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Study Guide: Hokitika: Geography, History, and Culture

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Hokitika: Geography, History, and Culture Study Guide

Geographical Setting and Natural Features

Hokitika is situated on the eastern coastline of New Zealand's South Island.

Answer: False

Explanation: The assertion that Hokitika is located on the East Coast of New Zealand's South Island is factually incorrect. Hokitika is situated on the West Coast of the South Island.

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Hokitika is characterized by an arid climate, experiencing minimal annual precipitation.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hokitika possesses an oceanic climate, which is characterized by significant rainfall distributed evenly throughout the year, making it one of New Zealand's wettest locations, rather than an arid climate.

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The Hokitika Gorge is renowned for its water, which appears murky brown as a result of sediment runoff.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Hokitika Gorge is celebrated for its striking vibrant turquoise blue water, a phenomenon attributed to 'glacial milk' (fine rock flour suspended in the water), not murky brown sediment runoff.

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Given that Hokitika experiences an oceanic climate, which of the following accurately describes its characteristics?

Answer: Mild summers, cool winters, and rainfall distributed evenly year-round.

Explanation: An oceanic climate, as experienced in Hokitika, is defined by mild summers, cool winters, and consistent rainfall distribution throughout the year.

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What phenomenon is responsible for the distinctive vibrant turquoise hue observed in the waters of Hokitika Gorge?

Answer: Fine rock flour suspended in the water, known as glacial milk.

Explanation: The striking turquoise coloration of Hokitika Gorge's waters is attributed to 'glacial milk,' which consists of fine rock flour suspended in the water, ground by glacial action.

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In the context of Hokitika Gorge, what is the definition of the term 'glacial milk'?

Answer: Fine rock flour suspended in water, ground by glaciers.

Explanation: 'Glacial milk' is defined as fine rock flour, pulverized by glaciers, suspended in water, which imparts a characteristic color to glacial meltwater.

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Historical Development and Gold Rush Era

The primary catalyst for Hokitika's rapid expansion in 1864 was the discovery of coal deposits.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hokitika's significant growth commencing in 1864 was predominantly driven by the discovery of gold, not coal, which established it as a central hub for the West Coast gold rush.

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The Arahura Deed, executed in 1864, facilitated the transfer of approximately 3 million hectares of West Coast land to the Crown in exchange for £300.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Arahura Deed, signed in 1864, indeed involved the sale of approximately 3 million hectares of West Coast land to the Crown for the sum of £300.

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During its period of economic boom in the 1860s, Hokitika's port encountered negligible challenges.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hokitika's port faced significant challenges during its 1860s boom period, including numerous ship strandings and losses, due to its dangerous nature.

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Hokitika served as the operational base for Air Travel (NZ) Ltd., recognized as New Zealand's inaugural airline.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statement is accurate; Hokitika was indeed the base for Air Travel (NZ) Ltd., which holds the distinction of being New Zealand's first airline.

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What was the principal factor contributing to Hokitika's accelerated development commencing in 1864?

Answer: The discovery of gold.

Explanation: Hokitika's rapid growth from 1864 onwards was primarily precipitated by the discovery of gold, which transformed it into a central hub for the West Coast gold rush.

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Quantify the number of vessels lost at Hokitika's port during the period spanning 1865 to 1867.

Answer: 32

Explanation: Between 1865 and 1867, a total of 32 ships were lost at Hokitika's port, in addition to 108 strandings.

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What was the primary motive power for the Hokitika & Kanieri Tramway, established in 1868?

Answer: Horses pulling cars

Explanation: The Hokitika & Kanieri Tramway, established in 1868, was primarily powered by horses pulling cars along its wooden rails.

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Economic Landscape and Modern Industries

In 1867, Hokitika's port held the lowest ranking among New Zealand ports concerning the value of its exports.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the assertion, Hokitika's port ranked first in New Zealand in 1867 for both the volume of incoming vessels and the value of exports, primarily gold.

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Historically, Hokitika's economic foundation was primarily built upon the tourism and technology sectors.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historically, Hokitika's economy was driven by industries such as greenstone, gold, coal, and forestry. Tourism and technology were not its primary historical economic bases.

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Westland Milk Products, a significant dairy processing entity, maintains its headquarters in Hokitika and was acquired by the Yili Group in 2019.

Answer: True

Explanation: The statement is accurate: Westland Milk Products, a major dairy processor, is headquartered in Hokitika and was acquired by the Yili Group in 2019.

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What was the significance of Hokitika's port during September 1867?

Answer: It ranked first in New Zealand for incoming vessels and export value, primarily gold.

Explanation: In September 1867, Hokitika's port held the preeminent position in New Zealand, ranking first in both the number of vessels handled and the total value of exports, predominantly gold.

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Identify an industry that was historically significant to Hokitika's economy but has since experienced substantial decline.

Answer: Forestry

Explanation: Forestry, alongside gold, coal, and greenstone, was a historically significant industry in Hokitika that has since experienced considerable decline.

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What is the primary function of the Westland Milk Products facility situated in Hokitika?

Answer: The main processing plant

Explanation: The facility for Westland Milk Products in Hokitika serves as its main processing plant and headquarters.

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Identify an industry that was not historically significant to Hokitika's economic base.

Answer: Sheep farming

Explanation: Historically, Hokitika's economy was significantly influenced by gold mining, coal mining, and greenstone (pounamu). Sheep farming is not identified as a major historical industry for the region.

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What constituted the principal export commodity from Hokitika's port during its economic zenith in the late 1860s?

Answer: Gold

Explanation: Gold was the predominant export commodity from Hokitika's port during its boom period in the late 1860s, directly linked to the West Coast gold rush.

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Social Fabric and Cultural Heritage

The Māori appellation 'Hokitika' is understood to signify 'place of greenstone'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Māori name 'Hokitika' does not translate to 'place of greenstone'; rather, it signifies 'to return directly,' referencing a historical event involving Ngāi Tahu warriors.

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The mock funeral procession observed in Hokitika on March 8, 1868, was conducted as a demonstration of solidarity with the Manchester Martyrs.

Answer: False

Explanation: The mock funeral held in Hokitika on March 8, 1868, was indeed a protest against the conviction and execution of the Manchester Martyrs, Irish Fenians.

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Hokitika functioned as the administrative capital of the Westland Province for a period exceeding ten years.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hokitika served as the capital of the Westland Province for a duration of three years (1873-1876), not over a decade.

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The Hokitika Wild Food Festival, recognized for its distinctive culinary presentations, commenced its annual occurrence in 1990.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Hokitika Wild Food Festival, celebrated for its unique culinary focus, was indeed established in 1990.

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Arahura Marae is situated within the township of Hokitika and functions as the principal administrative hub for the Ngāi Tahu iwi.

Answer: False

Explanation: Arahura Marae is located near Hokitika, not within the town itself, and serves as a significant meeting ground for the Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae branch of the Ngāi Tahu iwi, rather than the main administrative center for the entire iwi.

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Richard Seddon, who previously held the office of Premier of New Zealand, maintained no connection with Hokitika.

Answer: False

Explanation: Richard Seddon, a former Premier of New Zealand, is listed among the notable individuals associated with Hokitika, contradicting the assertion of no association.

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Hokitika maintains a sister city relationship with a municipality located in Canada.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hokitika's sister city is Deloraine, located in Tasmania, Australia, not a city in Canada.

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The mock funeral procession in Hokitika on March 8, 1868, served as a protest concerning which specific historical event?

Answer: The conviction and execution of the Manchester Martyrs.

Explanation: The mock funeral in Hokitika on March 8, 1868, was a direct protest against the conviction and subsequent execution of the Manchester Martyrs.

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What was the historical contribution of the Jewish community to Hokitika's development?

Answer: They established stores and businesses and built a synagogue.

Explanation: The Jewish community played a significant role in Hokitika's early history by establishing commercial enterprises and constructing a synagogue.

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Identify the annual event, established in 1990, that celebrates unique local culinary offerings in Hokitika.

Answer: The Hokitika Wild Food Festival

Explanation: The Hokitika Wild Food Festival, initiated in 1990, is the annual event dedicated to celebrating unique local food offerings.

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Arahura Marae, a site of significance for the Ngāi Tahu iwi, is situated:

Answer: South of Greymouth, near Hokitika.

Explanation: Arahura Marae is located south of Greymouth and in proximity to Hokitika, serving as a vital cultural center for the Ngāi Tahu iwi.

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The Driftwood and Sand Festival, an event showcasing sculptures crafted from beach debris, occurs annually during:

Answer: January on Hokitika beach

Explanation: The Driftwood and Sand Festival is held annually in January on Hokitika beach, featuring sculptures created from beach debris.

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In which nation is Hokitika's designated sister city situated?

Answer: Australia

Explanation: Hokitika's sister city, Deloraine, is located in Australia.

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Identify the Man Booker Prize-winning novel whose narrative is set in and around Hokitika.

Answer: The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton

Explanation: Eleanor Catton's novel 'The Luminaries,' winner of the Man Booker Prize, is set in and around Hokitika.

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Who was Father William Larkin, referenced in connection with the 1868 event in Hokitika?

Answer: A Roman Catholic priest who led a protest procession and was later arrested.

Explanation: Father William Larkin was a Roman Catholic priest who led the protest procession in Hokitika in 1868 and subsequently faced arrest and conviction.

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Hokitika served as the capital city for which ephemeral administrative entity?

Answer: The Westland Province

Explanation: Hokitika served as the capital of the Westland Province, an administrative region that existed from 1873 to 1876.

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Infrastructure and Connectivity

State Highway 7 constitutes the principal roadway traversing Hokitika.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary state highway that passes through Hokitika is State Highway 6, not State Highway 7.

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Passenger rail services to Hokitika were completely discontinued in 1993, subsequent to the implementation of railbus services.

Answer: False

Explanation: Passenger rail services to Hokitika ceased in 1972, not 1993, when the Vulcan railcars discontinued service beyond Greymouth.

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Air New Zealand conducts daily flight operations from Hokitika Airport to Wellington.

Answer: False

Explanation: Air New Zealand operates daily flights from Hokitika Airport to Christchurch, not Wellington.

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What became of the passenger rail services connecting to Hokitika?

Answer: They ceased in 1972 when services beyond Greymouth were discontinued.

Explanation: Passenger rail services to Hokitika were discontinued in 1972, coinciding with the cessation of Vulcan railcar services beyond Greymouth, with the line subsequently used for freight operations.

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To which destination do the daily flights operated by Air New Zealand from Hokitika Airport travel?

Answer: Christchurch

Explanation: The daily flights operated by Air New Zealand from Hokitika Airport are directed to Christchurch.

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Demographics and Contemporary Life

During the initial decades of the 20th century, Hokitika was served by a single hospital facility.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the early 20th century, Hokitika was served by two distinct healthcare facilities: Westland Hospital and the Seaview Asylum, not a single hospital.

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The designated urban area of Hokitika encompasses an approximate extent of 11.78 square miles.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Hokitika urban area covers approximately 4.55 square miles (11.78 square kilometers), not 11.78 square miles.

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Hokitika's population experienced a consistent increase between the census periods of 2006 and 2018.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hokitika's population exhibited a decline between the 2006 and 2018 census periods, decreasing from 3,078 to 2,892 residents.

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The median age recorded for Hokitika residents in the 2018 census was below the national median.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the 2018 census, Hokitika's median age was 47.5 years, which was significantly higher than the national median age of 37.4 years.

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According to the 2018 census, more than 80% of Hokitika's population reported identifying exclusively as Māori.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2018 census data indicates that 20.1% of Hokitika residents identified as Māori, with 86.4% identifying as European/Pākehā. The statement that over 80% identified solely as Māori is incorrect.

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Hokitika's median income in 2018 surpassed the national median income.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hokitika's median income in 2018 was $27,300, which was lower than the national median income of $31,800.

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The Hokitika Museum resides within a contemporary structure purpose-built for its exhibition functions in the 21st century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Hokitika Museum is housed in the historic former Carnegie library building, not a modern structure built in the 21st century.

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Westland High School is the sole secondary educational institution serving Hokitika.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Westland High School provides secondary education (years 7-13), the assertion that it is the *sole* secondary school serving Hokitika is inaccurate, as the community is supported by multiple educational institutions.

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Erected in the early 20th century, the Hokitika Clock Tower is regarded as a landmark of minor significance.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Hokitika Clock Tower, built in the early 20th century, is considered the most prominent landmark in Hokitika, not a minor one.

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Based on the 2018 census findings, what was Hokitika's median age, and what was its relationship to the national median age?

Answer: 47.5 years, which was higher than the national median.

Explanation: The 2018 census data indicates that Hokitika's median age was 47.5 years, a figure substantially higher than the national median age of 37.4 years.

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What is the historical significance of the building housing the Hokitika Museum?

Answer: It is the former Carnegie library building.

Explanation: The Hokitika Museum is historically significant as it is housed within the former Carnegie library building, a structure with its own heritage value.

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Identify from the following options a notable Hokitika building designated as a Category I historic place.

Answer: The Hokitika Customhouse

Explanation: The Hokitika Customhouse, constructed in 1897, is designated as a Category I historic place, signifying its outstanding heritage significance.

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What was the principal purpose of the Seaview Asylum, established in Hokitika in 1872?

Answer: A mental health facility

Explanation: The Seaview Asylum, established in 1872, functioned primarily as a mental health facility.

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What is the primary significance attributed to the Hokitika Clock Tower?

Answer: It is the most prominent landmark in Hokitika.

Explanation: The Hokitika Clock Tower, erected in the early 20th century, is recognized as the most prominent landmark within the town.

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Identify a coeducational school that serves the Hokitika community.

Answer: Westland High School

Explanation: Westland High School is identified as a coeducational institution serving the Hokitika area, catering to years 7 through 13.

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Within which historically significant edifice is the Hokitika Museum situated?

Answer: The former Carnegie library

Explanation: The Hokitika Museum is housed within the former Carnegie library building, a structure of historical importance.

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