Canterbury Region
Canterbury (Māori: Waitaha) is a region of New Zealand, located in the central-eastern South Island. The region covers an area of 44,503.88 square kilometres (17,183.04 sq mi), making it the largest region in the country by area. It is home to a population of 655,000 (June 2022).[2]
Canterbury
Waitaha | |
|---|---|
| Canterbury Region | |
 Canterbury Region within New Zealand | |
| Coordinates: 43.6°S 172.0°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Island | South Island |
| Established | 1989 |
| Seat | Christchurch |
| Territorial authorities | |
| Government | |
| • Chairperson | Peter Scott |
| Area | |
| • Land | 44,503.88 km2 (17,183.04 sq mi) |
| Population (June 2022)[2] | |
| • Region | 655,000 |
| Demonym | Cantabrian |
| Time zone | UTC+12 (NZST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+13 (NZDT) |
| HDI (2021) | 0.938[3] very high · 4th |
The region in its current form was established in 1989 during nationwide local government reforms. The Kaikoura District joined the region in 1992 following the abolition of the Nelson-Marlborough Regional Council.
Christchurch, the South Island's largest city and the country's second-largest urban area, is the seat of the region and home to 58 percent of the region's population. Other major towns and cities include Timaru, Ashburton, Rangiora and Rolleston.