Dunsandel
Dunsandel is a small rural town in the Canterbury region of the South Island, New Zealand. The town is located on the Canterbury Plains just south of the Selwyn River / Waikirikiri and about 40 km south of Christchurch. Dunsandel is a junction town on SH1, halfway between Christchurch and Ashburton, with roads leading to Leeston, Southbridge and Hororata. The town provides an important refreshment stop for main road travellers with eateries and coffee shops, as well as acting as a support town for the rural hinterland.
Dunsandel | |
|---|---|
Dunsandel Methodist Church | |
| Coordinates: 43°39′38″S 172°11′34″E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Canterbury region |
| District | Selwyn District |
| Ward | Ellesmere |
| Electorates |
|
| Government | |
| • Territorial authority | Selwyn District Council |
| • Regional council | Environment Canterbury |
| • Mayor of Selwyn | Sam Broughton |
| • Selwyn MP | Nicola Grigg |
| • Te Tai Tonga MP | Tākuta Ferris |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.94 km2 (0.75 sq mi) |
| Population (June 2023) | |
| • Total | 480 |
| • Density | 250/km2 (640/sq mi) |
The town was established to serve the local farming community which includes dairy, sheep and cropping and continues providing veterinary, transport and vehicle repair services. It was named after Dunsandle Castle, the home of Robert Daly, who had owned the land on which the town as established. It has one primary school for approximately 150 children. The town is the home to the Dunsandel Cricket Club. The club's 'A' team has a reputation as one of the premier teams in the Ellesmere district.