Rangiora

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Rangiora is a rural town in the South Island of New Zealand. It is the largest town in north Canterbury and the seat of the Waimakariri District Council.

Geography
Rangiora is 25 kilometres to the north of Christchurch, close to the northern end of Canterbury's Inland Scenic Route (formerly State Highway 72), which skirts the inner edge of the Canterbury Plains, running southwest to Timaru via Oxford and Geraldine. The Ashley River is just to the north of the town.

Population
As of the 2006 census the population of the urban area was 11,871. There were approximately 4,500 more people living in the surrounding rural area. The urban area has seen a growth rate of over 10% in the last five years, while the rural areas have seen population growth in excess of 25%, a trend which has continued.

Climate
Being further inland than most of Christchurch, Rangiora experiences hotter summers and colder winters. The highest official temperature ever recorded in New Zealand was 42.4°C (108.3°F) at Rangiora on 7 February 1973.

Education
Further information: List of schools in Canterbury, New Zealand#Waimakariri District
The town has several primary schools and one mainstream secondary school. Rangiora High School has about 1700 students. It is one of the largest secondary schools in the South Island and also one of the oldest, having been established by an Act of Parliament in 1881. Rangiora High School opened on Monday 28 January 1884. The school celebrated its 125th Jubilee at Easter 2009.

Attractions
Rangiora has become a gateway for local wineries, which have become popular in North Canterbury and, around Rangiora, there are a number to choose from. For almost twenty years the Rangiora Showgrounds has hosted an annual "petrol-head" show called Street Machines and Muscle Car Madness which features a large array of vehicles. Rangiora boasts New Zealand's first and only commercial meadery. Located just outside the town it produces mead made from pure New Zealand honey and this is exported to many countries.

Sports
Rangiora Soccer has undergone strong growth in recent years. Rangiora High School has produced many excellent rugby, basketball, netball and rowing athletes in recent years.

Culture
Rangiora boasts two theatre companies: The North Canterbury Musical Society and The Rangiora Players. There are also a number of youth, music, dance and drama schools based in the town. The Regent Cinema, which opened in 1926, is located within the historic Rangiora Town Hall.

Public Transport
Rangiora is linked to Christchurch by public transport. "The Northern Star" bus service operates daily over 4 routes. The service runs half hourly (Monday to Saturday) from 5.30am until 6.30pm; then hourly until 10.00pm, extended to 11.30pm on Saturdays; The service runs hourly on Sundays until 9.30pm.