Waitōtara is a town in South Taranaki, New Zealand. Waverley is 10 km to the north-west, and Whanganui is 34 km to the south-east. State Highway 3 passes through it. The Waitōtara River flows past the east side of the town.[3][4]
Waitōtara
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| Coordinates: 39°48′21″S 174°44′4″E / 39.80583°S 174.73444°E / -39.80583; 174.73444 | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Taranaki Region |
| Territorial authority | South Taranaki District |
| Ward |
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| Community | Pātea Community |
| Electorates |
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| Government | |
| • Territorial Authority | South Taranaki District Council |
| • Regional council | Taranaki Regional Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.25 km2 (0.10 sq mi) |
| Population
(June 2023)[2]
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| • Total | 70 |
| • Density | 280/km2 (730/sq mi) |
More than 30 homes were evacuated during flooding in February 2004.[5]
A local freezing works is a major employer.[6]
Waitōtara is defined by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement. It covers 0.25 km2 (0.097 sq mi)[1] and had an estimated population of 70 as of June 2023,[2] with a population density of 280 people per km2. It is part of the wider Manutahi-Waitotora statistical area.[7]
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 66 | — |
| 2013 | 66 | +0.00% |
| 2018 | 72 | +1.76% |
| Source: [8] | ||
Waitōtara had a population of 72 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 6 people (9.1%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 6 people (9.1%) since the 2006 census. There were 39 households, comprising 42 males and 30 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.4 males per female. The median age was 54.1 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 12 people (16.7%) aged under 15 years, 6 (8.3%) aged 15 to 29, 33 (45.8%) aged 30 to 64, and 21 (29.2%) aged 65 or older.
Ethnicities were 70.8% European/Pākehā, and 33.3% Māori. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 58.3% had no religion, 29.2% were Christian, and 4.2% had Māori religious beliefs.
Of those at least 15 years old, 24 (40.0%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $23,500, compared with $31,800 nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 24 (40.0%) people were employed full-time, 9 (15.0%) were part-time, and 6 (10.0%) were unemployed.[8]
Waitōtara has marae associated with the hapūofNgā Rauru Kītahi:
In October 2020, the Government committed $522,926 from the Provincial Growth Fund to upgrade Te Ihupuku Marae, Waipapa Marae and Te Aroha Marae, creating 92 jobs.[11]
Waitotara School is a coeducational full primary (years 1–8) school with a roll of 34 students as of February 2024.[12][13] The school was founded in 1874.[14]