# Paremata

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Suburb of Porirua, New Zealand

Suburb in Porirua City, New Zealand

Paremata Suburb The historic Paremata Barracks Interactive map of Paremata Country New Zealand City Porirua City Local authority Porirua City Council Electoral ward Pāuatahanui General Ward Porirua Māori Ward Area • Land 161 ha (400 acres) Population (June 2025)[1] • Total 2,530 • Density 1,570/km2 (4,070/sq mi) Railway stations Paremata and Mana

Camborne (Porirua Harbour) Paremata (Porirua Harbour) Papakōwhai Ascot Park Whitby

Second bridge between Paremata and Plimmerton

**Paremata** is a suburb of [Porirua](/source/Porirua), on the [Tasman Sea](/source/Tasman_Sea) coast to the north of [Wellington](/source/Wellington), [New Zealand](/source/New_Zealand).

## History

### Early history

The modern suburb, just south of [Plimmerton](/source/Plimmerton), derives its name from the "Paremata Barracks", erected on the north shore of [Porirua Harbour](/source/Porirua_Harbour) in about 1846 when the British Empire was nervous about the local [Ngāti Toa](/source/Ng%C4%81ti_Toa) tribe under its leader [Te Rauparaha](/source/Te_Rauparaha). The stone barracks were largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1848.[2]

The [Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company](/source/Wellington_and_Manawatu_Railway_Company) built a station at Paremata in 1885 that connected the town to Wellington.[3] In 1936 a road bridge finally spanned the entrance to the [Pāuatahanui](/source/P%C4%81uatahanui) Inlet, greatly easing access to [Wellington](/source/Wellington) for the growing suburb. After a coast road was built between [Pukerua Bay](/source/Pukerua_Bay) and [Paekākāriki](/source/Paek%C4%81k%C4%81riki) further north, the route through Paremata became part of [State Highway 1](/source/State_Highway_1_(New_Zealand)). Later developments to ease congestion included the Paremata Roundabout, just south of the road bridge, in 2019.[4]

During [World War II](/source/World_War_II), United States soldiers were stationed near the barracks, on land that later became the Ngatitoa Domain.[5]

Golden Gate is a historical name used as early as the mid-1950s that generally referred to the eastern area of Paremata. Nowadays, it typically refers to the peninsula containing the entirety of Seaview Road that juts out just west of Bradeys Bay.

### Recent history

With the building of the new [Paremata railway station](/source/Paremata_railway_station) across the inlet, the locality south of the road and rail bridges took on the name Paremata as well. The street along the original shoreline had been known as "The Crescent" for decades, but by the end of the 20th century it was commonly called "Paremata Crescent".

The area to the north, which included a subdivision called "Dolly Varden" (named after a [Charles Dickens](/source/Charles_Dickens) character), is now called [Mana](/source/Mana%2C_New_Zealand) because the new [Mana railway station](/source/Mana_railway_station) a little further north was given that name; probably because it is the first point on the rail journey north at which travellers get a view of [Mana Island](/source/Mana_Island_(New_Zealand)). Current maps identify the areas to the north of the road and rail bridges as 'Mana' and the areas to the south as 'Paremata', matching the naming of the railway stations and streets. Dolly Varden railway station was renamed Ngatitoa and published in NZ Gazette prior to it being renamed Mana. Dolly Varden was so named after James Walkers skiff.

By the start of the 21st century, several members of the Ngāti Toa iwi had served on the [Porirua](/source/Porirua) City Council, and the whole locality around the Ngatitoa Domain had become a busy suburb and [fishing](/source/Fishing) base with housing and commerce. A new suburb, [Papakōwhai](/source/Papak%C5%8Dwhai), has grown on the hills to the south, while the large suburb of [Whitby](/source/Whitby%2C_New_Zealand) has developed to the east, with its main access via [SH 58](/source/State_Highway_58_(New_Zealand)) from the Paremata Roundabout.

In August 2004, a new road bridge was opened for northbound traffic, allowing southbound traffic to use both lanes of the old bridge. This is part of an ongoing project by Transit New Zealand to solve congestion issues and improve safety of motorists, pedestrians and local residents accessing SH 1 from side-roads and driveways. By July 2006 a series of traffic lights had been installed along Mana Esplanade, along with two [transit lanes](/source/Transit_lanes). A second feeder roundabout had been constructed on SH 58 allowing easier access to [Whitby](/source/Whitby%2C_New_Zealand).

The SH 1 route through Paremata was renumbered [SH 59](/source/State_Highway_59_(New_Zealand)) on 7 December 2021, due to SH 1 being shifted to the [Transmission Gully Motorway](/source/Transmission_Gully_Motorway).[6]

## Demographics

Paremata statistical area covers 1.61 km2 (0.62 sq mi)[7] and includes [Mana](/source/Mana%2C_New_Zealand). It had an estimated population of 2,530 as of June 2025, with a population density of 1,571 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 Year Pop. ±% p.a. 2006 2,280 — 2013 2,364 +0.52% 2018 2,463 +0.82% 2023 2,460 −0.02% Source: [8][9]

Mana Marina in Paremata

Paremata had a population of 2,460 in the [2023 New Zealand census](/source/2023_New_Zealand_census), a decrease of 3 people (−0.1%) since the [2018 census](/source/2018_New_Zealand_census), and an increase of 96 people (4.1%) since the [2013 census](/source/2013_New_Zealand_census). There were 1,188 males, 1,260 females, and 12 people of [other genders](/source/Non-binary_gender) in 975 dwellings.[10] 3.5% of people identified as [LGBTIQ+](/source/LGBTQ). The median age was 45.9 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 375 people (15.2%) aged under 15 years, 402 (16.3%) aged 15 to 29, 1,167 (47.4%) aged 30 to 64, and 513 (20.9%) aged 65 or older.[8]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 87.6% [European](/source/European_New_Zealanders) ([Pākehā](/source/P%C4%81keh%C4%81)); 15.9% [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people); 8.0% [Pasifika](/source/Pasifika_New_Zealanders); 4.9% [Asian](/source/Asian_New_Zealanders); 1.0% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.3% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 97.8%, Māori by 3.2%, Samoan by 2.2%, and other languages by 10.7%. No language could be spoken by 1.7% (e.g. too young to talk). [New Zealand Sign Language](/source/New_Zealand_Sign_Language) was known by 0.2%. The percentage of people born overseas was 23.3, compared with 28.8% nationally.[8]

Religious affiliations were 29.3% [Christian](/source/Christianity_in_New_Zealand), 0.1% [Hindu](/source/Hinduism_in_New_Zealand), 0.6% [Islam](/source/Islam_in_New_Zealand), 0.5% [Māori religious beliefs](/source/M%C4%81ori_religious_beliefs), 1.0% [Buddhist](/source/Buddhism_in_New_Zealand), 0.5% [New Age](/source/New_Age), 0.1% [Jewish](/source/Judaism_in_New_Zealand), and 1.1% other religions. People who answered that they had [no religion](/source/Irreligion_in_New_Zealand) were 60.4%, and 6.7% of people did not answer the census question.[8]

Of those at least 15 years old, 771 (37.0%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 1,023 (49.1%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 285 (13.7%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $59,400, compared with $41,500 nationally. 534 people (25.6%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 1,185 (56.8%) full-time, 273 (13.1%) part-time, and 42 (2.0%) unemployed.[8]

## Education

Paremata School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students,[11][12] with a roll of 289 as of March 2026.[13] It opened in 1921.[14]

## See also

- [Fort Parramatta](/source/Fort_Parramatta)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2023_SA2_1-0)** ["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. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Paremata Barracks Ruins"](http://www.heritage.org.nz/the-list/details/1329). Retrieved 15 May 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** Mew, G.; Humphris, Adrian (October 2014). *Raupo to Deco*. p. 63. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-927242-56-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-927242-56-8).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["SH1 Paremata roundabout improvements"](https://nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh1-paremata-roundabout-improvements). [NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi](/source/NZ_Transport_Agency_Waka_Kotahi). 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Ngati Toa Domain"](https://poriruacity.govt.nz/your-council/city-planning-and-reporting/reserves-management/reserve-finder/ngati-toa-domain/). Porirua City Council. Retrieved 20 January 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-State_Highway_59_switch_confirmed_for_December_6-0)** ["State Highway 59 switch confirmed for December"](https://www.nzta.govt.nz/media-releases/state-highway-59-switch-confirmed-for-december/) (Press release). New Zealand Transport Agency. 18 November 2021. Retrieved 18 November 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Area_7-0)** ["Stats NZ Geographic Data Service"](https://datafinder.stats.govt.nz/data/). Statistical Area 2 2023 (generalised). Retrieved 20 January 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_8-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_8-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_8-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_8-4) ["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.239801.2013%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. Paremata (239801). Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Census_2018_9-0)** ["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. Paremata (239800). [2018 Census place summary: Paremata](https://www.stats.govt.nz/tools/2018-census-place-summaries/paremata)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["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%2Bdo1.239801.2023&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_DWD_003). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-official2950_11-0)** ["Paremata School Official School Website"](http://www.paremata.school.nz). *paremata.school.nz*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ero2950_12-0)** ["Paremata School Education Review Office Report"](https://www.ero.govt.nz/institution/2950/paremata-school). *ero.govt.nz*. [Education Review Office](/source/Education_Review_Office).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-moe2950_13-0)** ["Paremata School Ministry of Education School Profile"](https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/find-school/school/profile?school=2950). *educationcounts.govt.nz*. [Ministry of Education](/source/Ministry_of_Education_(New_Zealand)).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["About Us"](https://www.paremata.school.nz/3566/easy_pages/23-about-us). Peremata School. Retrieved 20 January 2026.

## External links

- [Paremata Roundabout Webcam](http://www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/current-conditions/webcams/webcam.html?id=28)

- [Map of Paremata Region - ZoomIn.co.nz](http://www.zoomin.co.nz/nz/porirua/paremata/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160127133501/http://www.zoomin.co.nz/nz/porirua/paremata/) 27 January 2016 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

- [SH1 Plimmerton - Paremata Upgrade Information](http://www.transit.govt.nz/projects/P2P/index.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160303184852/http://www.transit.govt.nz/projects/P2P/index.htm) 3 March 2016 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

- [Paremata-Postgate Community Profile](http://www2.stats.govt.nz/domino/external/web/commprofiles.nsf/htmldocs/Paremata-Postgate+Community+Profile) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215217/http://www2.stats.govt.nz/domino/external/web/commprofiles.nsf/htmldocs/Paremata-Postgate+Community+Profile) 3 March 2016 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) from [Statistics NZ](/source/Statistics_New_Zealand)

- [Paremata in the *Cyclopedia of New Zealand* (1897, ETC)](http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Cyc01Cycl-t1-body-d4-d114.html)

[41°07′S 174°52′E / 41.117°S 174.867°E / -41.117; 174.867](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Paremata&params=41_07_S_174_52_E_region:NZ_type:city_source:GNS-enwiki)

v t e Porirua, New Zealand Seat: Porirua Central Populated places Aotea Ascot Park Camborne Cannons Creek Elsdon Hongoeka Judgeford Karehana Bay Kenepuru Mana Moonshine Valley Onepoto Paekākāriki Hill Papakōwhai Paremata Pāuatahanui Plimmerton Porirua Central Pukerua Bay Rānui Takapūwāhia Tītahi Bay Waitangirua Whitby Geographic features Aotea Lagoon Mana Island Porirua Harbour Rangituhi / Colonial Knob Facilities and attractions Belmont Regional Park Escarpment Track Gear Homestead Haywards–Plimmerton line Jerry Collins Stadium Johnsonville–Porirua Motorway Papakowhai Homestead Pataka Art + Museum Porirua Lunatic Asylum Puketiro Wind Farm Royal New Zealand Police College St Alban's Church Taupō Swamp Taylor-Stace Cottage Titahi Bay Transmitter Te Rauparaha Arena Transmission Gully Motorway Whitireia New Zealand Whitireia Park Railway stations Kenepuru Mana Muri Plimmerton Paremata Porirua Pukerua Government City Council Mayor Regional Council Sports Paremata-Plimmerton RFC Porirua Pumas Western Suburbs FC Schools Aotea College Bishop Viard College Mana College

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