Wakefield, New Zealand

Wakefield (Māori: Tiraweke[3] or Wekipira)[4] is a settlement in the Tasman District of New Zealand's South Island, located about 25km south west of Nelson.

Wakefield
Locality
Edward St, the main street of Wakefield
Edward St, the main street of Wakefield
Map
Coordinates: 41°24′S 173°03′E
CountryNew Zealand
DistrictTasman District
WardMoutere-Waimea Ward
Area
  Total9.98 km2 (3.85 sq mi)
Population
 (June 2022)[2]
  Total2,680
  Density270/km2 (700/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+12 (NZST)
  Summer (DST)UTC+13 (NZDT)
Area code03

The settlement began in 1843 as Pitfure, but the name was changed to Wakefield a short time later. It may have been named after the birthplace of one of its original settlers, who was from Wakefield in Yorkshire. It may have also been named after Captain Arthur Wakefield, who led the expedition that first established Nelson City and Province. Arthur Wakefield was killed in the Wairau Affray, which may have helped confirm the change of name from Pitfure to Wakefield.[5][6]

Wakefield comes under the responsibility of the Tasman District Council, which has its offices in the nearby town of Richmond. It is part of the West Coast-Tasman general electorate.

St John's Church in 120 Edward Street, built in 1846, is New Zealand's second oldest surviving church. It is registered by Heritage New Zealand as a Category I heritage structure, with registration number 40.[7] The church was designed by Marianne Reay and is considered the first European building designed by a woman in New Zealand.[8]


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