Granity
Town on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Granity is a small town on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, 28 kilometres (17 mi) north-east of Westport on State Highway 67. Karamea is 68 kilometres (42 mi) further north.[3][4]
Granity | |
---|---|
Coordinates: 41°37′47″S 171°51′13″E | |
Country | New Zealand |
Region | West Coast |
District | Buller District |
Ward | Seddon |
Electorates | |
Government | |
• Territorial authority | Buller District Council |
• Regional council | West Coast Regional Council |
• Mayor of Buller | Jamie Cleine |
• West Coast-Tasman MP | Maureen Pugh |
• Te Tai Tonga MP | Tākuta Ferris |
Area | |
• Total | 1.95 km2 (0.75 sq mi) |
Population (June 2023)[2] | |
• Total | 170 |
• Density | 87/km2 (230/sq mi) |
The town is on a narrow strip of land between the Tasman Sea to the west and steep, mountains to the immediate east. Long known as a coal-mining town, the population declined as the industry waned. The population was 170 in June 2023.[2] Several neighbouring towns, such as Denniston, have become virtually ghost towns. In 1911 Granity's population was 589,[5] 641 in 1921[6] and 547 in 1956.[7] Granity had a railway station on the Westport-Ngākawau Line from 28 Feb 1892 until 16 May 1982, though closed to passengers from 14 October 1946.[8] In 1902 it had a staff of 5.[9]
The name "Granity" was given to the town by gold prospectors, in reference to the large quantity of granite in the area.[10]