no formal qualifications. The median income was $33,600, compared with $31,800 nationally. 8,667 people (18.0%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 23,925 (49.8%) people were employed full-time, 7,806 (16.2%) were part-time, and 1,305 (2.7%) were unemployed. Economy A large portion of the Waimakariri District has fertile flat land, or highly productive rolling downs. Much of the land to the east of Rangiora is reclaimed swamp, which is still subject to poor drainage and occasional flooding. The north-western portion of the District is hill and high country. These hills, including Mt Oxford, Mt Richardson, Mt Thomas and Mt Grey, dominate the District's western landscape. Historically the District was dominated by extensive agricultural and pastoral farming activity with few major industries. More recently many new small holdings have been created; some of these are used for full-time or part-time horticultural enterprises, including vegetable and flower growing. The District has a few major industries. A large fibreboard plant at Sefton draws on local wood resources. The other industries are mainly small-scale service and processing enterprises, some of which also use local wood resources. The Waimakariri District has a high standard of communications. The South Island Main Trunk Railway and State Highway 1 cross the eastern portion of the District. The District also has an airfield at Rangiora, and is close to the Christchurch International Airport. Telecommunications are continually being upgraded. Recreation The District offers a wide range of recreation. It has sandy beaches, estuaries, river gorges and braided rivers, which offer a range of choices for fishing, boating and rafting. The famous Waimakariri River provides opportunities to jet boat, kayak and fish, and sandy beaches are nearby. The District also offers the opportunity to enjoy sailing on Pegasus Lake, horse riding, farm tours and weekly farmers' markets. The foothills and mountains offer a variety of tramping experiences which complement a growing range of walking trails and formal recreational areas throughout the District. Education The Waimakariri District is served by 20 state and three state-integrated primary schools, as well as two area schools covering years 1–13, one in Oxford and one in Rangiora (Rangiora New Life), and two secondary schools: Rangiora High School and Kaiapoi High School. Many of the primary schools are well supported by the community, and an increasing number of pre-schools have begun to open in the District. References External