Halvorson

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Halvorson Territory
Halvorson_Flag.png
Founded December 25, 2010
Gained Provincial status December 12, 2011
Area N/A
Capital (and largest city) Otanaki
Postcodes 250-259
Registered Inhabitants 5
Inhabitants (de facto) N/A
Official language(s) English
Jurisdiction Siroccan Government
Administrator None
Min/Max Temperature 10 °C/30 °C (approx.)

Halvorson is a Siroccan Province located in northern New Zealand. It is the first and currently only territory within Sirocco, having been claimed on December 25, 2010.

Halvorson is located just outside the village of Whananaki, New Zealand, and is a popular recreational retreat for many Siroccan citizens due to its close proximity to golden, sandy beaches (Otanaki is located around two minutes' walk from the shore) and large rolling hills. The territory is completely rural, the capital Otanaki being the remnants of what was a large farm that also encompassed the present-day territory.

History

Modern-day Otanaki was constructed in stages between around 1990 and 2008 by close friends of the Anderson family. Initially a small caravan was the only amenity on the now-sold sprawling farm, with famed New Zealand yachtsman Sir Peter Blake (1948-2001), who led New Zealand to victory in the 1995 and 2000 America's Cup races, having stayed in the barn when it was constructed in the early 1990s. However, over the years several buildings were constructed including the aforementioned barn, a bach, wharf and several accommodation buildings. Plumbing was improved circa-2002, and shelter trees planted around 2005 in order to protect the buildings from strong winds. The caravan was finally removed in 2007, which improved parking in the capital.

The farm on which Otanaki is situated was gradually sold off in portions between 2002 and 2006. However, Otanaki proper (and the access road leading into the city) was never sold off, and as it is in a family trust, likely never will be.

Premier Daniel Anderson first visited the city in 2000, and has returned to stay many times since. On December 25, 2010 it was decided to claim Otanaki for Sirocco as the nation's first Territory, with the claim processed at around 12:20pm.

Otanaki was the site of the 2011 Otanaki National Exposition of Sirocco, during which Halvorson was officially made a province.

Geography

The farm which Otanaki was formerly located on comprised of rolling hills, cliffs, forests, creeks and grazing land. Most of this grazing land was sold off during the early- to mid-2000s, however the forests, cliffs and creeks (as well as some grazing land and a large domain) remain. Otanaki is close to a small creek leading out into a small, open bay popular with those staying in the capital.

Large hills surround Otanaki to the south and east - the eastern cliffs provide excellent views of Halvorson and the surrounding bay area.

Points of Interest

The Bach

The Bach is the primary accommodation and meeting building in Otanaki. It is capable of sleeping seven people and is attached to a large barn suitable for boat storage.

The Wharf

The Wharf, despite being a full-sized jetty with a booking office (used for accommodation purposes), is not located over the water - instead it is located well away from the shore over Barn Park. It is notable for being a good place to catch the sunrise and sunset. Flags occasionally fly from the flagpole located on the Wharf.

Barn Park

Barn Park is a sprawling recreational area located within a small trench in the otherwise flat city. The Otanaki Golf Course (see below) is located within Barn Park.

Otanaki Golf Club

The Otanaki Golf Club was constructed around 2005. The Club comprises of a three-hole course with tree and sand hazards. The course is notable for requiring players to look for and mark the holes. The second hole is the most treacherous due to its sandy nature, its proximity to a deep, dirty creek surrounded by tall grass and the many rabbit holes that have been dug near the hole. The club provides an array of clubs and balls free of charge.