# Lower Moutere

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Rural locality in Tasman, New Zealand

Rural locality in Tasman, New Zealand

Lower Moutere Rural locality Moutere Inlet Interactive map of Lower Moutere Coordinates: 41°09′09″S 172°59′37″E / 41.15250°S 172.99361°E / -41.15250; 172.99361 Country New Zealand Territorial authority Tasman Ward Motueka Ward Community Motueka Community Electorates West Coast-Tasman Te Tai Tonga (Māori) Government • Territorial authority Tasman District Council • Mayor of Tasman Tim King[3] • West Coast-Tasman MP Maureen Pugh[4] • Te Tai Tonga MP Tākuta Ferris[5] Area [1] • Total 7.16 km2 (2.76 sq mi) Population (2023 Census)[2] • Total 513 • Density 71.6/km2 (186/sq mi) Time zone UTC+12 (NZST) • Summer (DST) UTC+13 (NZDT) Postcode 7175

**Lower Moutere** is a settlement in the [Tasman District](/source/Tasman_District) of New Zealand's upper [South Island](/source/South_Island). It is a farming community it the Lower Moutere valley, 6 km (3.7 mi) from [Motueka](/source/Motueka) close to the Moutere Inlet.[6]

The road up the valley from Motueka to [Upper Moutere](/source/Upper_Moutere) is an alternative to the main [State Highway 60](/source/New_Zealand_State_Highway_60) route between [Nelson](/source/Nelson%2C_New_Zealand) and Motueka.[6]

[The Riverside Community](/source/Riverside_Community%2C_New_Zealand) was established in Lower Moutere in 1941 by a small group of [Methodist](/source/Methodist) [pacifists](/source/Pacifists), and continues to operate a dairy farm and cafe. As of 2013 about 24 people were permanent members and 19 children lived there, but the community’s population sometimes doubled due to visitors, including WWOOFers (Willing Workers on Organic Farms).[6]

The Lower Moutere Memorial Hall features a plaque commemorating the three local men who died and 35 local men who served overseas during [World War II](/source/World_War_II).[7] A memorial gate commemorates those who died or were served during [World War I](/source/World_War_I).[8]

*Moutere* is the [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_language) word for 'island'.[9]

Native birds are common in the area, and a [kākā](/source/K%C4%81k%C4%81) was found in the area in January 2020.[10]

## Demographics

Lower Moutere village covers 7.16 km2 (2.76 sq mi)[1] It is part of the larger Lower Moutere statistical area.[11]

‹ The [template](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Template) *[Historical populations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Historical_populations)* is being [considered for merging](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Templates_for_discussion/Log/2026_June_24#Template:Infobox_demographics). ›

Historical population for Lower Moutere village Year Pop. ±% p.a. 2006 411 — 2013 441 +1.01% 2018 489 +2.09% 2023 513 +0.96% Source: [2][12]

The village had a population of 513 in the [2023 New Zealand census](/source/2023_New_Zealand_census), an increase of 24 people (4.9%) since the [2018 census](/source/2018_New_Zealand_census), and an increase of 72 people (16.3%) since the [2013 census](/source/2013_New_Zealand_census). There were 276 males and 237 females in 165 dwellings.[13] 3.5% of people identified as [LGBTIQ+](/source/LGBTQ). There were 72 people (14.0%) aged under 15 years, 111 (21.6%) aged 15 to 29, 264 (51.5%) aged 30 to 64, and 69 (13.5%) aged 65 or older.[2]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 81.9% [European](/source/European_New_Zealanders) ([Pākehā](/source/P%C4%81keh%C4%81)); 12.3% [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people); 12.3% [Pasifika](/source/Pasifika_New_Zealanders); 3.5% [Asian](/source/Asian_New_Zealanders); 0.6% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 3.5% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 96.5%, Māori by 2.9%, Samoan by 8.2%, and other languages by 12.9%. No language could be spoken by 0.6% (e.g. too young to talk). [New Zealand Sign Language](/source/New_Zealand_Sign_Language) was known by 1.8%. The percentage of people born overseas was 28.1, compared with 28.8% nationally.[2]

Religious affiliations were 33.9% [Christian](/source/Christianity_in_New_Zealand), 0.6% [Buddhist](/source/Buddhism_in_New_Zealand), 0.6% [New Age](/source/New_Age), and 0.6% other religions. People who answered that they had [no religion](/source/Irreligion_in_New_Zealand) were 56.7%, and 6.4% of people did not answer the census question.[2]

Of those at least 15 years old, 42 (9.5%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 243 (55.1%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 162 (36.7%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. 24 people (5.4%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 249 (56.5%) full-time, 66 (15.0%) part-time, and 12 (2.7%) unemployed.[2]

### Lower Moutere statistical area

Lower Moutere statistical area covers 62.11 km2 (23.98 sq mi).[14] It had an estimated population of 1,890 as of June 2025,[15] with a population density of 30.4 people per km2.

‹ The [template](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Template) *[Historical populations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Historical_populations)* is being [considered for merging](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Templates_for_discussion/Log/2026_June_24#Template:Infobox_demographics). ›

Historical population for Lower Moutere statistical area Year Pop. ±% p.a. 2006 1,374 — 2013 1,509 +1.35% 2018 1,683 +2.21% 2023 1,845 +1.86% Source: [16][17]

Lower Moutere had a population of 1,845 in the [2023 New Zealand census](/source/2023_New_Zealand_census), an increase of 162 people (9.6%) since the [2018 census](/source/2018_New_Zealand_census), and an increase of 336 people (22.3%) since the [2013 census](/source/2013_New_Zealand_census). There were 975 males, 870 females, and 3 people of [other genders](/source/Non-binary_gender) in 663 dwellings.[18] 2.8% of people identified as [LGBTIQ+](/source/LGBTQ). The median age was 44.2 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 288 people (15.6%) aged under 15 years, 309 (16.7%) aged 15 to 29, 927 (50.2%) aged 30 to 64, and 321 (17.4%) aged 65 or older.[16]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 85.5% [European](/source/European_New_Zealanders) ([Pākehā](/source/P%C4%81keh%C4%81)); 11.1% [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people); 7.2% [Pasifika](/source/Pasifika_New_Zealanders); 2.6% [Asian](/source/Asian_New_Zealanders); 1.3% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 3.4% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 97.2%, Māori by 3.6%, Samoan by 3.7%, and other languages by 12.4%. No language could be spoken by 1.5% (e.g. too young to talk). [New Zealand Sign Language](/source/New_Zealand_Sign_Language) was known by 0.8%. The percentage of people born overseas was 27.2, compared with 28.8% nationally.[16]

Religious affiliations were 29.1% [Christian](/source/Christianity_in_New_Zealand), 0.3% [Māori religious beliefs](/source/M%C4%81ori_religious_beliefs), 0.3% [Buddhist](/source/Buddhism_in_New_Zealand), 0.5% [New Age](/source/New_Age), and 0.8% other religions. People who answered that they had [no religion](/source/Irreligion_in_New_Zealand) were 62.6%, and 6.0% of people did not answer the census question.[16]

Of those at least 15 years old, 291 (18.7%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 804 (51.6%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 468 (30.1%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $35,200, compared with $41,500 nationally. 123 people (7.9%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 789 (50.7%) full-time, 276 (17.7%) part-time, and 39 (2.5%) unemployed.[16]

## Education

Lower Moutere School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students,[19][20] with a roll of 207 as of March 2026.[21] The school opened in 1857. A fire destroyed four classrooms and other facilities in 1990.[22]

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Area_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Area_1-1) ["Stats NZ Geographic Data Service"](https://datafinder.stats.govt.nz/data/). Statistical Area 1 2023 (generalised). Retrieved 11 April 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_2-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_2-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_2-5) ["Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs%5b0%5d=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df%5bds%5d=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df%5bid%5d=CEN23_TBT_012&df%5bag%5d=STATSNZ&df%5bvs%5d=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bib7%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.7022583%2B7022588%2B7022589.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to%5bTIME%5d=false&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly%5bcl%5d=CEN23_YEAR_001). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. 7022583, 7022588 and 7022589. Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Election results"](https://www.tasman.govt.nz/my-council/about-us/your-mayor-and-councillors/local-elections/election-results). Tasman District Council. 17 October 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["West Coast-Tasman - Official Result"](https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/electorate-details-61.html). [Electoral Commission](/source/Electoral_Commission_(New_Zealand)). Retrieved 8 April 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Te Tai Tonga – Official Result"](https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/electorate-details-71.html). [Electoral Commission](/source/Electoral_Commission_(New_Zealand)). Retrieved 23 February 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-cwalrond_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-cwalrond_6-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-cwalrond_6-2) Walrond, Carl. ["Moutere Hills and Tasman Bay"](https://teara.govt.nz/en/nelson-places/page-4). *[Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand](/source/Te_Ara_-_the_Encyclopedia_of_New_Zealand)*. [Ministry for Culture and Heritage](/source/Ministry_for_Culture_and_Heritage).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-memorialhall_7-0)** ["Lower Moutere memorial hall"](https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/lower-moutere-memorial-hall). *nzhistory.govt.nz*. [Ministry for Culture and Heritage](/source/Ministry_for_Culture_and_Heritage).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-memorialgates_8-0)** ["Lower Moutere war memorial"](https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/moutere-war-memorial). *nzhistory.govt.nz*. [Ministry for Culture and Heritage](/source/Ministry_for_Culture_and_Heritage).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-nzhistory_9-0)** ["Lower Moutere NZ History"](https://nzhistory.govt.nz/keyword/lower-moutere). *nzhistory.govt.nz*. [Ministry for Culture and Heritage](/source/Ministry_for_Culture_and_Heritage).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-gooch_10-0)** Gooch, Carla (24 January 2020). ["Kākā visitor delights Lower Moutere resident"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/118949776/kaka-visitor-delights-lower-moutere-resident). [stuff.co.nz](/source/Stuff.co.nz). [Nelson Mail](/source/Nelson_Mail).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Geographic Boundary Viewer"](https://statsnz.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=3a406ce8fbb14367ab5caae21c07ab8b). Stats NZ. Statistical Area 1 – 2023 and Statistical Area 2 – 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Census_2018_12-0)** ["Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census"](https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/statistical-area-1-dataset-for-2018-census-updated-march-2020). Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. 7022583, 7022588 and 7022589.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Totals by topic for dwellings, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs%5b0%5d=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df%5bds%5d=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df%5bid%5d=CEN23_TBT_009&df%5bag%5d=STATSNZ&df%5bvs%5d=1.0&dq=doTotal%2Bdo1.7022583%2B7022588%2B7022589.2023&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_DWD_003). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Stats NZ Geographic Data Service"](https://datafinder.stats.govt.nz/data/). Statistical Area 2 2023 (generalised). Retrieved 11 April 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2023_SA2_15-0)** ["Subnational population estimates - Aotearoa Data Explorer"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/?fs%5b0%5d=Society%2C1%7CPopulation%20estimates%23CAT_POPULATION_ESTIMATES%23%7CSubnational%20population%20estimates%23CAT_SUBNATIONAL_POPULATION_ESTIMATES%23&pg=0&bp=true&snb=10&isAvailabilityDisabled=false). [Statistics New Zealand](/source/Statistics_New_Zealand). Retrieved 29 October 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_LM_16-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_LM_16-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_LM_16-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_LM_16-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_LM_16-4) ["Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs%5b0%5d=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df%5bds%5d=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df%5bid%5d=CEN23_TBT_008&df%5bag%5d=STATSNZ&df%5bvs%5d=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bib7%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.301000.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to%5bTIME%5d=false&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly%5bcl%5d=CEN23_YEAR_001). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Lower Moutere (301000). Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Census_2018_LM_17-0)** ["Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census"](https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/statistical-area-1-dataset-for-2018-census-updated-march-2020). Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. Lower Moutere (301000). [2018 Census place summary: Lower Moutere](https://www.stats.govt.nz/tools/2018-census-place-summaries/lower-moutere)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Totals by topic for dwellings, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs%5b0%5d=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df%5bds%5d=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df%5bid%5d=CEN23_TBT_005&df%5bag%5d=STATSNZ&df%5bvs%5d=1.0&dq=doTotal%2Bdo1.301000.2023&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_DWD_003). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-official3200_19-0)** ["Lower Moutere School Official School Website"](http://www.lowermoutere.school.nz). *lowermoutere.school.nz*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-moe3200_20-0)** ["Lower Moutere School Ministry of Education School Profile"](https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/find-school/school/profile?school=3200). *educationcounts.govt.nz*. [Ministry of Education](/source/Ministry_of_Education_(New_Zealand)).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ero3200_21-0)** ["Lower Moutere School Education Review Office Report"](https://www.ero.govt.nz/institution/3200/lower-moutere-school). *ero.govt.nz*. [Education Review Office](/source/Education_Review_Office).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["The History of Lower Moutere School"](http://www.lowermoutere.school.nz/index.php/our-school). Lower Moutere School. Retrieved 25 July 2021.

v t e Tasman District, New Zealand Seat: Richmond Populated places Golden Bay / Mohua Aorere Bainham Clifton Collingwood East Tākaka Ferntown Ligar Bay Motupipi Onekaka Pākawau Parapara Patons Rock Pōhara Port Pūponga Pūponga Rockville Seaford Tākaka Tarakohe Tata Beach Upper Tākaka Waikato Waitapu Motueka Brooklyn Kaiteriteri Lower Moutere Mārahau Motueka Riwaka Moutere-Waimea Brightwater Bronte Dovedale Mahana Māpua Ngātīmoti Ruby Bay Tasman Upper Moutere Wakefield Woodstock Richmond Aniseed Valley Appleby Hope Richmond Lakes-Murchison Murchison Rotoroa Saint Arnaud Tapawera Tophouse Geographic features Buller River Dun Mountain–Maitai terrane Hope Saddle Lee River Mārahau River Maungakura / Red Hill Newton River Ngārua Caves Roding River Sams Creek Tākaka River Waimea Plains Waimea River Golden Bay / Mohua Appos Creek Archway Islands Cape Farewell Cobb Reservoir Druggans Dam Dry River Farewell Spit Harwoods Hole Lake Killarney Lightband Gully North-west Nelson Forest Park Rawhiti Cave Slateford Tākaka Hill Tata Islands Te Waikoropupū Springs Wainui Bay Whanganui Inlet Wharariki Beach Abel Tasman National Park Armchair Island Awapoto River Awaroa River Ballon Rock Falls River Fisherman Island Motuareronui / Adele Island Simonet Creek Torrent Bay Tata Islands Tinline Bay Tonga Island Torrent River Tōtaranui Wainui River Falls Tasman Bay Bell Island Best Island Moturoa / Rabbit Island Tokangawhā / Split Apple Rock Waimea Inlet Kahurangi National Park Brown River Bulmer Cavern Ellis Basin cave system Kahurangi Point Lake Matiri Mount Arthur Mount Burnett Mount Owen Nettlebed Cave Wharepapa / Arthur Range Nelson Lakes National Park Braeburn Range Lake Rotoiti Lake Rotoroa Maniniaro / Angelus Peak Mount Franklin Pourangahau / Mount Robert Rotomairewhenua / Blue Lake Rotopōhueroa / Lake Constance Sabine Valley Saint Arnaud Range Spenser Mountains Facilities and attractions Abel Tasman National Park Coast Track Inland Track Monument Appleby railway station Brightwater railway station Cobb Power Station Ferntown Bridge Gowanbridge railway station Heaphy Track Hope railway station Karamea Aerodrome Kawatiri railway station Langford Store Memorial Park Milnthorpe Model Motueka Aerodrome Moutere Inn Mussel Inn Nelson Lakes National Park Onekaka Ironworks Onekaka Power Station Onekaka Wharf and tramline Proposals for a road through North-west Nelson Pupu Hydro Power Scheme Richmond railway station RNZAF Dip Flat Rutherford memorial Stafford Place St Michael's Church Stoke railway station Tākaka Aerodrome Tākaka Pioneers' Memorial Takaka Tramway Great Taste Trail Tonga Island Marine Reserve Tophouse Tour de Vineyards Wai-iti Dark Sky Park Wangapeka Track Westhaven (Te Tai Tapu) Marine Reserve Wharariki Ecosanctuary Administration Historic Nelson Province (1853–1876) Collingwood County (1877–1956) Waimea County (1877–1989) Richmond Borough (1891–1989 · mayor) Motueka Borough (1900–1989) Takaka County (1904–1956) Murchison County (1909–1965) Golden Bay County (1956–1989) Nelson-Marlborough Regional Council (1989–1992) Current Council Mayor Organisations Golden Bay Air Golden Bay-Motueka Rugby Union New Zealand Energy Richmond Athletic FC Talley's Group Schools Collingwood Area School Golden Bay High School Motueka High School Waimea College Waimea Intermediate

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Lower Moutere](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_Moutere) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_Moutere?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.