26-538: Omakau is a settlement in Central Otago , New Zealand , located between Alexandra and Ranfurly on the northwest bank of the Manuherikia River . The smaller settlement of Ophir, New Zealand is located on the opposite bank, three kilometres to the southeast. The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of "belonging to husband and wife" for Ōmakau . Omakau grew when
52-515: A month and sunshine 227 hours per month. Autumn is brilliant as the extensive orchards and poplar shelterbelts turn red, yellow and gold. Temperatures range from −3 to 24 °C (26.6 to 75.2 °F). Rainfall averages 30 millimetres (1.2 in) a month with 11 frosts monthly and 150 hours of sunshine. Winter brings a temperature range of −6 to 15 °C (21.2 to 59.0 °F), and average monthly rainfall of 15 millimetres (0.6 in), 25 days with frosts and 107 hours of sunshine per month during
78-769: A population density of 0.54 people per km. Manuherikia-Ida Valleys had a population of 1,119 at the 2018 New Zealand census , an increase of 99 people (9.7%) since the 2013 census , and an increase of 159 people (16.6%) since the 2006 census . There were 441 households, comprising 594 males and 519 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.14 males per female. The median age was 43.9 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 219 people (19.6%) aged under 15 years, 132 (11.8%) aged 15 to 29, 564 (50.4%) aged 30 to 64, and 204 (18.2%) aged 65 or older. Ethnicities were 93.3% European/ Pākehā , 8.0% Māori , 0.5% Pasifika , 1.6% Asian , and 2.1% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity. The percentage of people born overseas
104-768: A population density of 20 people per km. It is part of the much larger Manuherikia-Ida Valleys statistical area. Omakau and its surrounds had a population of 336 at the 2018 New Zealand census , an increase of 39 people (13.1%) since the 2013 census , and an increase of 39 people (13.1%) since the 2006 census . There were 138 households, comprising 171 males and 165 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.04 males per female, with 57 people (17.0%) aged under 15 years, 33 (9.8%) aged 15 to 29, 147 (43.8%) aged 30 to 64, and 99 (29.5%) aged 65 or older. Ethnicities were 91.1% European/ Pākehā , 8.9% Māori , 0.9% Pasifika , 2.7% Asian , and 0.9% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity. Although some people chose not to answer
130-433: Is described as a rural settlement by Statistics New Zealand. The urban area of Omakau (between Alton and Harvey streets) covers 0.38 km (0.15 sq mi) and had a population of 141 in the 2018 New Zealand census . The Statistics New Zealand description relates to a larger area including Ophir which covers 21.47 km (8.29 sq mi). This larger area had an estimated population of 420 as of June 2024, with
156-659: Is estimated to constitute between 25% –35% of the total Buddhist population in New Zealand. The 2018 census counted 52,779 Buddhists in New Zealand. According to a Survey done by Victoria University of Wellington in 2019, it was found that New Zealanders believe that Buddhists are the most trusted religious group in New Zealand. About 35 per cent of New Zealanders have complete or substantial trust in Buddhists. There are many Buddhist temples and centres in New Zealand for New Zealand Buddhists to practice their religion,
182-462: Is the least windy and has 148 frosts annually (only Lake Tekapo, with 149, has more). Ophir, 27 kilometres or 17 miles away, holds the record for the lowest air temperature recorded – −21.6 °C or −6.9 °F in mid-1995 – but it also held the highest reading (35.2 °C or 95.4 °F in 1959) until 42.4 °C (108.3 °F) was recorded at Rangiora, in Canterbury in 1973. Spring warms
208-581: Is the only remaining one of 13 schools which at one point served the Manuherikia Valley area. [REDACTED] Media related to Omakau at Wikimedia Commons Central Otago Central Otago is an area located in the inland part of the Otago region in the South Island of New Zealand . The motto for the area is "A World of Difference". The area is dominated by mountain ranges and
234-474: Is the world's southernmost commercial wine production region. Recently the cool climate varieties Riesling and Pinot noir have been recognised as being especially suitable, and as the vines age Central Otago wines can be expected to improve even further, as the plantings are new and increasing rapidly. The Central Otago District Council, based in Alexandra, administers territorial authority matters, while
260-748: The Otago Central Railway was opened in 1904. Today Omakau has a population of about 250, and is a stopover on both State Highway 85 and the Otago Rail Trail . Omakau is the site of many historic buildings, including the local hotel built in 1898 and the Catholic Church. Omakau also hosts the Central Otago A&;P Show at the local domain, which attracts people from all over the country in February. Omakau
286-529: The Otago Regional Council has overview of environmental matters such as clean air and water resources. Central Otago is the coldest, driest part of New Zealand. The seasons are sharply defined: summers are hot and low in humidity; winter mornings are often misty, the days cloudless and windless and the nights freezing. Alexandra, for example, has the lowest average annual rainfall (340 millimetres or 13.4 inches) recorded anywhere in New Zealand,
SECTION 10
#1732798763251312-424: The Otago gold rush . Other towns and villages include Alexandra , Bannockburn , Clyde , Cromwell , Millers Flat , Naseby , Omakau , Ranfurly , Roxburgh , St. Bathans , and Wedderburn . Since the 19th century, most of the area's economic activity has centred on sheep, stone fruit , and tourism. In recent years, deer farms and vineyards have increased the region's economic diversification. Central Otago
338-570: The Zen Society of New Zealand in 1972 (originally known as the Denkyo-ji Society), often fundraising to organise In the 1970s travel to Asian countries and visits by Buddhist teachers sparked an interest in the religious traditions of Asia, and significant numbers of New Zealanders adopted Buddhist practices and teachings. Since the 1980s Asian migrants and refugees have established their varied forms of Buddhism in New Zealand. In
364-482: The 2010s more than 50 groups, mostly in the Auckland region, offered different Buddhist traditions at temples, centres, monasteries and retreat centres. Many migrant communities brought priests or religious specialists from their own countries and their temples and centres have acted as focal points for a particular ethnic community, offering language and religious instruction. National and international groups. In 2008
390-643: The Sixth Global Conference on Buddhism brought leading teachers and scholars to Auckland under the auspices of the New Zealand Buddhist Foundation. The New Zealand Buddhist Council was established in 2007 and was composed of 15 Buddhist organisations. As of 2020 there are 32 member organizations. They engage with local and national government over issues of concern to Buddhist communities, support their members administratively and promote dialogue and understanding between
416-683: The census's question about religious affiliation, 46.4% had no religion, 47.3% were Christian , 0.9% were Hindu and 0.9% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 30 (10.8%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 72 (25.8%) people had no formal qualifications. 24 people (8.6%) earned over $ 70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 132 (47.3%) people were employed full-time, 69 (24.7%) were part-time, and 3 (1.1%) were unemployed. The Manuherikia-Ida Valleys statistical area includes Omakau and covers 2,511.47 km (969.68 sq mi). It had an estimated population of 1,360 as of June 2024, with
442-630: The largest being Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple New Zealand in Auckland . Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple South Island in Christchurch 's Riccarton Road opened in 2007; it was designed by Warren and Mahoney . Closed after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake , the temple reopened in August 2016. The Bodhinyanarama Monastery in Stokes Valley , Lower Hutt was established in the 1980s, with
468-478: The monastery complex constructed in 1992. Vimutti Buddhist Monastery was established near Bombay and Ararimu in rural southern Auckland Region in early 2000. Both monasteries belong to the Forest Tradition of Ajahn Chah . Wat Lao Buddharam in Ōtāhuhu , Auckland, was constructed by Laotian refugees in 1989, and Ratanadipa Buddhist Temple, a Burmese community temple, was established in 2002 by
494-440: The rich diversity of traditions in the country. According to the 2006 Census, Buddhism constituted 1.4% of the population of New Zealand. It slightly increased to 1.5% in the 2013 census. Most of the Buddhists in New Zealand are migrants from Asia with significant New Zealanders converted to Buddhism ranging from 15,000 -20,000. According to the 2013 census, there are about 58,440 Buddhists in New Zealand. The converts to Buddhism
520-420: The short days. The colloquial name for Central Otago is simply "Central". Residents from the surrounding regions may not talk about being in Central Otago or going to Central Otago – instead referring to being or going "up Central" (this usage is mainly limited to residents of Canterbury , Otago and Southland ). The former Otago Central Railway , which ran through most of the major towns of Central Otago,
546-422: The soil and fruit tree blossom dominates the district's orchard areas. Temperatures range from −3 to 20 °C (26.6 to 68.0 °F) with 10 frosts a month. Average rainfall is 28 millimetres (1.1 in) a month and sunshine 206 hours per month. In summer, daylight lasts as long as 10 P.M.. Temperatures range from 10 to 30 °C (50 to 86 °F) on several days. Rainfall averages 38 millimetres (1.5 in)
SECTION 20
#1732798763251572-750: The upper reaches of the Clutha River and tributaries. The wide flat plateau of the Maniototo which lies between the upper reaches of the Taieri River and the Clutha's northern tributary the Manuherikia is also part of Central Otago. Characterised by cold winters and hot, dry summers, the area is only lightly populated. First significant European occupation came with the discovery of gold at Gabriel's Gully near Lawrence in 1861, which led to
598-419: Was $ 33,900, compared with $ 31,800 nationally. 90 people (10.0%) earned over $ 70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 519 (57.7%) people were employed full-time, 180 (20.0%) were part-time, and 9 (1.0%) were unemployed. Omakau School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students, with a roll of 82 as of August 2024. The school opened in 1935, and
624-411: Was 10.5, compared with 27.1% nationally. Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 54.7% had no religion, 37.3% were Christian , 0.3% were Hindu , 0.3% were Buddhist and 0.3% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 162 (18.0%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 171 (19.0%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income
650-668: Was also referred to as 'the Central'. Areas around the area governed by the Central Otago District Council area are also often simply known as Central, such as Arrowtown, Queenstown and Wānaka. Buddhism in New Zealand Buddhism is New Zealand's third-largest religion after Christianity and Hinduism standing at 1.5% of the population of New Zealand. Buddhism originates in Asia and
676-592: Was introduced to New Zealand by immigrants from East Asia . The first Buddhists in New Zealand were Chinese diggers in the Otago goldfields in the mid-1860s. Their numbers were small, and the 1926 census, the first to include Buddhism, recorded only 169. Buddhism grew significantly as a religion in New Zealand during the 1970s and 1980s with the arrival of Southeast Asian immigrants and refugees, coinciding with increased interest in Buddhist teaching from Western communities. Buddhist associations began forming, such as
#250749