Swannanoa, New Zealand

Swannanoa is a small originally farming settlement, that has approximately 1000 people.It is located 35 kilometres northwest of Christchurch, New Zealand, and 15 kilometers inland. The school has around 200 pupils and is growing mainly due to new subdivisions there and in neighbouring Mandeville (North).

One of the biggest attraction to Swannanoa is the School fair which is held usually in March.The 2007 fair had an estimated 15000 people and a NZ$43000 profit. A lot of money for a little school.

The name Swannanoa originated from John Evans Brown (Yankee Brown) who settled on land on the north bank of the Eyre River between Two Chain Road and Browns Road. The Swannanoa Homestead has for many years been farmed by the Petrie Family.

A settlement on the corner of Tram Road and Two Chain Road is also called Swannanoa, along with a school, church, and local domain, where the fair is held.

More information on the history can be found at :- [http://www.swannanoa.net link to Swannanoa website]