Temuka

Temuka is situated in South Canterbury on the East Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Located on State Highway One, Temuka is 145km south of Christchurch and 18km north of Timaru, ideally situated to capitalise on all that the South Island has to offer. Temuka has a population of approximately 4000 people and is renowned for its safe, community atmosphere and the friendliness of the locals.

Temuka has a strong Maori heritage, with the Arowhenua Marae situated just south of the town. The name Temuka comes from the Maori "Te Umu Kaha" or "The Place of the Hot Ovens" and so it remains in the creations of the world renowned Temuka Pottery.

When Maori first settled in the area it was due to the area providing a rich source of food. Much the same reason that Europeans settled in 1853, to take up farming in the area. It is this rich and fertile land that attracted Temuka's founders that remains the backbone of the town. The ever expanding Anchor Dairy factory just a few kilometres from the town is the Southern Hemisphere's second largest cheese factory and the Monday livestock sales are New Zealand's biggest.

Opihi College is proud to be an integral part of the Temuka community.

Temuka Information Centre
Located: 72-74 King Street, Temuka
Phone: +64 3 615 9537
Fax: +64 3 615 9538
Email: temlibrary@xtra.co.nz