Waiwera

The name is of Māori origin and means "Hot Water" (Wai = Water and Wera = Hot),[4] and is a shortened version of the traditional name Waiwerawera.[5]

Its main claim to fame was the hot water springs which were well known in pre-European times and reputedly visited by Māori from as far away as Thames. The first European settler to promote the springs was Robert Graham who established a health resort in 1848. During the late 19th century there was a regular steam ferry service from Auckland.[6] The commercial hot pools closed in 2018.[7]

Statistics New Zealand describes Waiwera as a rural settlement, which covers 0.55 km² (0.21 sq mi)[1] and had an estimated population of 230 as of June 2023,[2] with a population density of 418 people per km². Waiwera is part of the larger Wainui-Waiwera statistical area.[8]

Mahurangi Island and Waiwera Beach

Waiwera had a population of 240 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 3 people (1.3%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 48 people (25.0%) since the 2006 census. There were 150 households, comprising 123 males and 120 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.02 males per female. The median age was 54.8 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 21 people (8.8%) aged under 15 years, 21 (8.8%) aged 15 to 29, 126 (52.5%) aged 30 to 64, and 72 (30.0%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 86.2% European/Pākehā, 8.8% Māori, 1.2% Pacific peoples, 6.2% Asian, and 3.8% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 42.5% had no religion, 35.0% were Christian, 1.2% had Māori religious beliefs, 1.2% were Hindu, 2.5% were Muslim, 1.2% were Buddhist and 6.2% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 48 (21.9%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 27 (12.3%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $30,100, compared with $31,800 nationally. 33 people (15.1%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 90 (41.1%) people were employed full-time, 30 (13.7%) were part-time, and 9 (4.1%) were unemployed.[9]