In April 2025 the 104-year old Waitotara Hotel, which was also used as a grocery story and postal centre, was devastated by a fire.[10][11][12]
Demographics
Waitōtara is described by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement. It covers 0.25km2 (0.097sqmi)[4] and had an estimated population of 70 as of June 2025,[5] with a population density of 280 people per km2. It is part of the larger Manutahi-Waitotora statistical area.[13]
Site of the Waitōtara Redoubt, built during the Second Taranaki War (shown in 1948).
Waitōtara had a population of 69 in the 2023 New Zealand census, a decrease of 3 people (−4.2%) since the 2018 census, and an increase of 3 people (4.5%) since the 2013 census. There were 39 males and 30 females in 36 dwellings.[16] The median age was 54.3 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 9 people (13.0%) aged under 15 years, 12 (17.4%) aged 15 to 29, 27 (39.1%) aged 30 to 64, and 21 (30.4%) aged 65 or older.[14]
People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 73.9% European (Pākehā), 34.8% Māori, and 4.3% Asian. English was spoken by 100.0%, and Māori by 4.3%. No language could be spoken by 4.3% (e.g. too young to talk). The percentage of people born overseas was 4.3, compared with 28.8% nationally.[14]
Religious affiliations were 21.7% Christian, and 4.3% Hindu. People who answered that they had no religion were 56.5%, and 17.4% of people did not answer the census question.[14]
Of those at least 15 years old, 3 (5.0%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 27 (45.0%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 30 (50.0%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $26,500, compared with $41,500 nationally. 3 people (5.0%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 21 (35.0%) full-time, 6 (10.0%) part-time, and 6 (10.0%) unemployed.[14]
Te Ihupuku Marae and Te Kawerau and Karepoonia are affiliated with Ngāti Hinewaiata.
Kaipō or Wharetapapa Marae and its Tokanuhea III meeting house are affiliated with Ngāti Hou Tipua.
Takirau Marae and Ko Te Marunga Nui o Pourua meeting house are affiliated with Ngāti Pourua.
Tauranga Ika Marae and Te Aputa ki Wairau meeting house are affiliated with Ngāti Ruaiti.
Waipapa Marae and Ngā Paiaka meeting house are affiliated with Ngā Ariki.[17][18]
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.[19]
Education
Waitotara School is a coeducational full primary (years 1–8) school with a roll of 35 students as of March 2026.[20][21] The school was founded in 1874.[22]
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