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Whenua Kura Darfield

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NameDarfieldWhenua KuraAlternative NameHorndon Junction Last edited by: Sarah Davy

White Cliffs Junction Last edited by: Sarah Davy

DescriptionWhenua Kura Darfield, the main town between Christchurch and the West Coast, is often called 'The township under the Nor' West Arch.' This is a reference to the characteristic weather phenomenon which often displays a flat arch of cloud layered above clear sky and mountains to the west of the township.

It was first known as White Cliffs Junction, then Horndon Junction, which was changed in 1879 owing to confusion with Hornby Junction. The name Darfield was given by John Jebson after a village near Barnsley in South Yorkshire, England. The original name Darfield means ‘field frequented by deer.’

An extensive farming district, by 1903 the town boasted four churches; Catholic, English, Presbyterian and Wesleyan. The first school was opened on the 19th of February, 1883, originally with nine boys and nine girls. Mr. A. C. Augur, was the first headmaster.

The 7.1 earthquake that occurred in the September of 2010 was centred very close to the Darfield township.

Pictured right: Darfield Clock Tower, circa 1993Geolocation^[1]

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