Feeling lonely, isolated or need a MATE to talk to?
Meet with a MATE at your local cafe and get the support you need. ​

MATES Cafe is here for you when you are going through crisis. We understand that we all go through challenges in life, just as you are and when we have, we have reached out to a MATE for support. MATES recognise the benefits of having someone to talk to and just being there for us. We therefore want to be there for someone else when they need a shoulder to lean on. After all, isn't that what MATES are for?

Canterbury NZ - MATES Cafe Network

    Contact MATES
A Call-Out to ALL!
Can You Spare ONE Hour of Your Life to Save a Life?

MATES Cafe is purely about saving lives. Do you realise that in 2017-2018 over 668 people in New Zealand chose to take their own life because they couldn't stand the emotional trauma they were undergoing. Many of these occurred because of relationship breakdown.

Over 16,280 New Zealanders have killed themselves  since 1985! 
One person has taken there own life on average every 18 hours over the last 33 years.(approx. 12,500 Men and 3,780 Women Suicides in same period) Age-standardised suicide death rate, 1996 - 2012 New Zealand

Enough is enough!
MATES has been operating for nearly 10 Years in New Zealand... we now need your help to drastically lower the suicide rate... are you with us?

Saving someones life can be to either:
  1. Help them navigate in a new direction, and potentially prevent them from killing themselves...
  2. Help them to find support and hope to move forward in rebuilding their new life...
  3. Help spare the pain and anguish of all those around them that will be affected for the rest of their lives, if they go through with it... spouses, ex-spouses, children, friends, friends of friends, workmates, colleagues, school friends many more...​
​

Canterbury Region

MATES North Island Centres (Click Here)  /  MATES South Island Centres (Click Here)

Support Services for Canterbury Region

LifeLine New Zealand Last updated 06/06/2013 LifeLine is here to listen to the unheard, to empower the caller to retake control of their situation, making callers aware of options rather than offering advice.

This provider offers a national helpline service.
  • Availability: 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Depression Helpline -  0800 111 757  Last updated 23/02/2012 The Depression Helpline and website are part of a national public health campaign called the National Depression Initiative. The website includes a self-test, resources, an interactive journal and links to other help services. The helpline is av...

This provider offers a national helpline service.
  • Availability: Helpline is available 8am to midnight daily. Website is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Lifeline Christchurch - Telephone & Email Counselling Last updated 06/12/2012 Lifeline Christchurch provides a free, 24 hour telephone counselling service offering help, support, responsive listening and information. Phone 366 6743 in Christchurch or  0800 54 33 54  toll free. Counsellors can help you work through a range ...


  • Availability: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will accept calls from anyone in New Zealand.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Mental Health Foundation - Southern Region Last updated 13/12/2012 Providing mental health information and education seminars and workshop on a variety of mental health issues

  • Unit 16
  • 212 Antigua Street
  • Christchurch
  • Availability: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Mental Health Education and Resource Centre Last updated 18/01/2013 Provides information and education to people in Canterbury through workforce development (education), a FREE mental health library and a website (www.mherc.org.nz). MHERC can also refer people to local support agencies in Canterbury, and assist n...

  • 314 Selwyn Street
  • Spreydon
  • Christchurch
  • 8023
  • Availability: Monday - Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Birthright Christchurch Inc Last updated 02/04/2013 Birthright is a national organisation which works to support, strengthen and advocate for one-parent families. We support one parent families by assisting with clothing, curtains furniture, school uniforms etc. We also hold family events to help b...

  • Level 2
  • 307 Brougham Street
  • Sydenham
  • Christchurch
  • 8023
  • Availability: Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5pm
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: Referral may apply.
Youthline - Central South Island Last updated 18/06/2013 Professional, confidential and free telephone, text and email counselling. Aimed at young people but all callers accepted. Information and referral service for young people and their friends and families and those that live and work with young p...


  • Availability: Phone/text counselling available 24/7
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Shakti Ethnic Women's Support Group Inc. (Christchurch) Last updated 03/08/2012 The Shakti Ethnic Women's Support Group (Christchurch) was founded by ethnic women in Christchurch in response to the need for support services for migrant and refugee women (and their children) in South Island struggling to overcome the barriers ...


  • Availability:
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
South Canterbury Women's Refuge Last updated 17/12/2012 Support and help for women and children who suffer from or experience family domestic violence. Education programme for women and children. Safe emergency accommodation. 24/7 Crisis line:  0800 007 750  Advocacy and support with legal, court, ju...

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • Availability: 24 hour crisis line  0800 733 843  REFUGE
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: Referral may apply.
Victim Support - Mid Canterbury Last updated 27/07/2012 Victim support provides information, support and assistance to victims, witnesses, their families and friends. Victim Support also promotes victims' rights through raising public awareness and recognition of the effects of crime.


  • Availability: The Victim Support Service is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Victim Support - South Canterbury Last updated 27/07/2012 Victim support provides information, support and assistance to victims, witnesses, their families and friends. Victim Support also promotes victims' rights through raising public awareness and recognition of the effects of crime.


  • Availability: The Victim Support Service is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Victim Support - North Canterbury Last updated 27/07/2012 Victim support provides information, support and assistance to victims, witnesses, their families and friends. Victim Support also promotes victims' rights through raising public awareness and recognition of the effects of crime.


  • Availability: The Victim Support Service is available 24 hours, seven days a week.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Victim Support - Christchurch Last updated 27/07/2012 Victim support provides information, support and assistance to victims, witnesses, their families and friends. Victim Support also promotes victims' rights through raising public awareness and recognition of the effects of crime.


  • Availability: The Victim Support Service is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Salvation Army Oasis Centre - Christchurch Last updated 15/11/2012 The Oasis Centres provide free and confidential specialist counselling/intervention and public health services for those adversely affected by gambling related problems.

  • 126 Bealey Avenue
  • Christchurch
  • 8013
  • Availability: Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm office open to make appointment . Services also offered in Kaiapoi and Rangiora.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Purapura Whetu Trust Last updated 12/11/2012 Purapura Whetu Trust is a community based Kaupapa Maori mental health organisation. Purapura Whetu Trust was initiated in 2002 to address the needs within the local Maori community. The Kaupapa Maori model of care 'Purapura Whetu Te Kohinga' is ou...

  • Level 1
  • 166 St Asaph Street
  • Christchurch
  • 8011
  • Availability: EARTHQUAKE UPDATE: Normal hrs Monday to Friday 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: Referral may apply.
He Waka Tapu Limited Last updated 31/05/2013 He Waka Tapu is a Kaupapa Maori organisation. We are funded to work with Maori or those that have Maori partners or children. Services are therefore delivered using a kaupapa Maori framework encompassing tinana (physical well-being), wairua (spiri...

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • 161 Pages Road
  • Aranui
  • Christchurch
  • Availability: Normal hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: Referral may apply.
West Christchurch Women's Refuge Last updated 31/05/2013 Women's Refuges work to raise public awareness of violence against women and children, promoting the prevention and elimination of violence, and the rights of women and children to care and protection; our objectives are also met by the provision ...

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • Availability: 24hour/7 days a week - via the 24 hour crisis line
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Otautahi Women's Refuge Last updated 10/04/2013 Women's Refuges work to raise public awareness of violence against women and children, promoting the prevention and elimination of violence, and the rights of women and children to care and protection. For support, please ring our Crisis Line: 080...

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • Availability: 24 hour crisis line 0800 117474
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Battered Women's Trust Last updated 14/01/2013 Women's Refuges work to raise public awareness of violence against women and children, promoting the prevention and elimination of violence, and the rights of women and children to care and protection. For support, please ring our Crisis Line: 080...

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • Availability: Office hours are 9am - 5pm. Crisis line is operational 24 hours a day
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Salvation Army - Linwood Last updated 08/05/2013 Salvation Army Corps. Worshipping congregation and community and family services.

  • 177 Linwood Avenue
  • Linwood
  • Christchurch
  • Availability: Community & Family Centre: 9.00am - 4.00pm, Monday to Friday. Budgeting Service available on  (03) 389 3523 
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
The Salvation Army - Aranui Last updated 04/06/2013 Salvation Army corps. Services available in this area are community and family services, foodbank, hospital visitation, study groups, visiting of the elderly, women's groups, worship services

  • 32 - 34 Portsmouth Street
  • Aranui
  • Christchurch
  • 8061
  • Availability: Mon, Tues, Wed Thurs, Friday 10 am - 2 pm
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: No referral required.


 SHINE: Safer Homes In New Zealand Everyday Inc Last updated 04/10/2012 Shine (Safer Homes In New Zealand Everyday) is making homes violence free. Shine offers a free national Helpline and a number of innovative services that work to stop domestic abuse.

This provider offers a national helpline service. Approved Family Violence Provider
  • Ground Floor
  • 409 New North Road
  • Kingsland
  • Auckland
  • Availability: Helpline ( 0508 744 633 ) is answered 9am - 11pm, 7 days a week . Our office hours are 8.30am - 5.00pm weekdays.
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: Referral may apply.
Canterbury Men's Centre Last updated 27/05/2013 We support men in a variety of ways. Phone us to make a time to talk to someone. We spend that hour with a man to help him figure out next steps. We also have a counselling service with skilled counsellors, sensitive the men. Pricing is based on y...

  • 369 Gloucester St
  • Christchurch
  • 8011
  • Availability: Monday - Friday 8 am-5 pm. We recognise that many men can't use our services inside these hours so please contact us and we will find a way to get in touch.
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Mensline Christchurch Last updated 15/04/2013 Support and encouragement for men facing changes and challenges in their lives i.e. relationships, work, anger, fathering, separation, loneliness, etc.

  • 86 Westholme Street
  • Christchurch
  • Availability: Men's Support Group: Tuesday, 7.30-9.30pm. Our meeting place is the Avon Loop Community Cottage, 28 Hurley St (near The Holiday Inn, off Oxford Tce, off Barbadoes St).
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
South Canterbury Violence Intervention Project Last updated 18/12/2012 Stopping Violence / Anger management programmes for men, youth and children.

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • Community House
  • 27 Strathallan Street
  • Timaru
  • Availability: 9.00am - 3.00pm Monday, Thursday and Friday. 9.00am - 5.00pm Tuesday and Wednesday.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Gaylink Last updated 23/04/2013 Face to face support and referral for gays who are victims of violence or threatened with it; organizing the Anti-Violence Project

  • Unit 2
  • 59 Cranford Street
  • Saint Albans
  • Christchurch
  • 8014
  • Availability: Any negotiated time - usually outside normal working hours!
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Avonside House Trust Last updated 15/04/2013 Avonside House Trust provides a caring home based on Christian Values for men with mild to moderate needs, from young adulthood onwards.

  • 20 Lychgate Close
  • Linwood
  • Christchurch
  • 8011
  • Availability: 24 Hours/Seven days per week
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: Referral may apply.
Aviva (Christchurch Women's Refuge) Last updated 27/05/2013 Aviva is the new name and face of Christchurch Women's Refuge. At Aviva, we help individuals and families to become - and stay - free of violence. We work with women, children and men, giving each person the support they need, when they need it, ...

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • Level 1
  • 90 Fitzgerald Avenue
  • Christchurch
  • 8011
  • Availability: Support and Information line 24-hours a day 0800 AVIVA NOW 0800 28482 669 Specialist Support for men, by men 9-5 Mon-Fri 0800 REACHOUT 0800 73224688
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Alcoholics Anonymous - Christchurch Last updated 23/04/2013 Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desi...


  • Availability: Office: 10am to 2pm Phones: 24/7
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Salvation Army - Canterbury North-West Last updated 25/02/2013 Church based social service agency.

  • 71 Peterborough Street
  • Christchurch
  • Availability: Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Stopping Violence Services (Christchurch) Inc Last updated 16/04/2013 To stop violence in our community, offering anger management programmes for men, women and youth. Groups and individual programmes are available after an assessment has been completed with a Clinical Worker. Cost of the programme is associated to ...

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • 7a Harakeke Street
  • Riccarton
  • Christchurch
  • 8011
  • Availability: Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.00pm
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Hope4Life Last updated 19/12/2012 Offering professional counselling services(4 counsellors); a Kingdom Resources budget advisor onsite. We also provide life skill courses that are relevant, inclusive and current to the community, assisting people with their personal, social, econ...

  • Level 1, South Building
  • 285 Cashel Street
  • City Centre
  • Christchurch
  • Availability: Monday - Friday 9.00 - 5.00 pm - for counselling sessions & evening appointments by arrangement. Life courses are held during the day and evenings, depending on course running at the time.
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Overeaters Anonymous - Canterbury Intergroup Last updated 17/05/2013 Is food a problem for you? Overeaters Anonymous is a twelve-step programme for men and women who support each other in solving their common problem of compulsive eating including anorexia, bulimia, obesity and overeating.


  • Availability: Please contact us for meeting times and locations.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
STOP Christchurch - Child, Adolescent and Adult Programmes Last updated 21/02/2013 STOP works to end sexual abuse by providing treatment for children, adolescents, and adults who have sexually abused or been engaged in harmful sexual behaviour. Adolescent Programmes cover Canterbury, West Coast, Marlborough, Otago, Southland di...

  • 126 Waimairi Road
  • Ilam
  • Christchurch
  • 8041
  • Availability: 8.30am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: Referral may apply.
Salvation Army - Linwood Last updated 08/05/2013 Salvation Army Corps. Worshipping congregation and community and family services.

  • 177 Linwood Avenue
  • Linwood
  • Christchurch
  • Availability: Community & Family Centre: 9.00am - 4.00pm, Monday to Friday. Budgeting Service available on  (03) 389 3523 
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
New Zealand AIDS Foundation - South Last updated 28/09/2012 The New Zealand AIDS Foundation was established to prevent the transmission of HIV and maximise the health and wellbeing of those living with HIV / AIDS.

  • 253 Cashel Street
  • CBD
  • Christchurch
  • Availability: 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
YMCA South and Mid Canterbury Last updated 21/09/2012 YMCA South and Mid Canterbury provides free, second chance education programmes to both youth and adults. Programmes also include recreation and sport for youth, OSCAR holiday programmes for children, youth holiday programmes for young people, sup...

  • 23 Butler Street
  • Timaru
  • 7910
  • Availability: 8.30am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: Referral may apply.
Salvation Army - Sydenham Last updated 08/05/2013 The Salvation Army Syndenham has many community based activites avaliable for everyone. We promote a wide range of events held at our community house "Number 17 House".

  • 250 Colombo Street
  • Christchurch
  • 8002
  • Availability:
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Salvation Army - Sydenham (Community Ministries) Last updated 13/02/2013 To facilitate and support the development of the Sydenham community by helping to bring together individuals and families/whanau; explore common needs and responses to them; provide access to resources and services; build a caring neighbourhood en...

  • Number 17 House
  • 17 Southampton Street
  • Sydenham
  • Christchurch
  • 8023
  • Availability: Monday to Friday, services by appointment.
  • Charges: Koha/donation may apply.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
White Wings Charitable Trust Last updated 27/03/2013 A hostel tailored for men who are living with mental illness. The team adopt an advocacy role, providing tenants with a listening ear, whilst promoting the use of local services and assistance with independent living skills

  • 62 Essex Street
  • Phillipstown
  • Christchurch
  • Availability:
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Trust - Christchurch Last updated 27/03/2013 Peer support for men who were sexually abused when they were children. To empower male survivors of sexual abuse in their recovery process and to work towards changing the way the community views sexual abuse, the effects, the victims and the perp...


  • Availability: Mon - Fri 9am - 5 pm
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Kingdom Resources Last updated 15/05/2013 Kingdom Resources is a not-for-profit Christian organisation offering budget advice, budget education courses, career advice and employment education courses in Christchurch and North Canterbury.

  • Addingtown Mall
  • 300-304 Lincoln Road
  • Addington
  • Christchurch
  • 8024
  • Availability: Office hours: 8.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday. 24hour answerphone.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Hagley Community College - Refugee Programmes Last updated 03/04/2013 Refugee Programmes at Hagley Community College provide education and support services to assist in the resettlement process. This includes a study centre, social empowerment courses, community bilingual liaison, events and celebrations, at risk wo...

  • (03) 379 3090x810
  • 510 Hagley Avenue
  • Christchurch
  • 8011
  • Availability: 8.30 am - 4:30 Mon - Fri (whole school)
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Father & Child Trust Last updated 13/02/2013 One-on-one and group support for fathers and their children. Educating providers about inclusive family services. Advocacy, resources.

  • 1/369 Hereford Street
  • Christchurch
  • Availability: 9am-2pm Monday to Friday, or by appointment.
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: Referral may apply.
REAL STEPS Trust Last updated 27/02/2013 To empower people to make positive choices in life by learning how to break unhealthy cycles that may have been caused by broken relationships, violence, abuse, neglect and crime. We will provide unique, professional and affordable life skills pro...

  • 801B Main North Road
  • Belfast
  • Christchurch
  • Availability: Tuesday to Thursday 9am - 5pm
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Timaru Mental Health Support Trust Last updated 27/11/2012 The Timaru Mental Health Support Trust is a not for profit trust formed on 2nd May 1997 with the purpose of providing support to people with a mental illness in the wider Timaru community. Timaru Mental Health Support Trust provides wellness pr...

  • 83 King Street
  • Kensington
  • Timaru
  • 7910
  • Availability: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm Tuesday 10.00am - 5.00pm Thursday 9.00am 8.00pm Saturday & Sunday 12.30pm - 4.30pm
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: Referral may apply.
He Waka Tapu Limited Last updated 31/05/2013 He Waka Tapu is a Kaupapa Maori organisation. We are funded to work with Maori or those that have Maori partners or children. Services are therefore delivered using a kaupapa Maori framework encompassing tinana (physical well-being), wairua (spiri...

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • 161 Pages Road
  • Aranui
  • Christchurch
  • Availability: Normal hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: Referral may apply.


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Information about Canterbury

Number of people counted

Total population
  • 521,832 people usually live in Canterbury Region. This is an increase of 40,401 people, or 8.4 percent, since the 2001 Census.
  • Its population ranks 2nd in size out of the 16 regions in New Zealand.
  • Canterbury Region has 13.0 percent of New Zealand's population.
Population of Canterbury Region and New Zealand, 2006 Census  Region/City/District New Zealand
  • Male  254,685  1,965,621
  • Female  267,147  2,062,329
  • Total  521,832  4,027,947
Māori ethnic population
  • 36,669 Māori usually live in Canterbury Region, an increase of 5,037 people, or 15.9 percent, since the 2001 Census.
  • Its Māori population ranks 7th in size out of the 16 regions in New Zealand.
  • 6.5 percent of New Zealand's Māori population usually live in Canterbury Region. 
Māori Population of Canterbury Region and New Zealand, 2006 Census  Region/City/District New Zealand
  • Male  18,453  274,860
  • Female  18,219  290,466
  • Total  36,669  565,329
Note: The Māori ethnic population is the count for people of the Māori ethnic group. It includes those people who stated Māori as being either their sole ethnic group or one of several ethnic groups.

Number of dwellings counted
  • There are 202,698 occupied dwellings and 18,117 unoccupied dwellings in Canterbury Region.
  • For New Zealand as a whole, there are 1,478,709 occupied dwellings and 159,273 unoccupied dwellings.
  • There are 1,794 dwellings under construction in Canterbury Region, compared with 13,560 under construction throughout New Zealand.
Dwellings in Canterbury Region and New Zealand, 2006 Census Dwelling status       Region/City/District New Zealand
  • Occupied Private dwelling  201,660  1,471,746    
  • Non-private dwelling  1,038  6,963    
  • Total  202,698  1,478,709
  • Unoccupied  18,117  159,273
  • Under construction  1,794  13,560
  • Total  222,612  1,651,542
Note: This data has been randomly rounded to protect confidentiality. Individual figures may not add up to totals, and values for the same data may vary in different text, tables and graphs. 


Canterbury Region

The New Zealand region of Canterbury (Māori: Waitaha) is mainly composed of the Canterbury Plains and the surrounding mountains. Its main city, Christchurch, hosts the main office of the Christchurch City Council, the Canterbury Regional Council - called Environment Canterbury (ECAN) - and the University of Canterbury.

History This section requires expansion. Main article: History of the Canterbury Region Colonisation In 1848, Edward Gibbon Wakefield, a Briton, and John Robert Godley, an Anglo-Irish aristocrat, founded the Canterbury Association to establish an Anglican colony in New Zealand's South Island. The colony was based upon theories developed by Wakefield while in prison for eloping with a woman not-of-age. Due to ties to the prestigious Oxford University, the Canterbury Association succeeded in raising sufficient funds and recruiting middle-class and upper-class settlers.[2] In April 1850, a preliminary group led by Godley landed at Port Cooper—modern-day Lyttleton Harbour—and established a port, housing and shops in preparation for the main body of settlers. In December 1850, the first wave of 750 settlers arrived at Lyttleton in a fleet of four ships.[2]

Following 1850, the province's economy developed with the introduction of sheep farming. The Canterbury region's tussock plains in particular were suitable for extensive sheep farming. Since they were highly valued by settlers for their meat and wool, there were over half a million sheep in the region by the early 1850s. By the 1860s, this figure had risen to three million.[2] During this period, the architect Benjamin Mountfort designed many civic and ecclesiastical buildings in the Gothic Revival style.

Canterbury Province Main article: Canterbury Province The Canterbury Province was formed in 1853 following the passing of the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852 from the part of New Munster Province and covered both the east and west coasts of the South Island of New Zealand. The province was abolished, along with other provinces of New Zealand, when the Abolition of the Provinces Act came into force on 1 Nov 1876.[3]

Geography See also: Geology of the Canterbury Region Canterbury is New Zealand's largest region by area, with an area of 45,346 km². The region is traditionally bounded in the north by the Conway River and to the west by the Southern Alps. The southern boundary is the Waitaki River.

The area is commonly divided into North Canterbury (north of the Rakaia River), Mid Canterbury (from the Rakaia River to the Rangitata River), South Canterbury (south of the Rangitata River) and Christchurch (Christchurch City). For many purposes South Canterbury is considered a separate region, centred on the city of Timaru.

The population of Canterbury region is 560,700 (June 2011 estimate),[1] making it the largest region in the South Island and the second largest region in New Zealand by population.

Economy Crossing the Macauley River, Lilybank Station, Canterbury, New Zealand, 1977. The Canterbury region’s economy is diversified into agriculture, industry, fishing, forestry, tourism and energy resources such as coal and hydropower.[4] Its agriculture sector is also diversified into dairy farming, sheep farming and horticulture particularly viticulture.[5] The strength of the region's agricultural economy is displayed every November at the Canterbury A&P Show. The show coincides with the regional anniversary day and Cup Week. During the interwar period, agricultural productivity was boosted by the introduction of mechanization, lime and the improvement of seed stocks. Canterbury is also New Zealand's main producer of cereal crops such as wheat, barley and oats. As of 2002, the region produced 60.7% of the nation's supply of wheat, 51.1% of its barley stocks and 43.7% of its supply of oats.[5]

The region's viticulture industry was established by French settlers in Akaroa. Since then, wine-growing is concentrated into two regions: Waipara and Burnham.[5] Recently there have been vintages from plantings from Kurow further to the south. White wine has typically predominated in Canterbury from Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, and to a lesser extent Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Pinot Noir has had some success in the province particularly in Waipara.

The sub-national GDP of the Canterbury region was estimated at US$15.074 billion in 2003, 12% of New Zealand's national GDP.[6]

Environment The Canterbury Plains seen from Mount Hutt Main article: Environment of New Zealand Like much of the Canterbury-Otago tussock grasslands the Canterbury Plains have been highly modified since human settlement and now support a large agricultural industry. Prior to the arrival of Māori settlers in the 13th century, much of the modern Canterbury region was covered in scrub and beech forests. Forest fires destroyed much of the original forest cover which was succeeded by tussock grassland. By the 19th century, only ten percent of this forest cover remained and the European settlers introduced several new exotic grass, lupin, pine and macrocarpa that gradually supplanted the native vegetation. Much of the native vegetation was isolated to the alpine zones and the Banks peninsular. Recently, the amount of forest on Banks Peninsula has increased from a minimum of about one percent of its original forest cover.

The amount of dairy farming is increasing with a corresponding increase in demand for water. Water use is now becoming a contentious issue in Canterbury. Lowland rivers and streams are generally polluted and some of the aquifers are being overdrawn. The Central Plains Water scheme is a proposal for water storage that has attracted much controversy. The Canterbury Water Management Strategy is one of the many means being used to address the water issue.

The Canterbury mudfish (kowaro) is an endangered species that is monitored by the Department of Conservation.

Politics and government Representation The Canterbury Region is covered by eleven parliamentary electorates which consists of ten general electorates and one Maori electorate. The city of Christchurch comprises five of these electorates. The Christchurch East, Christchurch Central and the Port Hills electorates are currently held by Labour Party members Lianne Dalziel, Brendon Burns and Ruth Dyson, respectively. Meanwhile Ilam is held by the governing National Party's Gerry Brownlee and Wigram is represented by Progressive Party's leader and sole-MP Jim Anderton. In contrast to Christchurch, much of the surrounding Canterbury region is dominated by the National Party due to its ties to rural farming and business interests. The sole exception to this is the Waimakariri electorate, which is represented by Clayton Cosgrove of the Labour Party.

Under the Maori seats system, Canterbury is part of the large Te Tai Tonga election which covers the entire South Island, the surrounding islands and most of Wellington in the North Island. It is currently held by the Maori Party MP Rahui Katene.

Following the 2006 Census, several boundary changes were implemented in the Canterbury region. Rakaia and Aoraki were renamed Selwyn and Rangitata respectively while the Banks Peninsula was reconstituted as the Port Hills. The large Kaikoura electorate covers all of the Marlborough Region and is represented by National MP Colin King. The substantial Waitaki electorate coveres most of South Canterbury and neighboring North Otago. Rangitata and Selwyn are held by National MPs Jo Goodhew and Amy Adams while Waitaki is represented by Jacqui Dean who also represents much of the Otago region with the exception of the Dunedin North and Dunedin South electorates.

Members of Parliament for Canterbury Electorate Established MP Party Christchurch Central 1946 Brendon Burns Labour Christchurch East 1996 Lianne Dalziel Labour Ilam 1996 Gerry Brownlee National Kaikōura* 1996 Colin King National Port Hills 2008 Ruth Dyson Labour Rangitata 2008 Jo Goodhew National Selwyn 2008 Amy Adams National Te Tai Tonga* 1996 Rahui Katene Māori Waimakariri 1996 Clayton Cosgrove Labour Waitaki* 2008 Jacqui Dean National Wigram 1996 Jim Anderton Progressive
  • *electorates of which the boundaries extend beyond Canterbury
Structures The Canterbury region is governed by the Canterbury Regional Council which is divided into ten further territorial authorities including the Christchurch City Council and the Waitaki District which is divided between Canterbury and Otago. When the current local government structure was introduced in 1989, Kaikoura District was part of the Nelson-Marlborough Region. That region was later abolished and replaced with three unitary authorities. Kaikoura was too small to function as an independent unitary authority and was moved under the jurisdiction of the Canterbury Regional Council in 1992. However Kaikoura remains part of Marlborough in the minds of many people. In 2006, the Banks Peninsula District was merged into Christchurch City following a 2005 referendum.

Sport The most popular sports are Rugby union and cricket.[citation needed] Canterbury is home to one of the most successful teams in Super Rugby; the Crusaders. The Crusaders also represent other provinces in the upper South Island, but are based in Christchurch. They were formerly known as the Canterbury Crusaders. In provincial rugby Canterbury is represented by three unions; Canterbury, Mid Canterbury and South Canterbury. For Historical reasons players from Kaikoura District still play for the Marlborough Rugby Union which is part of the Tasman Provincial team (Nelson/Marlborough Unions combined). The Canterbury Wizards are Canterbury's cricket team in New Zealand's State Championship. Other sporting teams include the Canterbury Tactix (Netball) and Canterbury United (Football).

Terminology People in New Zealand commonly refer to people from the Canterbury region as Cantabrians, a term also used for people from Cantabria (Spain), although in most contexts this is unlikely to produce confusion. People from the city of Canterbury in England refer to themselves as Cantuarians.