools with similar names. St. Peter's School is a co-educational Anglican private (independent) school for Year 7 to 13 students, [62] [63] with a roll of 1,185. [64] St Peter's Catholic School is a co-educational Roman Catholic integrated primary school for Year 1 to 8 students, [65] [66] with a roll of 181. [67]
Past or present residents include:
Cambridge was also the birthplace of All Black Sir Colin Meads KNZM MBE; George Albert Tuck (1884–1981), a notable New Zealand builder, soldier and diarist; artist Frances Irwin Hunt 1890–1981) and educationalist Blanche Eleanor Carnachan, MBE, (1871–1954).
Matamata is a town in Waikato, New Zealand. It is located near the base of the Kaimai Ranges, and is a thriving farming area known for Thoroughbred horse breeding and training pursuits. It is part of the Matamata-Piako District, which takes in the surrounding rural areas, as well as Morrinsville and Te Aroha. State Highway 27 and the Kinleith Branch railway run through the town. The town has a population of 9,130 as of June 2023.
Balclutha is a town in South Otago, lying towards the end of the Clutha River, on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is about halfway between Dunedin and Gore on the Main South Line railway, State Highway 1 and the Southern Scenic Route. Balclutha has a population of 4,340, and is the largest town in South Otago.
Te Kūiti is a town in the north of the King Country region of the North Island of New Zealand. It lies at the junction of State Highways 3 and 30 and on the North Island Main Trunk railway, 80 kilometres (50 mi) south of Hamilton. The town promotes itself as the sheep shearing capital of the world and is host to the annual New Zealand National Shearing Championships.
Ngāruawāhia is a town in the Waikato region of the North Island of New Zealand. It is located 20 kilometres (12 mi) north-west of Hamilton at the confluence of the Waikato and Waipā Rivers, adjacent to the Hakarimata Range. Ngāruawāhia is in the Hamilton Urban Area, the fourth largest urban area in New Zealand. The location was once considered as a potential capital of New Zealand.
Te Awamutu is a town in the Waikato region in the North Island of New Zealand. It is the council seat of the Waipa District and serves as a service town for the farming communities which surround it. Te Awamutu is located some 30 kilometres (19 mi) south of Hamilton on State Highway 3, one of the two main routes south from Auckland and Hamilton.
Tuakau is a town in the Waikato region at the foot of the Bombay Hills, formerly part of the Franklin District until 2010, when it became part of Waikato District in the North Island of New Zealand. The town serves to support local farming, and is the residence of many employees of New Zealand Steel at Glenbrook.
Morrinsville is a provincial town in the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island, with an estimated population of 8,960 as of June 2023. The town is located at the northern base of the Pakaroa Range, and on the south-western fringe of the Hauraki Plains. Morrinsville is around 33 kilometres east of Hamilton and 22 kilometres west of Te Aroha. The town is bordered by the Piako River to the east and the Waitakaruru Stream to the south.
Te Aroha is a rural town in the Waikato region of New Zealand with a population of 3,906 people in the 2013 census, an increase of 138 people since 2006. It is 53 km (33 mi) northeast of Hamilton and 50 km (31 mi) south of Thames. It sits at the foot of 952 metres (3,123 ft) Mount Te Aroha, the highest point in the Kaimai Range.
Tokoroa is the fifth-largest town in the Waikato region of the North Island of New Zealand and largest settlement in the South Waikato District. Located 30 km southwest of Rotorua and 20 km south of Putāruru, close to the foot of the Mamaku Ranges, it is midway between Taupō and Hamilton on State Highway 1.
Waipa District is a municipality in the Waikato region of New Zealand that is administered by the Waipa District Council. Its most populous town is Cambridge. The seat of the council is at the second most populous town, Te Awamutu. The district is south and south-east of the city of Hamilton. It has five wards: Te Awamutu, Cambridge, Pirongia, Maungatautari and Kakepuku.
Ōtorohanga is a north King Country town in the Waikato region in the North Island of New Zealand. It is located 53 kilometres (33 mi) south of Hamilton and 18 kilometres (11 mi) north of Te Kūiti, on the Waipā River. It is a service town for the surrounding dairy-farming district. It is recognised as the "gateway" to the Waitomo Caves and as the "Kiwiana Town" of New Zealand. Until 2007, Ōtorohanga held a yearly 'Kiwiana Festival.'
Putāruru is a small town in the South Waikato District and the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island. It lies on the western side of the Mamaku Ranges and in the upper basin of the Waihou River. It is on the Oraka Stream 65 kilometres south-east of Hamilton. State Highway 1 and the Kinleith Branch railway run through the town.
The Cambridge Branch is a rural railway line in the Waikato, New Zealand. The line stretches from Ruakura Junction for 15.08 kilometres (9.37 mi) to the settlement of Hautapu, having previously continued another 4.19 kilometres (2.60 mi) to the township of Cambridge. It had five stations along its length, at Newstead, Matangi (Tamahere), Bruntwood (Fencourt), Hautapu and the terminus at Cambridge.
Tamahere is a locality within Waikato District, New Zealand; on the outskirts of Hamilton. The majority of the Ward is zoned as Country Living, with a minimum lot size of 0.5ha. The landscape is dominated by several large gully systems that contribute to the Waikato River.
Wharepapa South is a rural community in the Waipa District and Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island. It is located west of Putāruru and east of Te Awamutu.
Rangitoto is a rural community in the Waitomo District and Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island.
Taupō Central is the central suburb and business district of Taupō in the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island.
Hautapu is a township in the Waipa District and Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island, located just north of Cambridge across State Highway 1.
Karapiro is a settlement and rural area in the Waipa District and Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island. It includes both the artificially created Lake Karapiro and the accompanying Karapiro Power Station. Karapiro is located just off State Highway 1, south-west of Cambridge.
Waipā Networks Limited is a New Zealand electricity distribution company, serving Cambridge, Te Awamutu and areas extending to Kawhia, Hauturu, Pukeatua, French Pass and Paterangi. Waipā has about 30,000 connections and is 100% owned by the Waipā Energy Trust.