Greymouth

Greymouth (Te Reo Māori: Mawhera ) is the largest city in the West Coast region on the South Island of New Zealand and the administrative seat of the Grey District. The town has 9528 inhabitants ( 2001). Thus, about 20% of West Coast residents live in Greymouth.

Geography

The city is located at the mouth of the Grey River, which is also the name of the city can be deduced (English mouth " mouth "). On a narrow coastal strip, is located at the foot of the Southern Alps. On clear days, one can see the Mount Cook ( the highest mountain in New Zealand ) from here in the south. The mouth of the river Grey divides the city into three areas: Blake Town, near the mouth of the south, Karoro in the southeast, which is separated from Blake Town by a few lakes, and Cobden, a formerly independent town on the north bank of the river.

Traffic

Greymouth is located on State Highway 6, which runs along the west coast and Greymouth Hokitika connects with the south and Westport in the north. In addition, two highways from him branch off, crossing the Southern Alps, and connect the city with the East Coast. For one begins in Greymouth State Highway 7, which meets the State Highway 1 after overcoming the Lewis Pass in the Canterbury region. On the other bends a little further south at Kumara Junction of State Highway 73 from which extends over the Arthur's Pass to Christchurch. In addition, the city is the head station of the Midland Line, which runs on the TranzAlpine between Christchurch and Greymouth.

History

Before European settlers arrived in Greymouth, Māori have lived some time in the area. They called Mawhera, today is another name for the Grey River and also the Māori name of the city of Greymouth. The first European to visit the area was in 1846 Thomas Brunner. He discovered coal in the Grey Valley. His name was the inspiration for the town of Brunner and Lake Brunner. Brunner himself named the Grey River to the prominent New Zealand politician Sir George Edward Grey.

Greymouth was known for its coal and gold mines. As the gold mining ceased, the forestry into a major industry in the region was. In recent years, Greymouth attempts to establish eco-tourism as a new economic sector.

On 10 March 2005 a tornado caused severe damage in Greymouth, after the city had already been made on 16 June 2003 and 28 March 2001 by tornadoes.

Greymouth was previously twice scene of heavy mining accidents. On January 18, 1967 19 workers died in an explosion at the Strongman mine. On November 19, 2010, there were 29 miners death than occurred two explosions at the Pike River Mine.

Industry

Greymouth is the seat of the famous beer brewery Monteith 's Brewing Co. Limited.

Sons and daughters

• Thomas Peter McKeefry (1899-1973), Archbishop of Wellington
• Bill Pearson (1922-2002), writer and literary critic