Haast
Coordinates: 43°52′52″S 169°2′32″E / 43.88111°S 169.04222°E / -43.88111; 169.04222
CountryNew Zealand
RegionWest Coast
DistrictWestland District
WardSouthern
Electorates
Government
 • Territorial AuthorityWestland District Council
 • Regional councilWest Coast Regional Council
 • Mayor of WestlandHelen Lash
 • West Coast-Tasman MPMaureen Pugh
 • Te Tai Tonga MPTākuta Ferris
Area
[1]
 • Total0.57 km2 (0.22 sq mi)
Population
 (June 2023)[2]
 • Total90
 • Density160/km2 (410/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+12 (NZST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+13 (NZDT)
Postcode
7886
Area code03
Local iwiNgāi Tahu
Haast Beach in 1968

Haast is a small town in the Westland District territorial authority on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. The township is beside the Haast River, 3 kilometres (2 mi) south of Haast Junction, on State Highway 6. The Haast region is in Te Wahipounamu – The South West New Zealand World Heritage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1990.[3]

Toponymy

The township, the major river that is close to the town, and the pass across to the eastern side of the Southern Alps are all named after Julius von Haast, a Prussian-born geologist who travelled through the area in 1863. Although the prospector Charles Cameron is said to be the first European to ‘discover’ the pass, Haast was recognised by having the town named after him.[4]

History

The main Māori settlement in the area was the pā Ōkahu at the mouth of the Arawhata River.[5]

The Haast area was extensively used by Māori as a key source of pounamu.[6] Their main route from inland was called Tioripatea.

Ngāi Tahu occupation of the land was ended by attacks by North Island tribes. In 1836, the Ngāti Tama chief Te Pūoho led a 100-person war party, armed with muskets, down the West Coast and over the Haast Pass. He ambushed a Ngāi Tahu encampment between Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea, [7] then went south past Lake Wakatipu. His raid ended in Southland where he was killed and his war party destroyed by the southern Ngāi Tahu leader Tūhawaiki.[8]

European settlement of the area dates back to the 1860s. The remoteness of the area initially limited access to seagoing vessels, with some rough tracks from the north and east.

Early European explorers searched for the Māori routes to cross from the eastern to the western sides of the South Island and back again, having learnt of the pass when Huruhuru drew a map for the explorer Edward Shortland in 1844. The first European ascent was from the Wānaka side in March 1861, when the exploring surveyor John Holland Baker, seeking new sheep country, looked down from the saddle towards the West Coast.[9] Gold prospector Charles Cameron claimed to have made the first crossing to the coast in 1863; however he was widely believed to have only got to the upper reaches of the Haast River / Awarua.

The honour of first official crossing was claimed by Julius Haast, Canterbury's provincial geologist, who led a five-man expedition in January 1863. He named the Haast River after himself, "directed, so he said, by his provincial superindendent", and returned to Lake Wānaka "nearly shoeless" after six weeks.[9]

Haast's party travelled up the headwaters of the Makarora River. On 23 January they reached the open, boggy summit of the pass, which was surrounded by beech forest. Haast made a watercolour which was used to illustrate a later report. The party then crossed the pass and travelled downstream to the coast, which they reached on 20 February.[10]

The present Haast township was originally a New Zealand Ministry of Works road construction camp, which expanded into a permanent township when the opening of the Haast Pass in 1962 made the region more accessible.[11] The road through the pass to Wānaka was upgraded in 1966.[12]

In 1990 the Haast area was included as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, giving international recognition as a location of significant natural value to Te Wahipounamu – The South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.[13]

Geography

Setting

The Haast township is located on the Haast River, approximately 3 kilometres (2 mi) south of Haast Junction, on State Highway 6. The Haast River Māori: Awarua is 100 kilometres (62 mi) in length, and enters the Tasman Sea near the Haast township. It drains the western watershed of the Haast Pass.

The New Zealand Department of Conservation operates a visitor centre in Haast Junction, on the southwest bank of the Haast River, immediately south of the Haast Bridge, at the junction of State Highway 6 and the Haast–Jackson Bay Road. The visitor centre offers a wide range of information about the surrounding area.

Lake Moeraki is 30 kilometres (19 mi) to the northeast, and the Haast Pass is 63 kilometres (39 mi) to the southeast by road. The settlement of Okuru is located on the coast 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) south-west of Haast.[14][15]

The small settlement of Haast Beach is on the coast of the Tasman Sea, approximately 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) west southwest of Haast Junction, on the road to Jackson Bay.

Climate

Climate data for Haast
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 19
(66)		 19
(66)		 18
(65)		 16
(61)		 14
(57)		 12
(53)		 12
(53)		 12
(54)		 14
(57)		 15
(59)		 16
(61)		 18
(64)		 16
(60)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 10
(50)		 11
(51)		 10
(50)		 8
(47)		 6
(43)		 3
(38)		 3
(37)		 4
(39)		 5
(41)		 7
(44)		 8
(47)		 10
(50)		 7
(45)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 310
(12.4)		 290
(11.4)		 330
(12.8)		 350
(13.8)		 290
(11.6)		 230
(9.1)		 210
(8.3)		 320
(12.5)		 290
(11.5)		 360
(14.1)		 330
(12.9)		 330
(12.8)		 3,640
(143.2)
Source: Weatherbase [16]

Demographics

Haast town is described by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement, covering 0.57 km2 (0.22 sq mi).[1] It had an estimated population of 90 as of June 2023,[2] with a population density of 158 people per km2. The settlement is part of the larger Haast statistical area.[17]

Historical population of the settlement
YearPop.±% p.a.
200663—    
201354−2.18%
201884+9.24%
Source: [18]

Haast had a population of 84 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 30 people (55.6%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 21 people (33.3%) since the 2006 census. There were 45 households, comprising 42 males and 39 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.08 males per female. The median age was 43.1 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 9 people (10.7%) aged under 15 years, 21 (25.0%) aged 15 to 29, 39 (46.4%) aged 30 to 64, and 12 (14.3%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 89.3% European/Pākehā, 14.3% Māori, and 7.1% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 53.6% reported no religion, 32.1% were Christian and 3.6% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 9 (12.0%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 9 (12.0%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $28,900, compared with $31,800 nationally. 6 people (8.0%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 45 (60.0%) people were employed full-time, and 9 (12.0%) were part-time.[18]

Haast statistical area

Haast statistical area covers 4,099.09 km2 (1,582.67 sq mi)[1] and had an estimated population of 270 as of June 2023,[19] with a population density of 0.066 people per km2.

Historical population for the statistical area
YearPop.±% p.a.
2006300—    
2013240−3.14%
2018258+1.46%
Source: [20]
Ship Creek, 20 km north of Haast

The statistical area had a population of 258 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 18 people (7.5%) since the 2013 census, and a decrease of 42 people (−14.0%) since the 2006 census. There were 144 households, comprising 132 males and 123 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.07 males per female. The median age was 52.6 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 24 people (9.3%) aged under 15 years, 36 (14.0%) aged 15 to 29, 138 (53.5%) aged 30 to 64, and 57 (22.1%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 86.0% European/Pākehā, 11.6% Māori, 4.7% Pasifika, 4.7% Asian, and 3.5% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

The percentage of people born overseas was 18.6, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 46.5% reported no religion, 39.5% were Christian, 1.2% were Buddhist and 1.2% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 27 (11.5%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 51 (21.8%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $27,000, compared with $31,800 nationally. 24 people (10.3%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 147 (62.8%) people were employed full-time, 27 (11.5%) were part-time, and 3 (1.3%) were unemployed.[20]

Biodiversity

The Haast Tokoeka is one of the rarest subspecies of kiwi, with more than half the known population lives in an actively managed area of the Haast ranges.[21]

Economy

The main economic activities in the Haast region are farming, fishing and tourism.

Infrastructure

The Haast area is not connected to the national electricity grid. New Zealand Energy operates an electricity distribution network supplying the town. Electricity is generated by an 800-kilowatt hydroelectric scheme on the Turnbull River, constructed in 1972. The scheme is backed up by a 375-kilowatt diesel generator.[22] In 2023, the company applied for consent to build a second hydro power station on the Turnbull River.[23]

Haast received mobile coverage in May 2018. 3G mobile coverage is provided for all three mobile networks within a 3 km (2 mi) radius of Haast township.[24] Fibre broadband became available in the township in 2022.[25]

Education

The Haast School is a coeducational full primary (years 1–8) school with a student roll of 6 as of April 2023.[26][27] The school opened in the 1890s[28] and is the most isolated school in the mainland of New Zealand.[29]

There are no secondary schools in the Haast area. The nearest is Mount Aspiring College, 140 kilometres (85 mi) away over the Haast Pass in Wānaka, too far away to be practical. Most secondary students board at schools in Alexandra, Oamaru or Dunedin.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "ArcGIS Web Application". statsnz.maps.arcgis.com. Archived from the original on 14 February 2021. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  2. 1 2 "Subnational population estimates (RC, SA2), by age and sex, at 30 June 1996-2023 (2023 boundaries)". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 25 October 2023. (regional councils); "Subnational population estimates (TA, SA2), by age and sex, at 30 June 1996-2023 (2023 boundaries)". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 25 October 2023. (territorial authorities); "Subnational population estimates (urban rural), by age and sex, at 30 June 1996-2023 (2023 boundaries)". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 25 October 2023. (urban areas)
  3. ↑ "West Coast – Haast". New Zealand Tourism Guide. Archived from the original on 14 September 2011. Retrieved 22 February 2011.
  4. ↑ Nathan, Simon (12 June 2006). "Geological exploration – The search for gold and minerals". Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Archived from the original on 21 August 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
  5. ↑ "Kā Huru Mau, the Ngai Tahu Atlas". www.kahurumanu.co.nz. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
  6. ↑ "Protecting Ngai Tahu History — Cultural Mapping Project — Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu". www.kahurumanu.co.nz. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  7. ↑ S Percy Smith (1910). History and Traditions of the Maoris of the West Coast North Island of New Zealand Prior to 1840. New Plymouth: Polynesian Society.
  8. ↑ Atholl Anderson (1990). "Te Puoho-o-te-rangi". Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Vol. 1. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  9. 1 2 Pascoe, John Dobree (1966). The Haast is in South Westland (1 ed.). Wellington: AH & AW Reed.
  10. ↑ Nathan, Simon (12 June 2006). "Geological exploration – The search for gold and minerals". Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Archived from the original on 21 August 2023. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
  11. ↑ "About Westland, District Maps, Haast". Westland District Council. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 22 February 2011.
  12. ↑ A Wheel on Each Corner, The History of the IPENZ Transportation Group 1956–2006 – Douglass, Malcolm; IPENZ Transportation Group, 2006, Page 12
  13. ↑ "Te Wahipounamu – South West New Zealand, Description". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Archived from the original on 9 February 2015. Retrieved 22 February 2011.
  14. ↑ Peter Dowling, ed. (2004). Reed New Zealand Atlas. Reed Books. map 78. ISBN 0-7900-0952-8.
  15. ↑ Roger Smith, GeographX (2005). The Geographic Atlas of New Zealand. Robbie Burton. map 180. ISBN 1-877333-20-4.
  16. ↑ "Weatherbase: Historical Weather for Haast, New Zealand". Weatherbase. 2011. Archived from the original on 23 April 2023. Retrieved 26 November 2011. Retrieved on November 24, 2011.
  17. ↑ 2018 Census place summary: Haast
  18. 1 2 "Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census". Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. 7023825.
  19. ↑ "Population estimate tables - NZ.Stat". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  20. 1 2 "Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census". Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. Haast (311200). 2018 Census place summary: Haast
  21. ↑ "Tokoeka". The Department of Conservation. Archived from the original on 27 February 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2023.
  22. ↑ "West Coast Lifelines Vulnerability and Interdependency Assessment – Supplement 8 Energy Lifelines Assets" (PDF). West Coast Civil Defence Emergency Management Group. August 2017. Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 January 2021.
  23. ↑ Mills, Laura (9 August 2023). "Energy company applies to build second hydro plant". Otago Daily Times Online News. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  24. ↑ "Haast cellphone coverage by end of May: Curran". Otago Daily Times. 7 March 2018. Archived from the original on 25 April 2018. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
  25. ↑ "Ulltra-fast broadband lands in Haast". Radio New Zealand. 2 May 2022. Archived from the original on 22 April 2023. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  26. ↑ "New Zealand Schools Directory". New Zealand Ministry of Education. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
  27. ↑ Education Counts: Haast School
  28. ↑ "Westland Board of Education". West Coast Times. 16 March 1891. p. 4. Archived from the original on 23 April 2023. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
  29. ↑ Harris, Sarah (16 January 2018). "A blast from the Haast – NZ's most isolated town". New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 11 January 2021. Retrieved 18 December 2020.
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