Kawerau

Kawerau District covers 23.56 km² (9.10 sq mi)[1] and had an estimated population of 7,820 as of June 2023,[2] with a population density of 332 people per km².

Kawerau District had a population of 7,146 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 783 people (12.3%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 225 people (3.3%) since the 2006 census. There were 2,499 households, comprising 3,540 males and 3,606 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.98 males per female. The median age was 38.2 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 1,716 people (24.0%) aged under 15 years, 1,275 (17.8%) aged 15 to 29, 2,733 (38.2%) aged 30 to 64, and 1,425 (19.9%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 52.3% European/Pākehā, 61.7% Māori, 4.6% Pacific peoples, 3.0% Asian, and 1.1% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

The percentage of people born overseas was 10.1, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 48.9% had no religion, 29.5% were Christian, 9.6% had Māori religious beliefs, 0.5% were Hindu, 0.2% were Muslim, 0.3% were Buddhist and 1.1% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 390 (7.2%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 1,542 (28.4%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $20,600, compared with $31,800 nationally. 426 people (7.8%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 1,857 (34.2%) people were employed full-time, 684 (12.6%) were part-time, and 549 (10.1%) were unemployed.[10]

The 820 metres (2,690 ft) volcanic cone of Mount Edgecumbe/Putauaki lies 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) to the east of Kawerau, and is easily visible from the town. The Tarawera River straddles Kawerau to the east and continues north to the Bay of Plenty. Water is supplied to the town from two natural springs. Kawerau's water was judged the best-tasting in New Zealand in 2003 and 2004.[14]

Kawerau has access to vast geothermal resources. There are a number of geothermal hot springs in the surrounding bush owned and operated by local families. The Kawerau geothermal field provides steam power for the paper mill, and a 90 MW geothermal power station is currently under construction.[15]

The District has a land area of 23.56 km² (9.10 sq mi), making it the smallest territorial authority in New Zealand in terms of land area. It is completely surrounded by the Whakatāne District.

During summer (December to February), the average daily maximum temperature in Kawerau is 23.7 °C. In January 2008, the temperature exceeded 30 °C for five days. In winter (July to August) crisp early morning frosts are usually followed by clear, sunny days, and the average daily maximum temperature is around 15.6 °C.[16]

Rainfall is spread throughout the year, though it is not uncommon to experience a drought during summer.

Plunket Street in the town centre during the 2009 Christmas Parade.

Kawerau hosts a number of events each year, including the National Woodskills Festival, 'King of the Mountain' race and the Tarawera 100 motorcycle endurance race. Kawerau is also growing as an event venue for white water rapid competitions such as kayaking and rafting. Kawerau was a venue for the 2013 World Rafting Championships.

Kawerau has two co-educational state primary schools for Year 1 to 6 students: Kawerau Putauaki School,[18][19] with a roll of 186;[20] and Kawerau South School,[21][22] with a roll of 317.[23]

Te Whata Tau o Putauaki is a co-educational Year 1 to 8 state primary school,[24] with a roll of 57.[25]

Tarawera High School is the town's Year 7 to 13 secondary school,[26] with a roll of 433.[27] The Kawerau Teen Parent Unit is located in an old school house.[28][29]

• Danielle Hayes, model
• Gill Gatfield, sculptor
• John Rowles, singer
• Ria van Dyke, model
• Sarah Walker, Women's BMX world champion
• William Warbrick, rugby league player

• Kawerau geothermal power station
• Tasman Mill

• KawerauNZ.com
• Kawerau District Council website