This infographic offers a summary of the Census 2023 data for Kaipara, highlighting essential statistics and trends that illustrate changes within our communities.
Despite some of the largest percentage increases in population between Censuses - up 21% in 2018 and 13.2% in 2023 - Te Kaipara boasts the lowest population density in Tai Tokerau/Northland.
In the tranquil expanse of Te Kaipara, a mere 8 people grace each square kilometre. Whangarei, in contrast is bustling with 38 inhabitants per square kilometre. The Far North has 11 people per square kilometre.
25,899 people live in Te Kaipara
Dargaville is the main population base with just over 5,000 people residing there - this is 19.4% of the population of Te Kaipara. Notably, Dargaville also holds the distinction of having the highest Māori population, comprising 28.7%.
Rural areas face unique social challenges, including family isolation, poverty, and limited service access, challenging urban-based models often adapted for implementation.
Kaipara Coastal is the next largest area and is 15.1% of the population or 3,918 people. It covers a large area from the Waipoua Settlement/Forest in the north to Pouto near the Kaipara Harbour in the south (see coloured area on map).
Dargaville proudly claims the highest percentage of youth under 19, standing at 20.5%. However, when the Mangawhai areas —rural, heads, and township—are united, they reveal an even greater share, totalling 23.1%.
The single most populous age group across Te Kaipara is tamariki aged 10 to 14 years (27.2%), closely followed by those aged five to nine years of age (26.8%).
6,048 tamariki call Te Kaipara home, with 10 to 14-year-olds, making up the largest cohort
Proudly Māori — making up a vital and vibrant 42% of all tamariki in Te Kaipara!
Tamariki Māori aged 10 to 14 years are the most dominant at 28%, with the kids aged 5 to 9 not far behind at 27.4%. The little ones, four and under, are making a splash at 24.7%. Meanwhile, the teens aged 15 to 19 are the tiniest crew in the bunch, coming in at 19.9%!
Forty-two percent of tamariki are proudly Māori, with the majority calling Dargaville home—almost ten percentage points ahead of Kaipara Coastal, which stands at 18.3%! Combining the Mangawhai areas—rural, heads and township—put them in third place with 13.8% with Rūāwhai-Matakohe close behind (11.2%).
Te Kaipara population of tamariki Māori aged 0 to 19
