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Coordinates: 42°6′55″S 171°51′47″E / 42.11528°S 171.86306°E / -42.11528; 171.86306
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{{Short description|Town in the South Island of New Zealand}}{{For|the locality in Australia|Reefton, Victoria}}
{{Short description|Town in the South Island of New Zealand}}
{{about|the town in New Zealand|the locality in New South Wales|Reefton, New South Wales|the locality in Victoria|Reefton, Victoria}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=October 2020}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=October 2020}}
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| area_total_km2 = 2.63
| area_total_km2 = 2.63
| area_footnotes = <ref name="Area"/>
| area_footnotes = <ref name="Area"/>
| population_footnotes = {{NZ population data 2018 SA2||||y}}
| population_footnotes = {{NZ population data 2023 SA2||||y}}
| population_as_of = {{NZ population data 2018 SA2|||y}}
| population_as_of = {{NZ population data 2023 SA2|||y}}
| population_total = {{NZ population data 2018 SA2|Reefton|y}}
| population_total = {{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Reefton|y}}
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_density_km2 = auto
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_type = Country
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| official_name =
| official_name =
}}
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'''Reefton''' is a small town in the [[West Coast, New Zealand|West Coast]] region of New Zealand, some 80&nbsp;km northeast of [[Greymouth, New Zealand|Greymouth]], in the [[Inangahua River]] valley. [[Ahaura]] is 44&nbsp;km south-west of Reefton, [[Inangahua Junction]] is 34&nbsp;km to the north, [[Maruia]] is 63&nbsp;km to the east, and the [[Lewis Pass]] is 66&nbsp;km to the south-east.<ref>{{cite book|title=Reed New Zealand Atlas|year=2004|isbn=0-7900-0952-8|editor=Peter Dowling |publisher=Reed Books|no-pp=true|page=map 64}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The Geographic Atlas of New Zealand|year=2005|isbn=1-877333-20-4|author=Roger Smith, GeographX|publisher=Robbie Burton|no-pp=true|page=map 149}}</ref>
'''Reefton''' is a small town in the [[West Coast, New Zealand|West Coast]] region of New Zealand, approximately {{convert|80|km|abbr=on}} northeast of [[Greymouth, New Zealand|Greymouth]], in the [[Inangahua River]] valley. [[Ahaura]] is {{convert|44|km|abbr=on}} south-west of Reefton, [[Inangahua Junction]] is {{convert|34|km|abbr=on}} to the north, [[Maruia]] is {{convert|63|km|abbr=on}} to the east, and the [[Lewis Pass]] is {{convert|66|km|abbr=on}} to the south-east.<ref>{{cite book|title=Reed New Zealand Atlas|year=2004|isbn=0-7900-0952-8|editor=Peter Dowling |publisher=Reed Books|no-pp=true|page=map 64}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=The Geographic Atlas of New Zealand|year=2005|isbn=1-877333-20-4|author=Roger Smith, GeographX|publisher=Robbie Burton|no-pp=true|page=map 149}}</ref>


In 1888, it was the first town in New Zealand to be lit by electricity, generated by the [[Reefton Power Station]]. Reefton was a thriving gold mining town in the late 19th century, and gold mining lasted from the 1870s to the 1950s. Its economy is based on tourism, forestry, coal mining and farming.
In 1888, it was the first town in New Zealand to be lit by electricity, generated by the [[Reefton Power Station]]. Reefton was a thriving gold mining town in the late 19th century, and gold mining lasted from the 1870s to the 1950s. Its economy is based on tourism, forestry, coal mining, and farming.


Reefton is home to the Inangahua County Library.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Buller District Council, New Zealand » Library locations & opening hours|url=https://bullerdc.govt.nz/library-locations-a-opening-hours|access-date=2020-09-23|language=en-US}}</ref>
Reefton is home to the Inangahua County Library.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Buller District Council, New Zealand » Library locations & opening hours|url=https://bullerdc.govt.nz/library-locations-a-opening-hours|access-date=2020-09-23|language=en-US}}</ref>
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An earlier settlement, known as Ross Town, had been established on the opposite bank of the [[Inangahua River]] around 1870, but most businesses shifted across the river in 1871 to be nearer the quartz mining.<ref name=":0" /> There were mines at nearby locations such as [[Waiuta]] and [[Blacks Point]].<ref name=":4" />
An earlier settlement, known as Ross Town, had been established on the opposite bank of the [[Inangahua River]] around 1870, but most businesses shifted across the river in 1871 to be nearer the quartz mining.<ref name=":0" /> There were mines at nearby locations such as [[Waiuta]] and [[Blacks Point]].<ref name=":4" />


There was a downturn in the industry in the 1880s due to lack of money to develop deeper mines.<ref name=":4" /> Consolidated Goldfields New Zealand formed in 1896 and ran several mines.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite book|url=http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Cyc05Cycl-t1-body1-d1-d2-d57.html|title=The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Nelson, Marlborough & Westland Provincial Districts]|publisher=Cyclopedia Company Limited|year=1906|location=Christchurch|chapter=Reefton|via=NZETC}}</ref> Technology was modernised and the [[Reefton School of Mines]] opened in 1887 to apply more scientific knowledge to mining.<ref name=":5" />
There was a downturn in the industry in the 1880s due to lack of money to develop deeper mines.<ref name=":4" /> Consolidated Goldfields New Zealand formed in 1896 and ran several mines.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite book|url=http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Cyc05Cycl-t1-body1-d1-d2-d57.html|title=The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Nelson, Marlborough & Westland Provincial Districts]|publisher=Cyclopedia Company Limited|year=1906|location=Christchurch|chapter=Reefton|via=NZETC}}</ref> Technology was modernised and the [[Reefton School of Mines]] opened in 1887 to apply more scientific knowledge to mining.<ref name=":5" /> Blackwater mine operated from 1908 until 1951, when a shaft collapsed. It reopened as [[Snowy River (New Zealand)|Snowy River]] mine in December 2020 and employed 60 staff, who had dug {{Convert|9|km|abbr=on}} of tunnels by 2024, with plans for further expansion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-18 |title=Australian miner buying Reefton mine |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/507029/australian-miner-buying-reefton-mine |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=[[RNZ]] |language=en-nz}}</ref> Globe Progress mine produced {{Convert|610000|oz|tonne|abbr=}} of gold as an [[Open-pit mining|opencast]] pit from 2007 to 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Reefton Restoration Project – OceanaGold |url=https://oceanagold.com/operation/closure/reefton-restoration-project/ |access-date=2024-03-08 |language=en-AU}}</ref>

Gold mining at Reefton ceased in 1951.<ref name=":4" />


=== Electricity ===
=== Electricity ===
In 1888 Reefton became the first town in New Zealand to receive electricity,<ref name="NZHA88">{{cite book |title=New Zealand Historical Atlas |date=1997 |editor-last=McKinnon |editor-first=Malcolm |publisher=David Bateman |at=Plate 88 }}</ref> the work of Walter Prince,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ipenz.org.nz/heritage/itemdetail.cfm?itemid=2096|title=Reefton Power Station|publisher=Engineering Heritage New Zealand|access-date=29 June 2016}}</ref> and its streets were lit by commercial electricity generated by the [[Reefton Power Station]]. The power station was demolished in 1961 but the Reefton Power House Charitable Trust Inc has raised $4.5 million for a restructure project, and work started on buildings and a {{convert|1.8|km}} water race in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-15|title=Power to the People|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/countrylife/audio/2018722387/power-to-the-people|access-date=2020-09-12|website=RNZ|language=en-nz}}</ref>
In 1888 Reefton became the first town in New Zealand to receive electricity,<ref name="NZHA88">{{cite book |title=New Zealand Historical Atlas |date=1997 |editor-last=McKinnon |editor-first=Malcolm |publisher=David Bateman |at=Plate 88 }}</ref> the work of Walter Prince,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ipenz.org.nz/heritage/itemdetail.cfm?itemid=2096|title=Reefton Power Station|publisher=Engineering Heritage New Zealand|access-date=29 June 2016}}</ref> and its streets were lit by commercial electricity generated by the [[Reefton Power Station]]. The power station was demolished in 1961 but the Reefton Power House Charitable Trust Inc has raised $4.5 million for a restructure project, and work started on buildings and a {{convert|1.8|km}} water race in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-11-15|title=Power to the People|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/countrylife/audio/2018722387/power-to-the-people|access-date=2020-09-12|website=[[RNZ]] |language=en-nz}}</ref>


== Geography ==
== Geography ==


=== Climate ===
=== Climate ===
Located in the Inangahua Valley at an altitude of 194m, Reefton falls under the Köppen-Geiger climate classification of Cfb (Oceanic), though the town's sheltered inland location lends its climate less maritime influence than coastal areas; as such, Reefton has recorded both the extreme highest temperature of 33.7&nbsp;°C (92.7&nbsp;°F) and the extreme lowest temperature of -8.5&nbsp;°C (16.7&nbsp;°F) in the West Coast region. At an average temperature of 17.4&nbsp;°C (63.3&nbsp;°F), February is the warmest month. July is the coldest month, at 5.4&nbsp;°C (41.7&nbsp;°F). Reefton's average annual temperature is 11.7&nbsp;°C. Due to the town's inland location, summer afternoons are often considerably warmer in Reefton than coastal locations such as Greymouth or Westport, and it is not uncommon for winter mornings to be several degrees colder; nightly inversions of temperature are common due to the local geography, which encourages frequent periods of calm air. An average of 24 days per year will exceed 25&nbsp;°C (77&nbsp;°F); during an average winter, Reefton can expect to see 46 days of air frost and 61 days of ground frost. The Reefton area is the driest in the West Coast; this is largely due to the rain-shadow effect of the Paparoa Range.
Located in the Inangahua Valley at an altitude of 194m, Reefton falls under the Köppen-Geiger climate classification of Cfb (Oceanic). At an

average temperature of 15.9&nbsp;°C, February is the warmest month. July is the coldest month, at 6.8&nbsp;°C. Reefton's average annual temperature is 11.4&nbsp;°C. On average, snowfall occurs on 1.4 days annually, and an average of 22.1 days per year will exceed 26.7&nbsp;°C (80&nbsp;°F).
⚫
{{Weather box|width=auto
During an average winter, Reefton can expect to see 47 days of frost.
|metric first=y
⚫
{{Weather box
|single line=y
| location = Reefton, 194 m
|collapsed = Y
⚫
| Nov rain mm = 116.5
|location = Reefton (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1960–present)
⚫
| year rain mm = 1298.4
| Dec rain mm = 116.2
| Jan record high C = 33.7
| Oct rain mm = 127.7
| Feb record high C = 33.5
| Sep rain mm = 122.6
| Mar record high C = 30.1
| Aug rain mm = 110.0
| Apr record high C = 25.6
| Jul rain mm = 115.9
| May record high C = 22.1
| Jun rain mm = 115.3
| Jun record high C = 19.0
| May rain mm = 118.7
| Jul record high C = 18.9
| Apr rain mm = 105.3
| Aug record high C = 19.4
| Mar rain mm = 81.2
| Sep record high C = 24.8
| Feb rain mm = 70.3
| Oct record high C = 26.2
| Jan rain mm = 98.8
| Nov record high C = 30.9
| rain colour = green
| Dec record high C = 32.2
| unit rain days = 1.0 mm
| year record high C = 33.7
| metric first = Yes
|Jan high C = 23.4
| Jan high C = 21.4
|Feb high C = 23.6
| year high C = 16.1
|Mar high C = 21.2
| Dec high C = 19.6
|Apr high C = 17.4
| Nov high C = 17.8
|May high C = 13.7
| Oct high C = 15.7
|Jun high C = 10.5
| Sep high C = 14.0
|Jul high C = 10.2
| Aug high C = 12.0
|Aug high C = 12.4
| Jul high C = 10.5
|Sep high C = 14.9
| Jun high C = 10.8
|Oct high C = 16.7
| May high C = 13.5
|Nov high C = 19.0
| Apr high C = 16.8
|Dec high C = 21.5
| Mar high C = 19.8
| year high C =
| Feb high C = 21.6
|Jan mean C = 17.3
| Feb mean C = 16.5
|Feb mean C = 17.4
| single line = Yes
|Mar mean C = 15.2
| Jan mean C = 16.3
|Apr mean C = 12.1
| Mar mean C = 14.8
|May mean C = 9.1
| Jun low C = 2.5
|Jun mean C = 6.2
| year low C = 6.7
|Jul mean C = 5.4
| Dec low C = 10.2
|Aug mean C = 7.4
| Nov low C = 8.3
|Sep mean C = 9.6
| Oct low C = 6.6
|Oct mean C = 11.4
| Sep low C = 4.8
|Nov mean C = 13.4
| Aug low C = 2.8
|Dec mean C = 15.9
| Jul low C = 1.6
| year mean C =
| May low C = 4.7
|Jan low C = 11.2
| Apr mean C = 12.0
|Feb low C = 11.2
| Apr low C = 7.3
|Mar low C = 9.2
| Mar low C = 9.8
|Apr low C = 6.9
| Feb low C = 11.4
|May low C = 4.5
| Jan low C = 11.2
|Jun low C = 2.0
| year mean C = 11.4
|Jul low C = 0.7
| Dec mean C = 14.9
|Aug low C = 2.3
| Nov mean C = 13.0
|Sep low C = 4.3
| Oct mean C = 11.1
|Oct low C = 6.1
| Sep mean C = 9.4
|Nov low C = 7.8
| Aug mean C = 7.4
|Dec low C = 10.3
| Jul mean C = 6.0
| year low C =
| Jun mean C = 6.6
|Jan record low C = 0.7
| May mean C = 9.0
|Feb record low C = 0.5
|Mar record low C = -0.5
⚫
| source 1 = Climate-data.org<ref name= Climate-data.org>|
|Apr record low C = -3.5
|May record low C = -6.1
|Jun record low C = -8.0
|Jul record low C = -8.5
|Aug record low C = -7.0
|Sep record low C = -5.0
|Oct record low C = -3.9
|Nov record low C = -3.0
|Dec record low C = -0.1
|year record low C = -8.5
|rain colour = green
|Jan rain mm = 138.6
|Feb rain mm = 101.8
|Mar rain mm = 108.6
|Apr rain mm = 143.0
|May rain mm = 170.8
|Jun rain mm = 189.7
|Jul rain mm = 161.8
|Aug rain mm = 179.1
|Sep rain mm = 176.6
|Oct rain mm = 182.1
⚫
|Nov rain mm = 149.7
|Dec rain mm = 162.4
⚫
|year rain mm =
|Jan sun = 223.3
|Feb sun = 195.1
|Mar sun = 174.9
|Apr sun = 129.4
|May sun = 89.6
|Jun sun = 70.7
|Jul sun = 90.8
|Aug sun = 113.8
|Sep sun = 147.6
|Oct sun = 157.2
|Nov sun = 197.9
|Dec sun = 204.9
|year sun =
⚫
|source 1 = NIWA<ref name= NIWA>
{{cite web
{{cite web
|url = http://cliflo.niwa.co.nz
|url = https://en.climate-data.org/oceania/new-zealand/west-coast/reefton-19471/
|title = Climate-data.org – Climate Data for Cities Worldwide
|title = CliFlo – National Climate Database : Reefton Ews
|publisher = openstreetmap.org
|publisher = NIWA
|access-date = 17 December 2019}}</ref>
|access-date = 19 May 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|url = https://cliflo.niwa.co.nz/
| source 2 = weatherbase.com<ref name=Weatherbase.com>
|title = CliFlo -The National Climate Database (Agent number: 3925)
{{cite web
⚫
|publisher = NIWA
|url = https://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weatherall.php3?s=596448&units=
⚫
|access-date = 20 Jul 2024}}</ref>
|title = Weatherbase
⚫
|publisher = CantyMedia
⚫
|access-date = 28 November 2020}}</ref>
}}
}}


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
Reefton covers {{Convert|2.63|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=3 August 2023|website=statsnz.maps.arcgis.com}}</ref> and had an estimated population of {{NZ population data 2018 SA2|Reefton|y}} as of {{NZ population data 2018 SA2|||y|y||,}} with a population density of {{Decimals|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018 SA2|Reefton|y}}|R}}/2.63|0}} people per km<sup>2</sup>.
Reefton covers {{Convert|2.63|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=3 August 2023|website=statsnz.maps.arcgis.com}}</ref> and had an estimated population of {{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Reefton|y}} as of {{NZ population data 2023 SA2|||y|y||,}} with a population density of {{Decimals|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Reefton|y}}|R}}/2.63|0}} people per km<sup>2</sup>.


{{historical populations
{{historical populations
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The percentage of people born overseas was 11.3, compared with 27.1% nationally.
The percentage of people born overseas was 11.3, compared with 27.1% nationally.


Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 53.1% had no religion, 32.0% were [[Christianity in New Zealand|Christian]], 0.6% had [[Māori religion|Māori religious beliefs]], 0.3% were [[Islam in New Zealand|Muslim]] and 1.3% had other religions.
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 53.1% had no religion, 32.0% were [[Christianity in New Zealand|Christian]], 0.6% had [[Religion of Māori people|Māori religious beliefs]], 0.3% were [[Islam in New Zealand|Muslim]] and 1.3% had other religions.


Of those at least 15 years old, 63 (7.9%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 246 (30.9%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $22,900, compared with $31,800 nationally. 78 people (9.8%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 306 (38.5%) people were employed full-time, 117 (14.7%) were part-time, and 24 (3.0%) were unemployed.<ref name="Census 2018">{{NZ census 2018|Reefton (309800)|reefton|Reefton}}</ref>
Of those at least 15 years old, 63 (7.9%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 246 (30.9%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $22,900, compared with $31,800 nationally. 78 people (9.8%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 306 (38.5%) people were employed full-time, 117 (14.7%) were part-time, and 24 (3.0%) were unemployed.<ref name="Census 2018">{{NZ census 2018|Reefton (309800)|reefton|Reefton}}</ref>


== Economy ==
== Economy ==
Gold mining recommenced in 2007 when [[OceanaGold|Oceana Gold]] opened a new mine.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=Nathan|first=Simon|date=2009|title=Reefton|url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/west-coast-places/page-5|url-status=|access-date=2021-04-08|website=teara.govt.nz|language=en}}</ref> In 2013 it employed 260 people.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-05-27|title=OceanaGold reviews Reefton mining|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/8723169/OceanaGold-reviews-Reefton-mining|access-date=2021-04-08|website=Stuff|language=en}}</ref> The mine closed in 2016 and Oceana Gold has undertaken an environmental rehabilitation programme at the site.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-06|title=High praise from DOC for Aussie goldminer's Reefton project|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/437790/high-praise-from-doc-for-aussie-goldminer-s-reefton-project|access-date=2021-04-08|website=RNZ|language=en-nz}}</ref>
Gold mining recommenced in 2007 when [[OceanaGold|Oceana Gold]] opened a new mine.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=Nathan|first=Simon|date=2009|title=Reefton|url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/west-coast-places/page-5|url-status=|access-date=2021-04-08|website=teara.govt.nz|language=en}}</ref> In 2013 it employed 260 people.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-05-27|title=OceanaGold reviews Reefton mining|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/8723169/OceanaGold-reviews-Reefton-mining|access-date=2021-04-08|website=Stuff|language=en}}</ref> The mine closed in 2016 and Oceana Gold has undertaken an environmental rehabilitation programme at the site.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-06|title=High praise from DOC for Aussie goldminer's Reefton project|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/437790/high-praise-from-doc-for-aussie-goldminer-s-reefton-project|access-date=2021-04-08|website=[[RNZ]] |language=en-nz}}</ref>


A new gold mine is planned to open in 2024, it is expected to employ 100 people.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-07|title=New Reefton gold mine promises to provide 'many opportunities' for locals|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/122380122/new-reefton-gold-mine-promises-to-provide-many-opportunities-for-locals|access-date=2020-08-10|website=Stuff|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-12-13|title=Reefton going for gold again|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/405469/reefton-going-for-gold-again|access-date=2021-04-08|website=RNZ|language=en-nz}}</ref>
A new gold mine is planned to open in 2024, it is expected to employ 100 people.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-07|title=New Reefton gold mine promises to provide 'many opportunities' for locals|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/122380122/new-reefton-gold-mine-promises-to-provide-many-opportunities-for-locals|access-date=2020-08-10|website=Stuff|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-12-13|title=Reefton going for gold again|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/405469/reefton-going-for-gold-again|access-date=2021-04-08|website=[[RNZ]] |language=en-nz}}</ref>


Other industries in the town are coal mining, forestry, tourism and servicing the farming industry.<ref name=":4" />
Other industries in the town are coal mining, forestry, tourism and servicing the farming industry.<ref name=":4" />
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[[Sacred Heart School, Reefton|Sacred Heart School]] is a full primary (years 1–8) school with a roll of {{NZ school roll data|3219|y}}.<ref>{{TKI|3219|Sacred Heart School}}</ref> It is a state integrated Catholic school.<ref>{{cite web
[[Sacred Heart School, Reefton|Sacred Heart School]] is a full primary (years 1–8) school with a roll of {{NZ school roll data|3219|y}}.<ref>{{TKI|3219|Sacred Heart School}}</ref> It is a state integrated Catholic school.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.ero.govt.nz/ero\reppub.nsf/Institution/5B65C7A6FD80AC10CC2573D900061156/$File/3219.htm
| url = http://ero.govt.nz/institution/3219/sacred-heart-school-reefton
| title=Education Review Report: Sacred Heart School
| title=Education Review Report: Sacred Heart School (Reefton)
| date=December 2007
| date=December 2007
| publisher=Education Review Office}}</ref> Both schools are coeducational.
| publisher=Education Review Office}}</ref> Both schools are coeducational.
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[[Category:Buller District]]
[[Category:Buller District]]
[[Category:Populated places in the West Coast, New Zealand]]
[[Category:Populated places in the West Coast Region]]
[[Category:West Coast Gold Rush]]
[[Category:West Coast Gold Rush]]
[[Category:Reefton|*]]
[[Category:Reefton|*]]

Latest revision as of 04:18, 21 November 2024

This article is about the town in New Zealand. For the locality in New South Wales, see Reefton, New South Wales. For the locality in Victoria, see Reefton, Victoria.

Reefton
Broadway
Broadway
Map
Coordinates: 42°6′55″S 171°51′47″E / 42.11528°S 171.86306°E / -42.11528; 171.86306
CountryNew Zealand
RegionWest Coast
DistrictBuller District
WardInangahua Ward
CommunityInangahua Community
Electorates
Government
 • Territorial authorityBuller District Council
 • Regional councilWest Coast Regional Council
 • Mayor of BullerJamie Cleine
 • West Coast-Tasman MPMaureen Pugh
 • Te Tai Tonga MPTākuta Ferris
Area
[1]
 • Total
2.63 km2 (1.02 sq mi)
Population
 (June 2024)[2]
 • Total
980
 • Density370/km2 (970/sq mi)

Reefton is a small town in the West Coast region of New Zealand, approximately 80 km (50 mi) northeast of Greymouth, in the Inangahua River valley. Ahaura is 44 km (27 mi) south-west of Reefton, Inangahua Junction is 34 km (21 mi) to the north, Maruia is 63 km (39 mi) to the east, and the Lewis Pass is 66 km (41 mi) to the south-east.[3][4]

In 1888, it was the first town in New Zealand to be lit by electricity, generated by the Reefton Power Station. Reefton was a thriving gold mining town in the late 19th century, and gold mining lasted from the 1870s to the 1950s. Its economy is based on tourism, forestry, coal mining, and farming.

Reefton is home to the Inangahua County Library.[5]

Name

[edit]

The rich veins of gold found in a quartz reef near the town led to its name, originally spelled "Reef Town". Two nicknames in use soon after it was founded were "Rest Town" and "Quartzopolis".[6] The main street, Broadway, was named after West Coast magistrate Charles Broad.[7] The nearby Wealth of Nations mine was named after Adam Smith's book because the gold been discovered by another Adam Smith (no relation).[6]

History

[edit]
  • 1866 – Alluvial gold discovered in the Īnangahua Valley
  • 1870 – Quartz reefs discovered at Reefton
  • 1872 – Reefton Hospital opened
  • 1886 – Reefton School of Mines opened
  • 1888 – Town electricity supply commenced
  • 1892 – Railway line opened
  • 1908 – Rail line to Cronadun opened
  • 1912 – Mine workers locked out[8]
  • 1967 – Rail passenger services ceased

Gold mining

[edit]
Crushington gold battery, 1890
(U.S. English, Stamp mill)

Alluvial gold was first discovered near the town in 1866; the major discovery of gold in quartz reefs was made in 1870 and gold was being extracted by 1872.[6][7] Mining from quartz reefs only took place at Reefton and Lyell.[7]

An earlier settlement, known as Ross Town, had been established on the opposite bank of the Inangahua River around 1870, but most businesses shifted across the river in 1871 to be nearer the quartz mining.[6] There were mines at nearby locations such as Waiuta and Blacks Point.[7]

There was a downturn in the industry in the 1880s due to lack of money to develop deeper mines.[7] Consolidated Goldfields New Zealand formed in 1896 and ran several mines.[7][9] Technology was modernised and the Reefton School of Mines opened in 1887 to apply more scientific knowledge to mining.[9] Blackwater mine operated from 1908 until 1951, when a shaft collapsed. It reopened as Snowy River mine in December 2020 and employed 60 staff, who had dug 9 km (5.6 mi) of tunnels by 2024, with plans for further expansion.[10] Globe Progress mine produced 610,000 ounces (17 t) of gold as an opencast pit from 2007 to 2016.[11]

Electricity

[edit]

In 1888 Reefton became the first town in New Zealand to receive electricity,[12] the work of Walter Prince,[13] and its streets were lit by commercial electricity generated by the Reefton Power Station. The power station was demolished in 1961 but the Reefton Power House Charitable Trust Inc has raised $4.5 million for a restructure project, and work started on buildings and a 1.8 kilometres (1.1 mi) water race in 2019.[14]

Geography

[edit]

Climate

[edit]

Located in the Inangahua Valley at an altitude of 194m, Reefton falls under the Köppen-Geiger climate classification of Cfb (Oceanic), though the town's sheltered inland location lends its climate less maritime influence than coastal areas; as such, Reefton has recorded both the extreme highest temperature of 33.7 °C (92.7 °F) and the extreme lowest temperature of -8.5 °C (16.7 °F) in the West Coast region. At an average temperature of 17.4 °C (63.3 °F), February is the warmest month. July is the coldest month, at 5.4 °C (41.7 °F). Reefton's average annual temperature is 11.7 °C. Due to the town's inland location, summer afternoons are often considerably warmer in Reefton than coastal locations such as Greymouth or Westport, and it is not uncommon for winter mornings to be several degrees colder; nightly inversions of temperature are common due to the local geography, which encourages frequent periods of calm air. An average of 24 days per year will exceed 25 °C (77 °F); during an average winter, Reefton can expect to see 46 days of air frost and 61 days of ground frost. The Reefton area is the driest in the West Coast; this is largely due to the rain-shadow effect of the Paparoa Range.

Climate data for Reefton (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1960–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 33.7
(92.7) 		33.5
(92.3) 		30.1
(86.2) 		25.6
(78.1) 		22.1
(71.8) 		19.0
(66.2) 		18.9
(66.0) 		19.4
(66.9) 		24.8
(76.6) 		26.2
(79.2) 		30.9
(87.6) 		32.2
(90.0) 		33.7
(92.7)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 23.4
(74.1) 		23.6
(74.5) 		21.2
(70.2) 		17.4
(63.3) 		13.7
(56.7) 		10.5
(50.9) 		10.2
(50.4) 		12.4
(54.3) 		14.9
(58.8) 		16.7
(62.1) 		19.0
(66.2) 		21.5
(70.7) 		17.0
(62.7)
Daily mean °C (°F) 17.3
(63.1) 		17.4
(63.3) 		15.2
(59.4) 		12.1
(53.8) 		9.1
(48.4) 		6.2
(43.2) 		5.4
(41.7) 		7.4
(45.3) 		9.6
(49.3) 		11.4
(52.5) 		13.4
(56.1) 		15.9
(60.6) 		11.7
(53.1)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 11.2
(52.2) 		11.2
(52.2) 		9.2
(48.6) 		6.9
(44.4) 		4.5
(40.1) 		2.0
(35.6) 		0.7
(33.3) 		2.3
(36.1) 		4.3
(39.7) 		6.1
(43.0) 		7.8
(46.0) 		10.3
(50.5) 		6.4
(43.5)
Record low °C (°F) 0.7
(33.3) 		0.5
(32.9) 		−0.5
(31.1) 		−3.5
(25.7) 		−6.1
(21.0) 		−8.0
(17.6) 		−8.5
(16.7) 		−7.0
(19.4) 		−5.0
(23.0) 		−3.9
(25.0) 		−3.0
(26.6) 		−0.1
(31.8) 		−8.5
(16.7)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 138.6
(5.46) 		101.8
(4.01) 		108.6
(4.28) 		143.0
(5.63) 		170.8
(6.72) 		189.7
(7.47) 		161.8
(6.37) 		179.1
(7.05) 		176.6
(6.95) 		182.1
(7.17) 		149.7
(5.89) 		162.4
(6.39) 		1,864.2
(73.39)
Mean monthly sunshine hours 223.3 195.1 174.9 129.4 89.6 70.7 90.8 113.8 147.6 157.2 197.9 204.9 1,795.2
Source: NIWA[15][16]

Demographics

[edit]

Reefton covers 2.63 km2 (1.02 sq mi)[1] and had an estimated population of 980 as of June 2024,[2] with a population density of 373 people per km2.

Population of Reefton
YearPop.±% p.a.
1996[17] 1,044—    
2001[17] 987−1.12%
2006[18] 981−0.12%
2013[18] 1,056+1.06%
2018[18] 927−2.57%
Population counts from the New Zealand census. Populations before 2006 may use slightly different boundaries.

Reefton had a population of 927 at the 2018 New Zealand census, a decrease of 129 people (−12.2%) since the 2013 census, and a decrease of 54 people (−5.5%) since the 2006 census. There were 447 households, comprising 471 males and 456 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.03 males per female. The median age was 51.9 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 132 people (14.2%) aged under 15 years, 120 (12.9%) aged 15 to 29, 453 (48.9%) aged 30 to 64, and 222 (23.9%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 90.0% European/Pākehā, 13.3% Māori, 1.0% Pasifika, 2.9% Asian, and 2.6% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

The percentage of people born overseas was 11.3, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 53.1% had no religion, 32.0% were Christian, 0.6% had Māori religious beliefs, 0.3% were Muslim and 1.3% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 63 (7.9%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 246 (30.9%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $22,900, compared with $31,800 nationally. 78 people (9.8%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 306 (38.5%) people were employed full-time, 117 (14.7%) were part-time, and 24 (3.0%) were unemployed.[18]

Economy

[edit]

Gold mining recommenced in 2007 when Oceana Gold opened a new mine.[7] In 2013 it employed 260 people.[19] The mine closed in 2016 and Oceana Gold has undertaken an environmental rehabilitation programme at the site.[20]

A new gold mine is planned to open in 2024, it is expected to employ 100 people.[21][22]

Other industries in the town are coal mining, forestry, tourism and servicing the farming industry.[7]

Transport

[edit]

Reefton is located at the intersection of State Highway 7 and State Highway 69.

Rail

[edit]

Reefton is located on the Stillwater–Westport Line railway, which diverges from the Midland Line in Stillwater. On 29 February 1892, the line was opened to Reefton, but it terminated on the southern bank of the Inangahua River opposite the town. Early in the 20th century, a bridge was built across the river and the present-day station established in Reefton. The line was opened beyond Reefton to Cronadun in 1908, but it was not until 5 December 1943 that the line officially became a through route to Westport, though trains had been operating the length of the line since July 1942. On 3 August 1936, a railcar passenger service began operating in the morning between Hokitika and Reefton utilising small Leyland diesel railcars, but low patronage meant this service ceased to operate all the way to Reefton in August 1938. In the early 1940s, much larger Vulcan railcars were introduced to New Zealand and they provided two services to Reefton: one local service from Greymouth that terminated in Reefton, and a service that ran between Westport and Stillwater to connect with the West Coast Express. In 1967, all passenger services through Reefton ceased. Today, the primary traffic on the railway is coal, with multiple coal trains operating daily.

Education

[edit]

The first state school in Reefton was founded in 1878, and there were once 24 schools in the area.[23]

Reefton Area School is a composite (years 1–13) school with a roll of 162 as of August 2024.[24][25] It was formed by the merger of Reefton School and Inangahua College (earlier called Reefton District High School)[23] in 2004.[26]

Sacred Heart School is a full primary (years 1–8) school with a roll of 27.[27] It is a state integrated Catholic school.[28] Both schools are coeducational.

Broadcast and print media

[edit]

The first newspaper to be printed in Reefton was the Inangahua Herald and New Zealand Miner, which began as a twice-weekly paper in February 1872, its joint owner being Joseph Ivess,[29] who went on to found many other newspapers.[30] It was appearing three times a week by 1874 and became a daily in 1894. Its owner and editor from 1909 was Maud L. G. Beresford Wilkinson.[31]

Its main rival, the Inangahua Times, was established by William Joseph Potts in 1875.[32] Potts was editor of Ahaura's Grey Valley Times in 1873, and in 1874 he started the short-lived Reefton Courier and Inangahua Advertiser which survived only to the end of the year, and was the predecessor of the Times. The Times initially appeared three times a week, but by 1891 was a daily.[32] Potts owned the Times until his death in 1901, and his wife Mary Potts was editor from 1897 to 1905.[31][33]

For a short time Reefton, with a population of just 2000 and a circulation area of 4648,[33] was home to three competing daily papers: the third, the Reefton Guardian, was first published in 1888, and was bought out by the Inangahua Times in 1894.[32] All three papers were served for more than fifty years by the compositor, editor, and publisher James Noble, who started at the Guardian and eventually became editor and publisher of the Times.[31][33] The Herald succumbed to the Depression in 1936 and merged with the Times in 1936. After James Noble the Times was run by Ernest Nicholson until it ceased publication on 6 June 1942, a casualty of war shortages.[33] It was revived in 1946 by Reefton's Presbyterian minister Rev. C. R. (Bob) Sprackett as the Inangahua-Murchison Times, printed in Greymouth, which survived as a weekly until 1956.[33]

Locally received radio stations include repeaters of both The Hits from Greymouth and Coast FM from Westport. The Greymouth Star newspaper is also received daily in the town.

Notable people

[edit]
Main category: People from Reefton
[edit]
  • Reefton Oddfellows Hall
  • Roll of members
    Roll of members

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "ArcGIS Web Application". statsnz.maps.arcgis.com. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  2. ^ a b "Aotearoa Data Explorer". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  3. ^ Peter Dowling, ed. (2004). Reed New Zealand Atlas. Reed Books. map 64. ISBN 0-7900-0952-8.
  4. ^ Roger Smith, GeographX (2005). The Geographic Atlas of New Zealand. Robbie Burton. map 149. ISBN 1-877333-20-4.
  5. ^ "Buller District Council, New Zealand » Library locations & opening hours". Retrieved 23 September 2020.
  6. ^ a b c d Reed, A. W. (1979). The Reed dictionary of New Zealand place names (2002 ed.). Auckland [N.Z.]: Reed. p. 433. ISBN 0-7900-0761-4. OCLC 49290681.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h Nathan, Simon (2009). "Reefton". teara.govt.nz. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  8. ^ "The Reefton lockout," Maoriland Worker, 14 June 1912. Archived at paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
  9. ^ a b "Reefton". The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Nelson, Marlborough & Westland Provincial Districts]. Christchurch: Cyclopedia Company Limited. 1906 – via NZETC.
  10. ^ "Australian miner buying Reefton mine". RNZ. 18 January 2024. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  11. ^ "Reefton Restoration Project – OceanaGold". Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  12. ^ McKinnon, Malcolm, ed. (1997). New Zealand Historical Atlas. David Bateman. Plate 88.
  13. ^ "Reefton Power Station". Engineering Heritage New Zealand. Retrieved 29 June 2016.
  14. ^ "Power to the People". RNZ. 15 November 2019. Retrieved 12 September 2020.
  15. ^ "CliFlo – National Climate Database : Reefton Ews". NIWA. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  16. ^ "CliFlo -The National Climate Database (Agent number: 3925)". NIWA. Retrieved 20 July 2024.
  17. ^ a b "Reefton Urban Area Community Profile(published)". Archived from the original on 8 May 2016. Retrieved 13 April 2016.
  18. ^ a b c d "Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census". Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. Reefton (309800). 2018 Census place summary: Reefton
  19. ^ "OceanaGold reviews Reefton mining". Stuff. 27 May 2013. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  20. ^ "High praise from DOC for Aussie goldminer's Reefton project". RNZ. 6 March 2021. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  21. ^ "New Reefton gold mine promises to provide 'many opportunities' for locals". Stuff. 7 August 2020. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
  22. ^ "Reefton going for gold again". RNZ. 13 December 2019. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  23. ^ a b "District School Reunion" (PDF). 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 May 2010.
  24. ^ "New Zealand Schools Directory". New Zealand Ministry of Education. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
  25. ^ Education Counts: Reefton Area School
  26. ^ "School Mergers, Closures and New Schools" (XLS). Education Counts. 2004.
  27. ^ Education Counts: Sacred Heart School
  28. ^ "Education Review Report: Sacred Heart School (Reefton)". Education Review Office. December 2007.
  29. ^ "GREY RIVER ARGUS". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 5 February 1872. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  30. ^ "Ivess, Joseph". teara.govt.nz. 1993. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  31. ^ a b c Kay, Rupert A. (1960). "Westland's early newspapers". Westland's Golden Century 1860–1960. Christchurch: Westland Centennial Council. p. 107.
  32. ^ a b c "Inangahua Times". Papers Past. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  33. ^ a b c d e Latham, Darrell (1984). Reefs of Gold. Christchurch: Pegasus. p. 264. ISBN 0-908568-12-6.
  34. ^ McKergow, Fiona. "Myra Cohen". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Reefton, New Zealand.
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Reefton.
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