View source for Timaru

{{Use New Zealand English|date=November 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                         = Timaru
| native_name                  = {{native name|mi|Te Tihi-o-Maru}}
| native_name_lang             = 
| settlement_type              = City
| total_type                   = District
| image_skyline                = Timaru-Stafford.St.jpg
| imagesize                    = 250px
| image_alt                    = 
| image_caption                = View down Stafford Street in 2006
| image_map                    = 
| map_alt                      = 
| map_caption                  = 
| pushpin_map                  = New Zealand
| pushpin_label_position       = 
| pushpin_map_alt              = 
| pushpin_map_caption          = 
| coordinates                  = {{coord|44|23|35|S|171|15|03|E|region:NZ|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates_footnotes        = 
| subdivision_type             = Country
| subdivision_name             = New Zealand
| subdivision_type1            = [[Regions of New Zealand|Region]]
| subdivision_name1            = [[Canterbury Regional Council|Canterbury]]
| subdivision_type2            = [[Territorial authorities of New Zealand|Territorial authority]]
| subdivision_name2            = [[Timaru District]]
| established_title            = Established
| established_date             = 13 July 1868<ref>{{Cite web |last1=McLintock |first1=Alexander Hare  |publisher=New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu Taonga|title=TIMARU |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/1966/timaru |access-date=2021-09-02 |website=An encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock, 1966. |language=en}}</ref>
| leader_title                 = [[Mayor of Timaru|Mayor]]
| leader_name                  = Nigel Bowen
| elevation_footnotes          = 
| elevation_min_m              = 0
| elevation_max_m              = 95
| population_footnotes         = {{NZ population data 2018||||y}}
| population_urban             = {{NZ population data 2018|Timaru|y}}
| population_as_of             = {{NZ population data 2018|||y}}
| population_note              = 
| area_total_km2               = 
| area_land_km2                = 2,736.54
| timezone1                    = [[Time in New Zealand|New Zealand Standard Time]]
| utc_offset1                  = +12
| timezone1_DST                = [[Time in New Zealand|New Zealand Daylight Time]]
| utc_offset1_DST              = +13
| postal_code_type             = [[Postcodes in New Zealand|Postcode]]
| postal_code                  = 7910
| area_code_type               = 
| area_code                    = 
| website                      = [http://www.timaru.govt.nz/ timaru.govt.nz]
| footnotes                    = 
| blank_name                   = Local [[iwi]]
| blank_info                   = [[Ngāi Tahu]]
| official_name                = 
| area_urban_km2               = 33.98
| population_density_urban_km2 = auto
}}
'''Timaru''' ({{IPAc-en|lang|pron|ˈ|t|ɪ|m|ə|r|uː}};<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/timaru |title=the definition of Timaru}}</ref> {{langx|mi|Te Tihi-o-Maru}}) is a port city in the southern [[Canterbury Region]] of New Zealand, located {{cvt|157|km|mi}} southwest of [[Christchurch]] and about {{cvt|196|km|mi}} northeast of [[Dunedin]] on the eastern [[Pacific Ocean|Pacific]] coast of the [[South Island]]. The Timaru urban area is home to {{NZ population data 2018|Timaru|y}} people, and is the largest urban area in [[South Canterbury]], and the third-largest in the Canterbury Region overall, after Christchurch and [[Rolleston, New Zealand|Rolleston]].<ref name="NZ_population_data_2018" /> The town is the seat of the [[Timaru District]], which includes the surrounding rural area and the towns of [[Geraldine, New Zealand|Geraldine]], [[Pleasant Point, New Zealand|Pleasant Point]] and [[Temuka]], which combined have a total population of {{NZ population data 2018|Timaru district|y}}.<ref name="NZ_population_data_2018" />

[[Caroline Bay]] beach is a popular recreational area located close to Timaru's main centre, just to the north of the substantial port facilities. Beyond Caroline Bay, the [[industrial suburb]] of [[Washdyke]] is at a major junction with [[State Highway 8 (New Zealand)|State Highway 8]], the main route into the [[Mackenzie Basin|Mackenzie Country]]. This provides a road link to [[Pleasant Point, New Zealand|Pleasant Point]], [[Fairlie, New Zealand|Fairlie]], [[Twizel]], [[Lake Tekapo]], [[Aoraki / Mount Cook]] and [[Queenstown, New Zealand|Queenstown]].

Timaru has been built on rolling hills created from the lava flows of the extinct Mt Horrible volcano, which last erupted thousands of years ago. The result is that most of the main streets are undulating, a clear contrast with the flat landscape of the [[Canterbury Plains]] to the north. This volcanic rock is used for the construction of local "[[bluestone]]" buildings.

== History ==
=== Māori settlement ===
The origin of the name 'Timaru' is disputed. Some believe that it derives from [[Māori language|Māori]] ''Te Maru'', which can mean a 'place of shelter'. However, other authorities allege that Timaru originates from a literal translation of the combination of ''tī'', a [[Cordyline australis|cabbage tree]] and ''maru'', meaning 'shady'.<ref>{{cite web |title=Timaru |url=https://nzhistory.govt.nz/keyword/timaru |access-date=15 November 2019 |publisher=Research and Publishing Group of the New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage}}</ref>

Māori [[Waka (canoe)|waka]] seem to have employed the site of Timaru as a place to rest on journeys up and down the eastern coastline for many years before the arrival of the first Europeans in the 19th century. The area includes over 500 sites with traces of Māori rock art, particularly in the rock overhangs and caves of the Opuha and Ōpihi River valleys, to the west of modern-day Timaru. Archaeologists have suggested that Māori [[iwi]] (tribes) were permanently settled in the district before 1400 AD. During the 17th or 18th century the resident [[Ngāti Mamoe]] were driven southwards into [[Fiordland]] by an invasion of the [[Ngāi Tahu]], who came from the North Island.

Te Runanga o Arowhenua is the [[hapū]] (subtribe) for Aoraki (Timaru District). Their marae is located just outside Temuka.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua Te Runanga o Arowhenua Marae |url=https://arowhenua.org/ |access-date=2022-07-12 |website=Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua |language=en-GB}}</ref>

== 19th century onwards ==
[[File:Timaru Sacred heart Cathedral.jpg|thumb|[[Sacred Heart Basilica, Timaru|Sacred Heart Basilica]], built in 1911]]
European settlement began with the construction of a [[whaling]] station in 1839 by the [[Weller brothers]] of [[Otago]] at Patiti Point, close to the present town centre.<ref>{{cite book |last=Entwisle |first=Peter |author-link=Peter Entwisle |title=Behold the Moon: The European Occupation of the Dunedin District 1770–1848 |year=2010 |publisher=Port Daniel Press |isbn=978-0-473-17534-4 |page=126}}</ref> A supply ship, ''The Caroline'', provided the name for a local bay. Later a sheep station, known as ''The Levels'', was set up on land obtained by the Rhodes brothers, and run by [[George Rhodes (farmer)|George Rhodes]].<ref name="DNZB Rhodes">{{DNZB|last=Pinney|first=Robert|id=1r6|title=George Rhodes |access-date=23 April 2017}}</ref><ref name="NZETC Timaru">{{cite book |author=Cyclopedia Company Limited |title=The Cyclopedia of New Zealand : Canterbury Provincial District |year=1903 |url=http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Cyc03Cycl-t1-body1-d7-d1-d1.html |publisher=[[The Cyclopedia of New Zealand]] |access-date=22 August 2015 |location=Christchurch |chapter=Timaru}}</ref> One of the earliest settlers was Captain [[Henry Cain]], who set up a store in 1857 on behalf of [[Henry Le Cren]] of [[Lyttelton, New Zealand|Lyttelton]], and Le Cren himself moved to Timaru in the following year.<ref name="DNZB Henry Le Cren">{{DNZB|last=Pinney|first=Robert |id=1l5|title=Le Cren, Frederic and Le Cren, Henry John |access-date=16 August 2015}}</ref>

Few lived in Timaru until 14 January 1859<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gillespie |first=Oliver A. |url=http://archive.org/details/gillespie-1958 |title=South Canterbury : A record of settlement |date=1958 |page=468 |language=English}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-08-14 |title=Big plans for Strathallan anniversary |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/south-canterbury/big-plans-strathallan-anniversary |access-date=2025-11-16 |website=Otago Daily Times Online News |language=en}}</ref> when the sailing ship ''Strathallan''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Strathallan |url=https://www.clydeships.co.uk/view.php?official_number=&imo=&builder=&builder_eng=&year_built=&launch_after=&launch_before=&role=&type_ref1=&propulsion=&owner=&port=&flag=&disposal=&lost=&ref=61294&vessel=STRATHALLAN |access-date=2025-11-16 |website=clydeships}}</ref> arrived from London, carrying a party of 111,<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 February 1859 |title=Steamer Geelong. Otago Witness |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW18590205.2.5.6 |access-date=2025-11-16 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> 107,<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 January 1859 |title=Shipping News. Lyttelton Times |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/LT18590126.2.16 |access-date=2025-11-16 |website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> or, as a 1958 account said, about 120 [[immigrants]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gillespie |first=Oliver A. |url=http://archive.org/details/gillespie-1958 |title=South Canterbury : A record of settlement |date=1958 |pages=245 |language=English}}</ref> Persistent land disputes arose between the Rhodes brothers and local government officials with the result that two townships were established in the port area, Government Town and Rhodestown. These eventually merged into a single community in 1868. Given this division, until recently none of the main north-south streets lined up. Stafford Street, which became the main thoroughfare, was formed along the early bullock wagon trail.

Following the loss of a number of vessels off the coast, the breakwater design by Engineer John Goodall was adopted and work started on the redevelopment of the artificial port in 1877,<ref>{{cite book |title=The Cyclopedia of New Zealand : Canterbury Provincial District |year=1903 |url=http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Cyc03Cycl-t1-body1-d7-d1-d4.html |publisher=[[The Cyclopedia of New Zealand]] |access-date=15 November 2019 |location=Christchurch |chapter=Timaru Harbour}}</ref> which eventually caused sand washed south down the Pacific shoreline to build up against the northern mole. This was the beginning of the extensive [[land reclamation]] around the Caroline Bay district, an area which is still growing today.

Timaru continued to expand during the 20th century, with much of the development taking the form of wooden colonial style [[bungalow]]s set in individual sections of land. [[Sacred Heart Basilica, Timaru|Sacred Heart Basilica]] was opened in 1911.

==Geography==
Timaru is situated along the Pacific Ocean coast. Much of the hinterland is farmland. To the north and northeast are the [[Canterbury Plains]].

{{Geographic location
|title  = '''Neighbouring cities, towns and places'''
|Northeast = [[Ashburton, New Zealand|Ashburton]] and [[Christchurch]]
|North  = [[Geraldine, New Zealand|Geraldine]]
|Northwest = [[Fairlie, New Zealand|Fairlie]] and [[Mount Cook Village]]
|West   = [[Twizel]]
|Centre = Timaru
|South  = [[Oamaru]] and [[Dunedin]]
|Southwest = [[Queenstown, New Zealand|Queenstown]]
|East = Pacific Ocean
}}

=== Suburbs ===
[[File:Timaru suburb map.png|thumb|Suburbs of Timaru]]
* [[Washdyke]]
* Smithfield
* Grantlea
* [[Waimataitai]]
* [[Marchwiel, New Zealand|Marchwiel]]
* [[Timaru Central]]
* Maori Hill
* [[Highfield, New Zealand|Highfield]]
* [[Glenwood, New Zealand|Glenwood]]
* [[Gleniti]]
* [[Seaview, Canterbury|Seaview]]
* [[West End, New Zealand|West End]]
* [[Watlington, New Zealand|Watlington]]
* [[Parkside, New Zealand|Parkside]]
* [[Kensington, Timaru|Kensington]]
* [[Redruth, New Zealand|Redruth]]
* Oceanview
* Port Timaru

===Climate===
Timaru has a relatively dry temperate climate similar to that of neighbouring [[Ashburton, New Zealand|Ashburton]] and [[Christchurch]], classified as an [[oceanic climate]] (''Cfb'')<ref name="Climate-Data.org">{{cite web |url=http://en.climate-data.org/location/4362/ |title=Climate: Timaru – Climate graph, Temperature graph, Climate table |publisher=Climate-Data.org |access-date=2014-01-20}}</ref> by [[Köppen-Geiger climate classification system]]. Temperatures are warm in summer and cool in winter, with Timaru's extreme maximum temperature being {{convert|41.3|°C|°F|1|disp=or}} on 6 February 2011<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC1103/S00010/climate-summary-february-2011-a-tale-of-two-islands.htm |title=Climate Summary – February 2011: A tale of two islands &#124; Scoop News |publisher=Scoop.co.nz |date=2 March 2011 |access-date=2012-01-06}}</ref> and the extreme minimum {{convert|&minus;9.1|°C|°F|1|disp=or}} on 3 August 1998.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.weatherzone.co.nz/south-island/timaru |title=Timaru weather forecast – current temperature – local weather |publisher=Weatherzone.co.nz |access-date=2012-01-06}}</ref> Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year, with a very small proportion of it falling as snow.
{{Weather box
|location = Timaru (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1885–present)
|metric first = yes
|single line = yes
| Jan record high C = 40.0
| Feb record high C = 41.3
| Mar record high C = 33.6
| Apr record high C = 30.8
| May record high C = 27.3
| Jun record high C = 23.0
| Jul record high C = 22.7
| Aug record high C = 25.1
| Sep record high C = 28.2
| Oct record high C = 32.8
| Nov record high C = 32.8
| Dec record high C = 34.3
| year record high C = 41.3
|Jan high C = 	20.1
|Feb high C = 	19.6
|Mar high C = 	18.2
|Apr high C = 	15.6
|May high C = 	13.2
|Jun high C = 	10.6
|Jul high C = 	10.1
|Aug high C = 	11.1
|Sep high C = 	13.6
|Oct high C = 	15.4
|Nov high C = 	16.8
|Dec high C = 	18.5
| year high C = 	15.2
|Jan mean C = 	15.8
|Feb mean C = 	15.5
|Mar mean C = 	13.8
|Apr mean C = 	11.1
|May mean C = 	8.7
|Jun mean C = 	5.9
|Jul mean C = 	5.4
|Aug mean C = 	6.7
|Sep mean C = 	9.1
|Oct mean C = 	10.8
|Nov mean C = 	12.4
|Dec mean C = 	14.3
| year mean C = 	10.8
|Jan low C = 	11.4
|Feb low C = 	11.3
|Mar low C = 	9.3
|Apr low C = 	6.7
|May low C = 	4.2
|Jun low C = 	1.3
|Jul low C = 	0.6
|Aug low C = 	2.2
|Sep low C = 	4.5
|Oct low C = 	6.2
|Nov low C = 	8.0
|Dec low C = 	10.1
| year low C = 	6.3
|Jan record low C  = 1.4
|Feb record low C  = 1.2
|Mar record low C  = -0.9
|Apr record low C  = -1.6
|May record low C  =  -5.6
|Jun record low C  = -6.8
|Jul record low C  = -6.7
|Aug record low C  = -5.9
|Sep record low C  = -4.6
|Oct record low C  = -2.2
|Nov record low C  = -1.1
|Dec record low C  = -0.6
|year record low C = -6.8
|rain colour = green	
|Jan rain mm = 	50.3
|Feb rain mm = 	52.3
|Mar rain mm = 	38.6
|Apr rain mm = 	49.3
|May rain mm = 	39.7
|Jun rain mm = 	39.4
|Jul rain mm = 	42.0
|Aug rain mm = 	44.6
|Sep rain mm = 	33.5
|Oct rain mm = 	47.8
|Nov rain mm = 	51.5
|Dec rain mm = 	54.0
|year rain mm = 	
| Jan rain days = 	7.6
| Feb rain days = 	6.0
| Mar rain days = 	5.8
| Apr rain days = 	7.3
| May rain days = 	6.4
| Jun rain days = 	5.3
| Jul rain days = 	5.0
| Aug rain days = 	5.6
| Sep rain days = 	5.4
| Oct rain days = 	8.1
| Nov rain days = 	7.2
| Dec rain days = 	7.0
| unit rain days = 1.0 mm	
|Jan sun = 	183.5
|Feb sun = 	167.0
|Mar sun = 	170.2
|Apr sun = 	154.9
|May sun = 	127.9
|Jun sun = 	120.0
|Jul sun = 	131.9
|Aug sun = 	157.4
|Sep sun = 	153.0
|Oct sun = 	183.3
|Nov sun = 	191.8
|Dec sun = 	176.6
|year sun = 	
| Jan humidity = 	76.3
| Feb humidity = 	82.5
| Mar humidity = 	87.2
| Apr humidity = 	86.4
| May humidity = 	85.3
| Jun humidity = 	86.6
| Jul humidity = 	84.9
| Aug humidity = 	85.4
| Sep humidity = 	75.4
| Oct humidity = 	77.1
| Nov humidity = 	73.5
| Dec humidity = 	75.9
|source 1 = NIWA Climate Data<ref name = NIWA>{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240520001949/https://niwa.co.nz/climate-and-weather/climate-data-and-activities
| archive-date = 20 May 2024
| url = https://niwa.co.nz/climate-and-weather/climate-data-and-activities
| title = Climate data and activities
| publisher= NIWA
| access-date = 20 May 2024}}</ref><ref name=" ">{{cite web
|url = https://cliflo.niwa.co.nz/
|title = CliFlo -The National Climate Database (Agent numbers: 35703, 5092, 5095)
|publisher = NIWA
|access-date = 15 May 2024}}</ref>
}}

{{Weather box|width=auto
|metric first=y
|single line=y 
|collapsed = Y
|location = Timaru Airport (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1962–present) 
| Jan record high C = 37.5
| Feb record high C = 40.3
| Mar record high C = 34.8
| Apr record high C = 30.6
| May record high C = 26.1
| Jun record high C = 23.5
| Jul record high C = 21.9
| Aug record high C = 23.5
| Sep record high C = 28.9
| Oct record high C = 29.0
| Nov record high C = 31.7
| Dec record high C = 34.1
| year record high C = 40.3
| Jan avg record high C  = 32.1
| Feb avg record high C  = 31.1
| Mar avg record high C  = 29.0
| Apr avg record high C  = 24.6
| May avg record high C  = 21.4
| Jun avg record high C  = 18.2
| Jul avg record high C  = 18.0
| Aug avg record high C  = 20.1
| Sep avg record high C  = 22.9
| Oct avg record high C  = 25.3
| Nov avg record high C  = 27.7
| Dec avg record high C  = 29.7
| year avg record high C = 33.7
| Jan high C  = 21.5
| Feb high C  = 21.1
| Mar high C  = 19.7
| Apr high C  = 16.7
| May high C  = 14.1
| Jun high C  = 11.4
| Jul high C  = 10.9
| Aug high C  = 12.2
| Sep high C  = 14.5
| Oct high C  = 16.3
| Nov high C  = 18.1
| Dec high C  = 19.9
| year high C = 
| Jan mean C  = 15.8
| Feb mean C  = 15.6
| Mar mean C  = 13.9
| Apr mean C  = 10.9
| May mean C  = 8.3
| Jun mean C  = 5.6
| Jul mean C  = 5.0
| Aug mean C  = 6.5
| Sep mean C  = 8.6
| Oct mean C  = 10.4
| Nov mean C  = 12.2
| Dec mean C  = 14.4
| year mean C = 
| Jan low C  = 10.2
| Feb low C  = 10.1
| Mar low C  = 8.1
| Apr low C  = 5.1
| May low C  = 2.5
| Jun low C  = -0.2
| Jul low C  = -0.9
| Aug low C  = 0.7
| Sep low C  = 2.6
| Oct low C  = 4.4
| Nov low C  = 6.3
| Dec low C  = 8.9
| year low C = 
| Jan avg record low C  = 3.4
| Feb avg record low C  = 3.7
| Mar avg record low C  = 1.4
| Apr avg record low C  = -0.8
| May avg record low C  = -2.7
| Jun avg record low C  = -4.9
| Jul avg record low C  = -5.5
| Aug avg record low C  = -4.5
| Sep avg record low C  = -3.0
| Oct avg record low C  = -1.7
| Nov avg record low C  = 0.0
| Dec avg record low C  = 2.7
| year avg record low C = -6.1
|Jan record low C  = 1.1
|Feb record low C  = 0.3
|Mar record low C  = -3.3
|Apr record low C  = -3.0
|May record low C  =  -7.8
|Jun record low C  = -8.9
|Jul record low C  = -8.8
|Aug record low C  = -9.1
|Sep record low C  = -5.3
|Oct record low C  = -4.5
|Nov record low C  = -2.2
|Dec record low C  = -0.4
|year record low C = -9.1
|rain colour = green	
|Jan rain mm = 50.0
|Feb rain mm = 45.4
|Mar rain mm = 41.9
|Apr rain mm = 47.4
|May rain mm = 41.2
|Jun rain mm = 35.1
|Jul rain mm = 42.0
|Aug rain mm = 43.6
|Sep rain mm = 34.9
|Oct rain mm = 47.6
|Nov rain mm = 48.9
|Dec rain mm = 51.8
|year rain mm = 	
|source = NIWA <ref name=" ">{{cite web
|url = https://cliflo.niwa.co.nz/
|title = CliFlo -The National Climate Database (Agent numbers:5084, 5086 )
|publisher = NIWA
|access-date = 1 Aug 2024}}</ref>
}}

== Demographics ==
The Timaru urban area is defined by Statistics New Zealand as a medium urban area. It covers {{cvt|33.98|km2|}} and incorporates sixteen statistical areas.<!-- Fraser Park, Gleniti North, Gleniti South, Glenwood, Highfield North, Highfield South, Kensington (Timaru district), Marchwiel East, Marchwiel West, Parkside, Seaview, Timaru East, Timaru Central, Waimataitai-Maori Hill, Waltington, and Washdyke. --><ref name="Area">{{Cite web|title=ArcGIS Web Application|url=https://statsnz.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6f49867abe464f86ac7526552fe19787| access-date=21 November 2021|website=statsnz.maps.arcgis.com}}</ref> It had an estimated population of {{NZ population data 2018|Timaru|y}} as of {{NZ population data 2018|||y|y||,}} with a population density of {{Decimals|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Timaru|y}}|R}}/33.98|0}} people per km<sup>2</sup>.

{{Historical populations|2006|26,118|2013|26,262|2018|27,498|percentages=pagr|align=left|source=<ref name="Census 2018"/>}}
Timaru had a population of 27,498 at the [[2018 New Zealand census]], an increase of 1,236 people (4.7%) since the [[2013 New Zealand census|2013 census]], and an increase of 1,380 people (5.3%) since the [[2006 New Zealand census|2006 census]]. There were 11,502 households, comprising 13,368 males and 14,133 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.95 males per female, with 4,758 people (17.3%) aged under 15 years, 4,893 (17.8%) aged 15 to 29, 11,709 (42.6%) aged 30 to 64, and 6,147 (22.4%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 89.2% European/[[Pākehā]], 9.3% [[Māori people|Māori]], 2.4% [[Pasifika New Zealanders|Pasifika]], 5.2% [[Asian New Zealanders|Asian]], and 1.8% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

The percentage of people born overseas was 13.8, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 47.8% had no religion, 40.9% were [[Christianity in New Zealand|Christian]], 0.3% had [[Religion of Māori people|Māori religious beliefs]], 0.9% were [[Hinduism in New Zealand|Hindu]], 0.3% were [[Islam in New Zealand|Muslim]], 0.3% were [[Buddhism in New Zealand|Buddhist]] and 1.8% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 2,892 (12.7%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 5,742 (25.3%) people had no formal qualifications. 2,979 people (13.1%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 10,791 (47.5%) people were employed full-time, 3,264 (14.4%) were part-time, and 648 (2.8%) were unemployed.<ref name="Census 2018">{{NZ census 2018|Gleniti North (339700), Washdyke (339800), Gleniti South (340000), Glenwood (340100), Marchwiel West (340200), Marchwiel East (340300), Highfield North (340400), Highfield South (340500), Waimataitai-Maori Hill (340600), Fraser Park (340700), Seaview (340800), Watlington (341000), Timaru Central (341100), Timaru East (341200), Parkside (341300) and Kensington (Timaru District) (341400)}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+Individual statistical areas
|-
!Name !! Area (km<sup>2</sup>) !! Population !! Density (per km<sup>2</sup>) || Households !! Median age !! Median income
|-
| [[West End, New Zealand|Fraser Park]] || style="text-align:right;"|1.22 || style="text-align:right;"|2,751 || style="text-align:right;"|2,255 || style="text-align:right;"|1,179 || 43.1 years || $30,500<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|fraser-park|Fraser Park}}</ref>
|-
| [[Gleniti]] North || style="text-align:right;"|5.46 || style="text-align:right;"|1,491 || style="text-align:right;"|273 || style="text-align:right;"|603 || 50.4 years || $39,600<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|gleniti-north|Gleniti North}}</ref>
|-
| Gleniti South || style="text-align:right;"|1.74 || style="text-align:right;"|2,433 || style="text-align:right;"|1,398 || style="text-align:right;"|951 || 50.8 years || $29,900<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|gleniti-south|Gleniti South}}</ref>
|-
| [[Glenwood, New Zealand|Glenwood]] || style="text-align:right;"|1.05 || style="text-align:right;"|1,788 || style="text-align:right;"|1,703 || style="text-align:right;"|723 || 42.5 years || $27,800<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|glenwood|Glenwood}}</ref>
|-
| [[Highfield, New Zealand|Highfield]] North || style="text-align:right;"|1.41 || style="text-align:right;"|2,358 || style="text-align:right;"|1,672 || style="text-align:right;"|963 || 51.1 years || $28,400<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|highfield-north|Highfield North}}</ref>
|-
| Highfield South || style="text-align:right;"|0.95 || style="text-align:right;"|1,251 || style="text-align:right;"|1,317 || style="text-align:right;"|510 || 40.8 years || $30,400<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|highfield-south|Highfield South}}</ref>
|-
| [[Kensington, Timaru|Kensington (Timaru District)]] || style="text-align:right;"|0.73 || style="text-align:right;"|1,464 || style="text-align:right;"|2,005 || style="text-align:right;"|642 || 39.2 years || $27,900<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|kensington-timaru-district|Kensington (Timaru District)}}</ref>
|-
| [[Marchwiel, New Zealand|Marchwiel]] East || style="text-align:right;"|0.93 || style="text-align:right;"|1,980 || style="text-align:right;"|2,129 || style="text-align:right;"|735 || 37.4 years || $25,200<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|marchwiel-east|Marchwiel East}}</ref>
|-
| Marchwiel West || style="text-align:right;"|0.84 || style="text-align:right;"|1,527 || style="text-align:right;"|1,818 || style="text-align:right;"|648 || 39.7 years || $26,800<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|marchwiel-west|Marchwiel West}}</ref>
|-
| [[Parkside, New Zealand|Parkside]] || style="text-align:right;"|1.15 || style="text-align:right;"|2,376 || style="text-align:right;"|2,066 || style="text-align:right;"|1,053 || 40.7 years || $27,400<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|parkside|Parkside}}</ref>
|-
| [[Seaview, Canterbury|Seaview]] || style="text-align:right;"|0.73 || style="text-align:right;"|2,088 || style="text-align:right;"|2,860 || style="text-align:right;"|969 || 41.6 years || $28,300<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|seaview|Seaview}}</ref>
|-
| [[Timaru Central]] || style="text-align:right;"|0.82 || style="text-align:right;"|405 || style="text-align:right;"|494 || style="text-align:right;"|171 || 37.4 years || $27,500<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|timaru-central|Timaru Central}}</ref>
|-
| [[Redruth, New Zealand|Timaru East]] || style="text-align:right;"|3.60 || style="text-align:right;"|273 || style="text-align:right;"|76 || style="text-align:right;"|123 || 40.1 years || $27,400<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|timaru-east|Timaru East}}</ref>
|-
| [[Waimataitai|Waimataitai-Maori Hill]] || style="text-align:right;"|1.50 || style="text-align:right;"|2,043 || style="text-align:right;"|1,362 || style="text-align:right;"|912 || 45.8 years || $30,800<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|waimataitai-maori-hill|Waimataitai-Maori Hill}}</ref>
|-
| [[Washdyke]] || style="text-align:right;"|10.66 || style="text-align:right;"|1,017 || style="text-align:right;"|95 || style="text-align:right;"|411 || 44.6 years || $32,300<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|washdyke|Washdyke}}</ref>
|-
| [[Watlington, New Zealand|Watlington]] || style="text-align:right;"|1.21 || style="text-align:right;"|2,253 || style="text-align:right;"|1,862 || style="text-align:right;"|909 || 39.8 years || $30,300<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|watlington|Watlington}}</ref>
|-
! New Zealand !! !! !! !! !! 37.4 years !! style="text-align:left;"| $31,800
|}

== Government ==
[[File:Municipal Offices & Public Library, Timaru.jpg|right|thumb|Timaru Council Building]]
The [[mayor of Timaru|mayor of Timaru District]] is Nigel Bowen.

Timaru is part of the parliamentary electorate of [[Rangitata (New Zealand electorate)|Rangitata]], represented by [[James Meager]] of the [[New Zealand National Party]]. [[Jo Luxton]] is a local list MP in the electorate from the [[New Zealand Labour Party]].

===Sister cities===
Timaru District has established four sister city relationships.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sister Cities |url=https://www.timaru.govt.nz/council/council-information/sister-cities |access-date=28 February 2019 |publisher=Timaru District Council}}</ref>

*[[Orange, New South Wales]], Australia
*[[Weihai]], Shandong, China
*[[Eniwa, Hokkaidō]], Japan
*[[Orange, California]], United States of America

== Economy ==
Timaru is an agricultural service town and port for the South Canterbury regional economy.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/regional-economies/2 |title=2. Development of regional economies, 1850 to 1920 – Regional economies |first=Malcolm |last=McKinnon |encyclopedia=Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand |date=26 November 2010 |quote=Timaru, Oamaru, Dunedin (with Port Chalmers) and Invercargill (with Bluff) were all agricultural service towns with ports for their regional economies |access-date=18 June 2012}}</ref> Timaru is one of the major cargo ports of the South Island, with a number of light manufacturing plants associated with the export and import trade. Many of these producers are concerned with processing, packing, and distributing meat, dairy and other agricultural produce.

Timaru is the second largest fishing port in New Zealand.

[[Allan Hubbard (businessman)|Allan Hubbard]] the chartered accountant and philanthropist established the failed finance company [[South Canterbury Finance]] and accounting firm Hubbard Churcher in Timaru and lived locally until his death in a car accident on 2 September 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10749145 |title=Hubbard dies after crash |work= [[The New Zealand Herald]] |access-date=3 September 2011 |date=3 September 2011 |first=Anna |last=Leask}}</ref>

In late September 2024, the [[Alliance Group]] proposed closing down its Smithfield meatworks plant, which would affect about 600 jobs.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Comer |first1=Rachel |last2=Black |first2=Brooke |title=Hundreds of jobs to go at Timaru meatworks plant under new proposal |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350431061/hundreds-jobs-go-timaru-meatworks-plant-under-new-proposal |access-date=27 September 2024 |work=[[Timaru Herald]] |publisher=[[Stuff (company)|Stuff]] |date=27 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927011048/https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350431061/hundreds-jobs-go-timaru-meatworks-plant-under-new-proposal |archive-date=27 September 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Following consultation, the Alliance Group confirmed in mid-October 2024 that it would close down its Smithfield meat processing plant in December 2024, citing declining sheep processing numbers caused by land-use changes.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gray |first1=Jamie |last2=Tomsett |first2=Ben |title=Smithfield Timaru meatworks shutdown confirmed: Hundreds of jobs to go |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/alliance-group-confirms-smithfield-closure/WEKF2D4WOBGBBFPGV6HRPF7BUI/ |access-date=19 October 2024 |date=18 October 2024}}</ref>

== Shopping ==
Retailing is concentrated around the Stafford Street area. In addition there are a number of local shopping malls distributed around the city, with extensive car parking facilities.

== Tourist attractions ==
[[File:South Canterbury Museum.jpg|thumb|right|South Canterbury Museum]]
The South Canterbury Museum is the main museum for the region, containing exhibits relating to physical geography and the environment, fossil remains, [[Māori people|Māori]] rock art, the early settlement of the district, local maritime history, [[scrimshaw]], the E P Seally natural history collection, and information about [[Richard Pearse]], a local inventor and his attempts at manned flight in the first years of the 20th century.

The Aigantighe (a [[Scottish Gaelic language|Scots Gaelic]] word pronounced "egg and tie") Art Gallery in Wai-iti Road is the South Island's third largest art museum. It holds a collection of New Zealand, Pacific, Asian and European art works from the sixteenth century to the present day and includes a [[sculpture garden]]. The gallery was founded in 1956 and is housed in a homestead built in 1908.

Timaru has with a number of open spaces, public gardens and parks. [[The Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden]] at Caroline Bay Park <ref>[http://www.carolinebay.org.nz/ Caroline Bay],</ref> is a major feature of the Timaru Piazza development. The parkland of the Bay Area contains a mini golf course, a roller skating rink, a maze and staging for musical events. It is home to the annual Summer Carnival that takes place over the Christmas and New Year holiday period. To the south of the city centre are the [[Timaru Botanic Gardens]], first laid out in 1864, with a notable collection of roses and native tree ferns. To the west is the Centennial Park Reserve, opened in 1940, that includes a tranquil 3.5&nbsp;km walkway following the wooded valley of the Otipua Creek.

The DB Mainland Brewery in Sheffield Street offers tours and tasting sessions.

The Caroline Bay Carnival, featuring live performances, games, and side shows, takes place from Boxing Day through to mid-January at Caroline Bay Park.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.carolinebay.org.nz/ |title=Caroline Bay Carnival |publisher=Carolinebay.org.nz |access-date=2012-01-06}}</ref>

Aoraki Tourism is the official tourism body for the whole Timaru District.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aorakitourism.co.nz |title=Aoraki Tourism Website |publisher=Aoraki Tourism |access-date=25 May 2017}}</ref>

== Recreation and leisure ==

=== Performing arts ===
The Theatre Royal at 118 Stafford Street was home of much of Timaru's live entertainment up to 2019, however it is currently closed for renovations. The South Canterbury Drama League hosts shows at the Playhouse.

=== Public libraries ===
The Timaru District Library has branches situated in Timaru, Temuka and Geraldine.

The first Reading Room was opened in the School House, Barnard Street in 1862. It was open daily from 5.00pm – 10.00pm and on Saturdays 10.00am – 8.00pm. English and Colonial Newspapers were provided and a selection of Library Books for the use by members. In 1870 the Mechanics Institute was created by an addition on an existing building and aimed to provide a Library, Reading Room and News Room.

Timaru Public Library was officially opened in 1909 on the present Timaru District Council site. It was a [[Carnegie library]], built with a 3,000 pound grant from Andrew Carnegie of New York – the condition under which the money was given was that the reading rooms should be open to everyone and that the lending Library should be free to ratepayers of the borough. The current library was opened on Sophia Street by the roundabout in 1979. It was designed by Miles, Warren and Mahoney.<ref>{{cite web |title=Timaru Library History |url=http://www.timaru.govt.nz/services/Librarynew/timaru_history.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216155755/http://www.timaru.govt.nz/services/Librarynew/timaru_history.htm |archive-date=16 December 2008 |access-date=5 August 2009 |publisher=Timaru District Council}}</ref>

== Sports ==
=== Sporting venues ===
Timaru has a comprehensive range of community sporting facilities designed to international standards for rugby, tennis, yachting, [[Hardcourt Bike Polo]], swimming, netball, motor racing, cricket, golf, hockey, croquet, pistol shooting, trap shooting, bowls and horse racing. [[Aorangi Park, Timaru|Aorangi Park]] is Timaru's major sporting venue. The Council also operates the CBAY Complex which includes upgrades to the old swimming pool, a restaurant and gym. Timaru is also home to the [[Timaru International Motor Raceway]], which is one of only 4 permanent sealed motor racing circuits in the South island. Horse races are held at the Phar Lap Raceway.

=== Football ===
Timaru's main football ground is Sir Basil Arthur Park. It has four senior pitches and six junior pitches. Football is also played at The Caledonian Grounds, Anzac Square, West End Park, Aorangi Park and Marchwiel Park. Clubs include Timaru United, [[Northern Hearts]], [[Timaru Thistle]], Temuka United and [[Pleasant Point (soccer)|Pleasant Point]].

=== Golf ===
Timaru has many golf clubs and well-maintained golf courses, including:
* Highfield Golf Club
* Gleniti Golf Club
* Timaru Golf Club

and in close proximity to these:
* Pleasant Point Golf Club
* St. Andrews Golf Club
* Maungati Golf Club (9 holes)
* Temuka Golf Club

=== Rugby ===
* [[South Canterbury Rugby Football Union]] is based in Timaru. [[Fraser Park (Timaru)|Fraser Park]] is the home of local rugby.
* In the wake of the February [[2011 Christchurch earthquake]], the [[Super Rugby]] team, the [[Crusaders (rugby)|Crusaders]], moved two seasonal games to Timaru.<ref name="Stuff.co.nz_4870201">{{cite news |date=11 April 2011 |title=Timaru crowd flock to game |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/4870201/Timaru-crowd-flock-to-game/ |access-date=22 November 2011}}</ref>

=== Surfing ===
* [http://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/PatitiPoint.shtml Patiti Point], near Timaru city, has a left-hand reef break, which operates very consistently in any swell from the east or south.
* Jack's Point (3&nbsp;km south of Timaru) has both left and right-hand reef breaks at high tide, as does Lighthouse Reef, a short walk to the south. Southerly swells produce super-heavyweight monster breakers along the Timaru coast, which are only suitable for top-gun surfers.

===Inline speed skating===
Timaru has New Zealand's largest [[Inline speed skating]] teams, South Canterbury, which has national records in several disciplines. The club has held many national tournaments over the years and holds the annual tour of Timaru.

== Transport ==
Timaru is on [[State Highway 1 (New Zealand)|State Highway 1]] (SH1), the main road route down the eastern coast of the South Island.

There are regular coach and minibus services to [[Christchurch]], [[Dunedin]], [[Invercargill]], [[Queenstown, New Zealand|Queenstown]] and the [[Mackenzie Country]], leaving from outside the Visitor Information Centre, which provides booking facilities and other travel services.

The [[Main South Line]] section of the [[South Island Main Trunk Railway]] runs through Timaru and is a significant freight corridor.  Passenger rail services were discontinued after the cancellation of the [[Southerner (New Zealand train)|Southerner]] in February 2002.  Between 1949 and 1970, Timaru was serviced by the [[South Island Limited]], one of the former [[New Zealand Railways Department]]'s most prestigious trains.

[[Richard Pearse Airport]] is to the north of the town. It is equipped to handle light aircraft and short haul domestic flights, with regular services to [[Wellington]]

The "Timaru Link" bus service runs weekdays and the on demand bus service known as "MyWay" run daily.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timaru.metroinfo.co.nz/timetables |title=Maps and timetables |work=Metro Timaru |accessdate=13 June 2022}}</ref>

==Utilities==
Timaru's water comes from the [[Pareora River]] and [[Ōpihi River]], and is stored in the Claremont Reservoir. Timaru's water is treated with ozone and is chlorinated.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Timaru Water Supply – Timaru District Council |url=https://www.timaru.govt.nz/services/environment/water/water-supplies/timaru-water |access-date=2022-07-12 |website=www.timaru.govt.nz}}</ref>

== Education ==
{{more citations needed section|date=June 2016}}
Further information: [[List of schools in Canterbury, New Zealand]]

===Primary===
*Barton Rural Primary School (previously Fairview)
*Beaconsfield Primary School (previously Pareora West)
*Bluestone Primary School (previously West School)
*Gleniti Primary School
*[[Grantlea Downs School|Grantlea Downs]] (previously Grantlea)
*Highfield Primary School
*Oceanview Heights Primary School (previously Marchwiel School)
*Sacred Heart Primary
*St. Josephs School
*Timaru Christian School
*Timaru South School
*Waimataitai Primary School

===Secondary===
*Aoraki Alternative Education Centre
*[[Craighead Diocesan School]]
*[[Mountainview High School (New Zealand)|Mountainview High School]]
*[[Roncalli College]]
*[[Timaru Boys' High School]]
*[[Timaru Girls' High School]]

===Tertiary===
*[[Ara Institute of Canterbury]]

== Media ==
=== Print ===
''[[The Timaru Herald]]'' is the local daily newspaper for the district and has been published since the mid nineteenth century. Papers are printed in [[Ashburton, New Zealand|Ashburton]] and then distributed throughout the [[Otago]] and South Canterbury region. ''The Herald'' is owned by [[Stuff (company)|Stuff]] (formerly [[Fairfax New Zealand]]). The ''[[High Country Herald]]'', also published by Stuff, has a circulation of 43,000 copies.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fairfaxnz.co.nz/publications/general/info48.html |title=High Country Herald |publisher=Fairfax New Zealand |access-date=2009-01-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014073959/http://www.fairfaxnz.co.nz/publications/general/info48.html |archive-date=14 October 2008}}</ref>

The region also supports a weekly community newspaper, ''[[The Timaru Courier]]'', which has a circulation of over 24,000 copies and is delivered free every Thursday to local households. ''The Courier'' is owned by [[Allied Press]] of Dunedin.<ref name="Allied Press">{{cite web |title=The Timaru Courier |url=https://www.alliedpress.co.nz/publications/timaru-courier |publisher=[[Allied Press]] |access-date=17 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228182446/https://www.alliedpress.co.nz/publications/timaru-courier |archive-date=28 February 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Radio ===
The Breeze broadcasts live from Timaru on 89.9FM or 92.3FM each morning with OJ on The Breeze<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.thebreeze.co.nz/home/shows/timaru-breakfast.html | title=OJ | website=www.thebreeze.co.nz | access-date=2024-08-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201194715/https://www.thebreeze.co.nz/home/shows/timaru-breakfast.html | archive-date=2023-02-01 | url-status=live}}</ref>

Timaru also has local FM radio station 100.3FM South Canterbury and a volunteer-run [[Hospital Radio 88.0/107.5]] which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/111467231/timarus-hospital-radio-celebrates-30-years-of-better-health-through-better-music |title=Timaru's Hospital Radio celebrates 30 years of 'better health through better music' |last=Holden |first=Joanne |date=26 March 2019 |website=Stuff |language=en |access-date=2019-04-27}}</ref>

== Notable residents ==
=== Academics ===
*[[Hugh Wilson (New Zealand botanist)|Hugh D. Wilson]], botanist
*[[Giselle Byrnes]], historian, b.1967

===Business===
*[[Henry Le Cren]], Timaru pioneer and first European trader<ref name="DNZB Henry Le Cren"/>
*[[Fulbert Archer]], of the merchant house Miles Archer and Co 1867–1893; first Chairman of the Timaru Harbour Board <ref>{{cite web |author=Papers Past |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/THD18780315.2.13?query=f%20archer%20toast%20governor%20grey%20timaru%20commerce |title=Papers Past &#124; SIR GEORGE GREY'S VISIT. (Timaru Herald, 1878-03-15) |publisher=Paperspast.natlib.govt.nz |access-date=2017-09-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HBH18950121.2.10?query=%22miles%20and%20co%22%20extensive%20trade | title=An Old Firm Gone Down | newspaper=Hawke's Bay Herald | page=2 | date=1895-01-21 | via=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref>

=== Politics ===
*[[James Craigie]], politician
*[[Basil Arthur]], politician
*[[Jo Goodhew]], politician
*[[Jim Sutton]], politician

=== Film and television ===
*[[Phillip Leishman]], broadcaster<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/8351288/Veteran-broadcaster-Phillip-Leishman-dies |title=Veteran broadcaster Phillip Leishman dies |work=Timaru Herald |date=26 February 2013}}</ref>
*[[Kevin Smith (New Zealand actor)|Kevin Smith]], actor
*[[Josh Thomson (actor)|Josh Thomson]]
*[[Jane Wills (New Zealand actor)|Jane Wills]], actor<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nealon |first1=Sarah |title=‘There’s no agents in Timaru’: How Shorty St star Jane Wills became an actor |url=https://www.thepost.co.nz/culture/350285569/theres-no-agents-timaru-how-shorty-st-star-jane-wills-became-actor |access-date=8 August 2024 |work=The Post |date=23 May 2024}}</ref>

=== Entertainment ===
* [[Aubrey Haive]], drag queen
* [[Sam Wills]], comedian

=== Journalism ===
*[[Allen Curnow]], poet and journalist
*[[John Hardcastle]], journalist and amateur scientist

=== Medicine ===
* [[Edith Tennent]], nurse and Matron of Dunedin Hospital, born in Timaru

=== Music ===
*[[Peter Dawkins (musician)|Peter Dawkins]], Record producer and musician
*[[Michael Houstoun]], concert pianist

=== Art ===
*[[Rosemary Campbell]], painter
*[[Betty Curnow]], painter and printmarker
*[[Roy Good]], painter and designer

=== Drama ===
*[[Violet Targuse]], playwright

=== Religious leaders ===
*[[Reginald Delargey]], Roman Catholic cardinal

=== Aviation ===
*[[Richard Pearse]], farmer, inventor and pioneering aviator

=== Sports ===
*[[Uini Atonio]], professional rugby player, French international
*[[Hamish Bennett (cricketer)|Hamish Bennett]], cricketer, former Black Cap
*[[Craig Cumming]], former Black Cap cricketer, sports broadcaster
*[[Bob Fitzsimmons]], [[List of heavyweight boxing champions|World Heavyweight Champion]] from 17 March 1897 until 9 June 1899
*[[Ross Gillespie]] New Zealand Olympic field hockey representative
*[[Tony Lamborn]], Professional rugby player, USA international
*[[Brendan Laney]],  former professional rugby player, sports broadcaster
*[[Danyon Loader]], men's swimming Olympic champion, born in Timaru
*[[Jack Lovelock]], New Zealand runner, [[1936 Summer Olympics|1936 Olympic]] 1500m champion, [[Mile run world record progression#IAAF era|world mile record]] holder
*[[Hayden Paddon]], [[Rallying|rally]] driver, 2011 [[Production World Rally Championship]] champion
*[[Mark Parker (cricketer)|Mark Moreton Parker]], NZ cricketer
*[[Murray Parker (cricketer)|Murray Parker]], NZ cricketer
*[[Aki Seiuli]], NZ Rugby Player, Otago, Glasgow Warriors
*[[Haidee Tiffen]], NZ women's cricketer
*[[John Ward (cricketer, born 1937)|John Ward]], NZ cricketer
*[[Tomas Walsh]], NZ shotputter
*[[Kalolo Tuiloma]], professional rugby player, Samoan international

==See also==
* [[Phar Lap]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* James Belich, Russell Brown, and Martin Robinson (2004) ''New Zealand'', Lonely Planet Series
* Darroch Donald (2003) ''New Zealand'', 2nd Edition, Footprint Guide Series.
* Laura Harper, Tony Mudd and Paul Whitfield (2000) ''The Rough Guide to New Zealand'', Rough Guide Series
* Mark Lawson (1993) ''The Battle for Room Service: Journeys to all the safe places''

== External links ==
{{Wikivoyage}}
{{Commons category|Timaru}}
*{{cite EB1911|wstitle=Timaru |volume=26 |short=x}}
* [http://www.timaru.govt.nz/ Timaru District Council]
* [http://www.aorakitourism.co.nz Tourist information]
* [http://library.timaru.govt.nz/ Timaru District Library]
* [http://museum.timaru.govt.nz/ South Canterbury Museum]
* [http://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/search.aspx?advanced=colAssPlaces:Timaru Historic images of Timaru from the collection of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa]

{{Timaru District, New Zealand}}
{{Territorial Authorities of New Zealand}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Timaru| ]]
[[Category:Populated places in the Canterbury Region]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns in New Zealand]]