Kaiaua
Kaiaua | |
|---|---|
 Coastline at Whakatīwai, with Kaiaua in far distance | |
 | |
| Coordinates: 37°06′40″S 175°17′46″E / 37.111°S 175.296°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Waikato region |
| District | Hauraki District |
| Ward | Plains Ward |
| Government | |
| • Territorial Authority | Hauraki District Council |
| • Regional council | Waikato Regional Council |
| Area | |
• Total | 4.67 km2 (1.80 sq mi) |
| Population (2018)[2] | |
• Total | 429 |
| • Density | 92/km2 (240/sq mi) |
| Postcode(s) | 2473 |
Kaiaua is a small coastal settlement on the Seabird Coast, on the western shore of the Firth of Thames, in the Hauraki District and Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island. It is 80km (60 minutes drive) from Auckland.
Name
The name of the settlement is of Māori origin, meaning "Eating mullets" (kai: to eat; aua: mullet or herrings) [3] relating to the good fishing grounds in the area.[4] Kaiaua was known as 'New Brighton' by the early settlers but the name was changed to Kaiaua in 1897.[5]
Tourism
The Hauraki Rail Trail officially starts at Kaiaua and traces the coastline south along the Firth of Thames, over chenier shell banks and through wetlands of international significance. It is one of the Great Rides of the New Zealand Cycle Trail system [6] The route incorporates a coastal bird watching area and Miranda Hot Springs.[7]
The area is popular with campers and there is a designated freedom camping area just north of the Kaiaua village.[8]
A boat-ramp is also available for fishing enthusiasts.[9]
Notable features
The Torea Mangu Oystercatcher sculpture is the world's largest sculpture of an oystercatcher. It stands between the Pink Shop Seaside Store and Kaiaua School. Over 4 metres long and 3.5 metres tall, the 2.5 ton bird is constructed of ferro-cement. The sculpture is by local artist Tony Johnston and represents the mother of all oystercatchers. In Māori 'torea mangu' means black oystercatcher. Erected facing north east, the direction of prevailing winds, the sculpture symbolises the wildlife of The Firth of Thames.[10]
Demographics
Kaiaua is defined by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement and covers 4.67 km2 (1.80 sq mi).[1] It is part of the wider Miranda-Pūkorokoro statistical area.[11]
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 339 | — |
| 2013 | 411 | +2.79% |
| 2018 | 429 | +0.86% |
| Source: [2] | ||
Kaiaua had a population of 429 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 18 people (4.4%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 90 people (26.5%) since the 2006 census. There were 183 households, comprising 216 males and 210 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.03 males per female, with 66 people (15.4%) aged under 15 years, 30 (7.0%) aged 15 to 29, 192 (44.8%) aged 30 to 64, and 138 (32.2%) aged 65 or older.
Ethnicities were 82.5% European/Pākehā, 35.0% Māori, 0.7% Pacific peoples, and 0.7% Asian. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 55.9% had no religion, 30.8% were Christian, 2.1% had Māori religious beliefs and 0.7% had other religions.
Of those at least 15 years old, 33 (9.1%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 108 (29.8%) people had no formal qualifications. 42 people (11.6%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 144 (39.7%) people were employed full-time, 51 (14.0%) were part-time, and 9 (2.5%) were unemployed.[2]
Education
Kaiaua School was first established in 1883.[12] It is a co-educational state primary school,[13] with a roll of 40 as of November 2024.[14][15]
The EcoQuest Education Foundation is a Private Training Establishment established in 1999. It provides residential courses for US students through a partnership with the University of New Hampshire. It’s campus is located in Whakatīwai.
References
- ^ a b "ArcGIS Web Application". statsnz.maps.arcgis.com. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
- ^ a b c "Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census". Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. 7010813, 7010814 and 7010815.
- ^ "1000 Māori place names".
- ^ "Infomap 346-01 Te Ika a Māui Edition 1 1995". Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand.
- ^ Startup, R.M. (1993). New Zealand Post Offices, Whenuapai. p. 105.
- ^ "Pūkorokoro-Miranda to Thames". haurakirailtrail.co.nz. New Zealand Cycle Trail.
- ^ "Kaiaua to Thames" (PDF). haurakirailtrail.co.nz. New Zealand Cycle Trail.
- ^ "Freedom Camping". Hauraki District Council.
- ^ "Boat ramps in Seabird Coast". Auckland Council. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
- ^ Woodley, Keith (February 2005). "Torea mangu" (PDF). Miranda News (56): 9. Retrieved 22 August 2021.
- ^ 2018 Census place summary: Miranda-Pūkorokoro
- ^ Centennial Committee (1983). Kaiaua Miranda Schools Centennial, 1883–1983. p. 4.
- ^ Education Counts: Kaiaua School
- ^ "New Zealand Schools Directory". New Zealand Ministry of Education. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
- ^ "Education Review Office Report". ero.govt.nz. Education Review Office.