Belfast (Māori: Purarekanui) is a suburb of Christchurch. It is north of the city and is close to the Waimakariri River. It is named after Belfast in Northern Ireland. It was once separated from the city until 2000 when it was joined up the subdivision of Northwood. It has a school and freezing works in the suburb. The most notable resident is New Zealand cricketing great Shane Bond.