Why did the French go to Akaroa?
This week in NZ history: 17 August 1840 sees the arrival of the French ship Comte de Paris, in Akaroa on the South Island. Carrying the first French migrants, its mission was to found a settlement based on a dubious 1838 land purchase.
Is Akaroa a French name?
The name Akaroa is Kāi Tahu Māori for “Long Harbour”, which would be spelled Whangaroa in standard Māori. The area was also named Port Louis-Philippe by French settlers after the reigning French king Louis Philippe I….Akaroa.
| Akaroa Port Louis-Philippe | |
|---|---|
| Postcode | 7520 |
| Local iwi | Ngāi Tahu |
Where was New Zealand’s first French colony?
Akaroa
The French were among the earlier European settlers in New Zealand, and established a colony at Akaroa in the South Island. Captain Jean-François-Marie de Surville is the first known Frenchman to have visited New Zealand, in 1769, and by the 1830s, French whalers were operating off the Banks Peninsula.
When did the French settle in Akaroa?
Canterbury’s oldest town, Akaroa was founded in August 1840 by French settlers. It has been suggested that French interest in New Zealand speeded up Britain’s decision to annex New Zealand. By the time French settlers arrived, the Treaty of Waitangi between the British Crown and Māori chiefs had been signed.
Was New Zealand a French colony?
The signing of the Treaty of Waitangi (including two signatures gathered at Akaroa at the end of May 1840) and Lieutenant-Governor William Hobson’s declaration of sovereignty over the whole country on 21 May confirmed that New Zealand was, at least in European eyes, a British colony.
What is Akaroa known for?
The most French town in New Zealand, Akaroa will have you entranced with its historic buildings, magnificent harbour and passion for fine food.
- Akaroa, Christchurch – Canterbury.
- Giants House Cafe, Akaroa, Christchurch – Canterbury.
- Akaroa Harbour and wharf, Christchurch – Canterbury.
Which is NZ oldest city?
By this measure, Wellington is the oldest city. An advance party of New Zealand Company officials and surveyors arrived in September 1839 and made a highly dubious land purchase from local iwi (Tonk, 1990, p. 40).
How was Akaroa formed?
The present harbours at Akaroa and Lyttelton were formed when the valleys were flooded as the sea level rose to its present height about 6,000 years ago.
Who settled Akaroa?
Where do they speak French in New Zealand?
Wellington city
Samoan is the second-most spoken language in Auckland and Porirua city. French is the second-most spoken language in Wellington city.
Are there French people in New Zealand?
The number of French-born residents peaked at 848 in 1881, and did not increase for almost 100 years. Between 1991 and 2013 the number of French-born residents more than quadrupled, from 858 to 3,762.
Is Akaroa a volcano?
Akaroa Volcano was one of three volcanoes that formed Banks Peninsula between 12 and 6 million years ago (Mid to late Miocene). Unusually for New Zealand, Akaroa and the other Banks Peninsula volcanos are shield volcanos. A shield volcano is built almost entirely of fluid lava flows.
What was Akaroa called before 1840?
Before 1840, the area of the current Akaroa town was also known as Wangaloa. The French at first called their settlement Port Louis-Philippe in honour of Louis Philippe I, who reigned as King of the French from 1830 to 1848. The area still shows a French influence, prominent in many local place names.
Why is Akaroa called French farm Bay?
The French influence extended across the harbour to a plant nursery in a bay named after Freemason Duke Decazes, a prosperous industrialist and politician who supported the settlement of Akaroa. Today it is called French Farm Bay, and its fertile soil supports a protea nursery and winery.
When did the Britomart arrive in Akaroa?
HMS Britomart arrived in Akaroa on 16 August 1840, although the captain’s log shows the arrival date as 11 August. Captain Stanley raised the British flag, and held a court at each of the occupied settlements, to convince the French that the area was indeed under British control.
What is the population of Akaroa New Zealand?
Akaroa is a popular resort town. Many Hector’s dolphins may be found within the harbour, and ‘swim with the dolphins’ boat tours are a major tourist attraction. In the 2013 New Zealand census, the permanent population was 624, an increase of 9.5% since 2006. The town has a high (31.3%) ratio of residents aged over 65.