Canvastown is a locality at the point where the Wakamarina River joins the Pelorus River, in Marlborough, New Zealand. State Highway 6 runs through the area. Rai Valley is 17 km to the northwest. Havelock is 10 km to the east.[1][2]
Canvastown | |
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Canvastown | |
Coordinates: 41°17′26″S 173°40′13″E | |
Country | New Zealand |
Region | Marlborough |
The town was founded in 1864, after gold was discovered in the Wakamarina Valley. Up to 6000 miners came to make their fortunes. Where there had previously been a Māori Pā, streets of tents sprang up providing accommodation, restaurants and taverns to a population of about 3000 people. About 25,000 ounces (710,000 g) of gold was recovered in 1864.[3]
The surface gold was worked out within two years and most of the miners moved to new gold discoveries on the West Coast.[4][5] Steam dredges continued to work the river into the 20th century.[6]
Canvastown School is a coeducational full primary (years 1-8) school with a decile rating of 5 and a roll of 29.[7] The school was built in 1877[8] and celebrated its 125th Jubilee in 2002.[9]
Te Hora Marae is located in Canvastown. It is the marae (meeting ground) of Ngāti Kuia and includes Te Hora wharenui (meeting house).[10][11]
In October 2020, the Government committed $32,318 from the Provincial Growth Fund to upgrade the marae, creating four jobs.[12]
Marlborough District, New Zealand | |||||||
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