# Onekaka

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Locality in Tasman, New Zealand

Onekaka Onekakā (Māori) locality Remnants of Onekaka Wharf Interactive map of Onekaka Coordinates: 40°45′54″S 172°42′27″E / 40.76500°S 172.70750°E / -40.76500; 172.70750 Country New Zealand Territorial authority Tasman Ward Golden Bay 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 [2] • Total 12.61 km2 (4.87 sq mi) Population (2023 census)[1] • Total 186 • Density 14.8/km2 (38.2/sq mi) Time zone UTC+12 (NZST) • Summer (DST) UTC+13 (NZDT) Postcode 7182 Area code 03

**Onekaka** ([Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_language): *Onekakā*) is a rural district on the coast of [Golden Bay](/source/Golden_Bay_%2F_Mohua), New Zealand.[6]

The name *Onekaka* derives from the [Māori language](/source/M%C4%81ori_language) *Onekakā*, meaning *red-hot or burning sand*.[7]

[State Highway 60](/source/State_Highway_60_(New_Zealand)) runs through the district. Dairy farming is a major activity, occupying a large proportion of the land area. A significant number of artists and craftspeople live in the area. The Onekaka Hall Recreation Reserve is on the state highway opposite the Onekaka Iron Works Road and contains a community hall, stage and tennis court.[8] The [Mussel Inn](/source/Mussel_Inn), a popular Golden Bay pub and live music venue, is a short distance north from the main settlement along the highway.[9][10]

A [large ironworks](/source/Onekaka_Ironworks) was in operation in Onekaka by 1924, with a tramline that connected it to a wharf. It produced [pig iron](/source/Pig_iron) and pipes from [limonite](/source/Limonite), which was mined there, and the operation employed up to 150 men. A small hydroelectric plant was built in 1929 to provide electricity for the pipe manufacturing. The works could not compete with iron produced overseas and closed in 1935. From 1937 to 1944, the hydroelectric plant produced power for Golden Bay. The [plant was restarted](/source/Onekaka_Power_Station) by hydro enthusiasts in 2003 and produces 3.5 gigawatt-hours (13 TJ) annually for the national grid.[11]

Onekaka School opened in a building moved from Rockville in 1924. Puramahoi School (extant 1905)[12] merged with it in 1944.[13] It closed in 1947. The building became a community hall.[14]

A remnant of [Onekaka Wharf](/source/Onekaka_Wharf) and tramline remains on Washbourn Road and is a listed historic place.[15] The wharf was a recurring theme in the art of prominent New Zealand painter [Doris Lusk](/source/Doris_Lusk) and one of these paintings has inspired [Charles Brasch](/source/Charles_Brasch) to write a poem.[16] The wharf also features in a 1965 painting of Onekaka by [Leo Bensemann](/source/Leo_Bensemann).[17]

## Demographics

Onekaka locality covers 12.61 km2 (4.87 sq mi)[2] and includes the area between [Ōtere River](/source/%C5%8Ctere_River) mouth and [Pariwhakaoho River](/source/Pariwhakaoho_River) mouth. It is part of the larger [Golden Bay / Mohua statistical area](/source/Golden_Bay_%2F_Mohua#Demographics).[18]

‹ 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 Year Pop. ±% p.a. 2006 132 — 2013 150 +1.84% 2018 144 −0.81% 2023 186 +5.25% Source: [1][19]

Onekaka had a population of 186 in the [2023 New Zealand census](/source/2023_New_Zealand_census), an increase of 42 people (29.2%) since the [2018 census](/source/2018_New_Zealand_census), and an increase of 36 people (24.0%) since the [2013 census](/source/2013_New_Zealand_census). There were 81 males, 99 females, and 3 people of [other genders](/source/Non-binary_gender) in 75 dwellings.[20] 11.3% of people identified as [LGBTIQ+](/source/LGBTQ). The median age was 49.6 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 21 people (11.3%) aged under 15 years, 18 (9.7%) aged 15 to 29, 105 (56.5%) aged 30 to 64, and 42 (22.6%) aged 65 or older.[1]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 95.2% [European](/source/European_New_Zealanders) ([Pākehā](/source/P%C4%81keh%C4%81)), 3.2% [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people), and 8.1% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 98.4%, Māori by 3.2%, and other languages by 21.0%. No language could be spoken by 1.6% (e.g. too young to talk). The percentage of people born overseas was 32.3, compared with 28.8% nationally.[1]

Religious affiliations were 6.5% [Christian](/source/Christianity_in_New_Zealand), 1.6% [Buddhist](/source/Buddhism_in_New_Zealand), and 1.6% [New Age](/source/New_Age). People who answered that they had [no religion](/source/Irreligion_in_New_Zealand) were 75.8%, and 12.9% of people did not answer the census question.[1]

Of those at least 15 years old, 57 (34.5%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 84 (50.9%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 24 (14.5%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $25,200, compared with $41,500 nationally. 12 people (7.3%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 57 (34.5%) full-time, 48 (29.1%) part-time, and 3 (1.8%) unemployed.[1]

## Notable people

- [Richard Washbourn](/source/Richard_Washbourn) – naval officer[21]

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_1-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_1-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_1-5) ["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.7022520.2013%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. 7022520. Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Area_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Area_2-1) ["Stats NZ Geographic Data Service"](https://datafinder.stats.govt.nz/data/). Statistical Area 1 2023 (generalised). Retrieved 17 April 2026.

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. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Onekaka"](https://www.tasman.govt.nz/my-region/townships/onekaka/). Tasman District Council. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191207041841/https://www.tasman.govt.nz/my-region/townships/onekaka/) from the original on 7 December 2019. Retrieved 7 December 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Mullan, Brett; Tait, Andrew; Thompson, Craig (12 June 2006). ["Climate – Regional climates"](https://teara.govt.nz/en/climate/page-2). *[Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand](/source/Te_Ara_%E2%80%93_the_Encyclopedia_of_New_Zealand)*. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220114081134/https://teara.govt.nz/en/climate/page-2) from the original on 14 January 2022. Retrieved 14 January 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Onekaka Hall Recreation Reserve"](https://places.nz/7189). *Places New Zealand*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191207043928/https://places.nz/7189) from the original on 7 December 2019. Retrieved 7 December 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Hindmarsh, Nina (27 November 2020). ["The Mussel Inn achieves 'climate positive' status by offsetting emissions"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/climate-news/123512102/the-mussel-inn-achieves-climate-positive-status-by-offsetting-emissions). *[Stuff](/source/Stuff_(website))*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220111205030/https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/climate-news/123512102/the-mussel-inn-achieves-climate-positive-status-by-offsetting-emissions) from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 11 January 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Ridout, Amy (3 December 2021). ["Golden Bay businesses' 'nervous anticipation' as orange summer starts"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/127135972/golden-bay-businesses-nervous-anticipation-as-orange-summer-starts). *[Stuff](/source/Stuff_(website))*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220113093140/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/127135972/golden-bay-businesses-nervous-anticipation-as-orange-summer-starts) from the original on 13 January 2022. Retrieved 11 January 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Onekakā Ironworks"](https://www.engineeringnz.org/programmes/heritage/heritage-records/onekak%C4%81-ironworks/). Engineering New Zealand. Retrieved 7 December 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Takaka"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZMAIL19050531.2.78.1?query=Puramahoi+School). *[New Zealand Mail](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=New_Zealand_Mail&action=edit&redlink=1)*. 31 May 1905 – via [Papers Past](/source/Papers_Past).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["School Committees"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NEM19440503.2.14?query=Puramahoi+School). *[Nelson Evening Mail](/source/Nelson_Evening_Mail)*. 3 May 1944 – via [Papers Past](/source/Papers_Past).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Hindmarsh, Gerald (7 April 2023). ["Out West: Reflecting on an Onekaka life"](https://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/300848160/out-west-reflecting-on-an-onekaka-life). *[Nelson Mail](/source/Nelson_Mail)*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Onekaka Wharf and remnant of tramline"](https://www.heritage.org.nz/the-list/details/5126). [Heritage New Zealand](/source/Heritage_New_Zealand). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191207041829/https://www.heritage.org.nz/the-list/details/5126) from the original on 7 December 2019. Retrieved 7 December 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Wharf at Onekaka by Charles Brasch"](https://christchurchartgallery.org.nz/blog/note/2020/04/onekaka-wharf-by-charles-brasch). [Christchurch Art Gallery](/source/Christchurch_Art_Gallery). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220111205030/https://christchurchartgallery.org.nz/blog/note/2020/04/onekaka-wharf-by-charles-brasch) from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 11 January 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Vangioni, Peter (4 August 2011). ["Burning sands of Onekaka"](https://christchurchartgallery.org.nz/blog/behind-the-scenes/2011/08/burning-sands-of-onekaka). Christchurch Art Gallery. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220114081125/https://christchurchartgallery.org.nz/blog/behind-the-scenes/2011/08/burning-sands-of-onekaka) from the original on 14 January 2022. Retrieved 14 January 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["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_19-0)** ["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. 7022520.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["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%2Bdo1.7022520.2023&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_DWD_003). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["Obituary: Rear-Admiral R.E. Washbourn"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19880810.2.167). *[The Press](/source/The_Press)*. 10 August 1988. p. 45. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240323055429/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19880810.2.167) from the original on 23 March 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024 – via [PapersPast](/source/PapersPast).

## External links

- [Onekaka](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Onekaka#Q7093698) travel guide from Wikivoyage

- [Wharf at Onekaka by Charles Brasch](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63PH0VQbjUE) on [YouTube](/source/YouTube_video_(identifier)): Poem written by [Brasch](/source/Charles_Brasch) in response to a Lusk painting of the wharf

- [Watercolour of Onekaka Wharf](https://otago.ourheritage.ac.nz/items/show/5584) by Lusk held in the [Hocken Collections](/source/Hocken_Collections)

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