Hastings Central

Hastings Central covers 1.42 km² (0.55 sq mi)[1] and had an estimated population of 530 as of June 2022,[2] with a population density of 373 people per km².

Hastings Central had a population of 444 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 78 people (21.3%) since the 2013 census, and a decrease of 15 people (−3.3%) since the 2006 census. There were 165 households, comprising 246 males and 198 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.24 males per female. The median age was 34.2 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 51 people (11.5%) aged under 15 years, 135 (30.4%) aged 15 to 29, 207 (46.6%) aged 30 to 64, and 48 (10.8%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 60.8% European/Pākehā, 19.6% Māori, 4.1% Pacific peoples, 22.3% Asian, and 2.7% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

The percentage of people born overseas was 33.8, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 47.3% had no religion, 33.8% were Christian, 2.0% had Māori religious beliefs, 2.0% were Hindu, 1.4% were Muslim, 0.7% were Buddhist and 8.1% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 63 (16.0%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 66 (16.8%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $24,300, compared with $31,800 nationally. 18 people (4.6%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 210 (53.4%) people were employed full-time, 66 (16.8%) were part-time, and 18 (4.6%) were unemployed.[3]

The Bay Plaza includes a Kmart store.[4] It was renovated in 2013.[5]

Hastings City Art Gallery opened in 2009.[6][7][8]

Hastings Central has two public schools:

• Hastings Central School is a co-educational state primary school,[9][10] with a roll of 175 as of April 2023.[11][12]
• The associated Kowhai School is a special school,[13] with a roll of 118 as of April 2023.[11][14]

There are also three private schools in the area:

• St Joseph's School is a co-educational state-integrated Catholic primary school,[15][16] with a roll of 240 as of April 2023.[11][17]
• St Matthew's Primary School is a co-educational state-integrated Anglican primary school,[18][19] with a roll of 145 as of April 2023.[11][20]
• Taikura Rudolf Steiner School is a co-educational state-integrated Year 1-13 school,[21][22] with a roll of 292 as of April 2023.[11][23]