Pronunciation: [mˈakɹiːz] (IPA) 
Macraes is a surname that is pronounced as /məˈkreɪz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "mac" is pronounced as "mək" with the schwa sound "ə" and "k" sound following it. The second syllable "raes" is pronounced as "reɪz" with the diphthong "eɪ" and "z" sound at the end. The spelling of the word "macraes" follows the conventional English spelling rules, with "c" preceding "r" and "aes" at the end indicating a plural form.
Macraes is a plural noun referring to the Scottish settlement located in the Otago region of New Zealand. It is primarily recognized for its vast gold-mining operations and the Macraes Open Pit, which is among the largest active gold mines in the country. Macraes is situated about 100 kilometers northwest of Dunedin and encompasses both the open pit and the Macraes underground mine.
The settlement bears the name of James Macrae, an early Scottish settler who established the area in 1862. Originally named after him, it has come to be referred to as Macraes, and it serves as home to a small residential population and the mine workers. The gold deposits in Macraes have been mined since the late 19th century, and they have attracted significant investment and industrial activity to the region.
Macraes is an essential economic asset for the local community, generating employment opportunities and contributing to the national economy through gold production. Due to the scale of the mining operations, the settlement also hosts various infrastructure and supportive facilities necessary for the mining activities, such as processing plants, offices, and accommodation for the workers.
Overall, Macraes represents a prominent gold-mining settlement in New Zealand, highly regarded for its extensive and commercially viable gold deposits, as well as the significant economic growth it brings to the region.
The word "Macraes" is a surname of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic personal name "Macraith", which means "son of grace". The prefix "Mac" indicates "son of" in Gaelic, and "raith" refers to "grace" or "favor". Over time, the name Macraith transformed into Macrae, and then further variations like Macraes. The name Macraes is particularly associated with the Highland region of Scotland.
