# Pukawa

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Pukawa
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Pukawa.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pukawa
> Source revision: 1325344488
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

Settlement in Waikato, New Zealand

Rural locality in Waikato region, New Zealand

Pukawa Rural locality Wharenui, Manunui-a-Ruakapanga Marae Interactive map of Pukawa Coordinates: 38°55.0′S 175°45.3′E / 38.9167°S 175.7550°E / -38.9167; 175.7550 Country New Zealand Region Waikato region District Taupō District Ward Turangi-Tongariro General Ward Electorates Taupō Waiariki (Māori) Government • Territorial Authority Taupō District Council • Regional council Waikato Regional Council • Mayor of Taupō John Funnell[1] • Taupō MP Louise Upston[2] • Waiariki MP Rawiri Waititi[3] Area [4] • Total 0.78 km2 (0.30 sq mi) Population (June 2025)[5] • Total 60 • Density 77/km2 (200/sq mi) Postcode(s) 3381

**Pukawa** or **Pukawa Bay** ([Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_language): *Pūkawa*) is a bay and a small township on the southern shores of [Lake Taupō](/source/Lake_Taup%C5%8D) on New Zealand's [North Island](/source/North_Island). It is off [State Highway 41](/source/New_Zealand_State_Highway_41) between Turangi and Taumarunui, in the [Taupō District](/source/Taup%C5%8D_District) and [Waikato](/source/Waikato) region.[6]

## Marae

It is home of the [Ngāti Tūwharetoa](/source/Ng%C4%81ti_T%C5%ABwharetoa) [hapū](/source/Hap%C5%AB) of [Ngāti Manunui](/source/Ng%C4%81ti_Manunui), who established the Pūkawa Marae and Manunui a Ruakapanga meeting house in November 2006.[7][8] The opening ceremony was attended by [Tūheitia Paki](/source/T%C5%ABheitia_Paki), the [Māori King](/source/M%C4%81ori_King).[9]

[Pōtatau Te Wherowhero](/source/P%C5%8Dtatau_Te_Wherowhero) was formally selected as king by a conference of chiefs of the Māori tribes held at Pukawa in April [1857](/source/Timeline_of_New_Zealand_history#1857s) and was crowned during elaborate ceremonies held at his marae in [Ngāruawāhia](/source/Ng%C4%81ruaw%C4%81hia) in April 1858.[10]

In 1906 [Ngāti Tūwharetoa](/source/Ng%C4%81ti_T%C5%ABwharetoa) and the Tongariro Timber Company struck an agreement for the construction of a 40-mile railway line from [Kakahi](/source/Kakahi%2C_New_Zealand) (on the [main trunk line](/source/North_Island_Main_Trunk)) to Pukawa. This line was never completed.[11]

## Demographics

Statistics New Zealand describes Pukawa as a rural settlement, which includes Oreti and covers 0.78 km2 (0.30 sq mi).[4] It had an estimated population of 60 as of June 2025,[5] with a population density of 77 people per km2. The settlement is part of the larger Lake Taupo Bays statistical area.

‹ 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 the settlement Year Pop. ±% p.a. 2006 210 — 2013 36 −22.27% 2018 48 +5.92% 2023 57 +3.50% The 2006 population is for a larger area of 6.09 km2, including Ōmori. Source: [12][13]

Pukawa had a population of 57 in the [2023 New Zealand census](/source/2023_New_Zealand_census), an increase of 9 people (18.8%) since the [2018 census](/source/2018_New_Zealand_census), and an increase of 21 people (58.3%) since the [2013 census](/source/2013_New_Zealand_census). There were 27 males and 33 females in 45 dwellings.[14] 5.3% of people identified as [LGBTIQ+](/source/LGBTQ). The median age was 61.2 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 6 people (10.5%) aged under 15 years, 3 (5.3%) aged 15 to 29, 27 (47.4%) aged 30 to 64, and 24 (42.1%) aged 65 or older.[12]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 73.7% [European](/source/European_New_Zealanders) ([Pākehā](/source/P%C4%81keh%C4%81)), 31.6% [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people), 5.3% [Pasifika](/source/Pasifika_New_Zealanders), and 10.5% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 100.0%, Māori by 15.8%, and other languages by 5.3%. No language could be spoken by 5.3% (e.g. too young to talk). The percentage of people born overseas was 10.5, compared with 28.8% nationally.[12]

Religious affiliations were 31.6% [Christian](/source/Christianity_in_New_Zealand), 5.3% [Māori religious beliefs](/source/M%C4%81ori_religious_beliefs), and 5.3% [Buddhist](/source/Buddhism_in_New_Zealand). People who answered that they had [no religion](/source/Irreligion_in_New_Zealand) were 52.6%, and 5.3% of people did not answer the census question.[12]

Of those at least 15 years old, 24 (47.1%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 30 (58.8%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 9 (17.6%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $39,400, compared with $41,500 nationally. 6 people (11.8%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 18 (35.3%) full-time and 6 (11.8%) part-time.[12]

### Lake Taupō Bays statistical area

The statistical area of Lake Taupō Bays covers 1,154.30 km2 (445.68 sq mi)[15] to the south and west of Lake Taupō. It includes [Whareroa Village](/source/Whareroa_Village), [Kuratau](/source/Kuratau), [Ōmori](/source/%C5%8Cmori%2C_New_Zealand), [Motuoapa](/source/Motuoapa), and [Tauranga Taupō](/source/Tauranga_Taup%C5%8D), and surrounds but does not include [Tūrangi](/source/T%C5%ABrangi). It had an estimated population of 1,920 as of June 2025,[16] with a population density of 1.7 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 Lake Taupō Bays Year Pop. ±% p.a. 2006 1,620 — 2013 1,578 −0.37% 2018 1,566 −0.15% 2023 1,854 +3.43% Source: [17][18]

Lake Taupō Bays had a population of 1,854 in the [2023 New Zealand census](/source/2023_New_Zealand_census), an increase of 288 people (18.4%) since the [2018 census](/source/2018_New_Zealand_census), and an increase of 276 people (17.5%) since the [2013 census](/source/2013_New_Zealand_census). There were 963 males, 891 females, and 3 people of [other genders](/source/Non-binary_gender) in 837 dwellings.[19] 1.9% of people identified as [LGBTIQ+](/source/LGBTQ). The median age was 51.4 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 297 people (16.0%) aged under 15 years, 228 (12.3%) aged 15 to 29, 807 (43.5%) aged 30 to 64, and 522 (28.2%) aged 65 or older.[17]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 71.7% [European](/source/European_New_Zealanders) ([Pākehā](/source/P%C4%81keh%C4%81)); 43.5% [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people); 3.2% [Pasifika](/source/Pasifika_New_Zealanders); 1.5% [Asian](/source/Asian_New_Zealanders); 0.3% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 3.2% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 97.6%, Māori by 15.0%, Samoan by 0.2%, and other languages by 3.4%. No language could be spoken by 1.8% (e.g. too young to talk). [New Zealand Sign Language](/source/New_Zealand_Sign_Language) was known by 0.6%. The percentage of people born overseas was 11.2, compared with 28.8% nationally.[17]

Religious affiliations were 28.8% [Christian](/source/Christianity_in_New_Zealand), 9.7% [Māori religious beliefs](/source/M%C4%81ori_religious_beliefs), 0.3% [Buddhist](/source/Buddhism_in_New_Zealand), 0.6% [New Age](/source/New_Age), 0.2% [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 51.0%, and 8.7% of people did not answer the census question.[17]

Of those at least 15 years old, 288 (18.5%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 918 (59.0%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 357 (22.9%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $34,800, compared with $41,500 nationally. 120 people (7.7%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 654 (42.0%) full-time, 234 (15.0%) part-time, and 42 (2.7%) unemployed.[17]

## Pukawa School

A [native school](/source/Native_schools) run by the [Church of England](/source/Church_of_England) was operating in Pukawa in 1862, but closed by January 1863 after four boys drowned and there was a shortage of food.[20]

## Notable people

- [Bessie Te Wenerau Grace](/source/Bessie_Te_Wenerau_Grace), teacher, first Māori woman university graduate

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["2025 Triennial Elections Declaration of Result"](https://www.electionz.com/LGE2025Results/ELT21TP25_Result.pdf) (PDF). Electionz. Retrieved 21 October 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** New Zealand Electoral Commission. ["Taupō - Official Result"](https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/electorate-details-51.html). *[Electoral Commission](/source/Electoral_Commission_(New_Zealand))*. Retrieved 20 April 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Waiariki – Official Result"](https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/electorate-details-72.html). [Electoral Commission](/source/Electoral_Commission_(New_Zealand)). Retrieved 12 May 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Area_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Area_4-1) ["Stats NZ Geographic Data Service"](https://datafinder.stats.govt.nz/data/). Urban Rural 2023 (generalised). Retrieved 15 May 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2018_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2018_5-1) ["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-jcsmaps_6-0)** ["Map of Pukawa on Lake Taupo"](http://www.jcsmaps.co.nz/laketauporegion.html). *jcsmaps.co.nz*. J C S Maps. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20061115040638/http://www.jcsmaps.co.nz/laketauporegion.html) from the original on 15 November 2006. Retrieved 17 November 2006.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-tkmentry_7-0)** ["Te Kāhui Māngai directory"](http://www.tkm.govt.nz/). *tkm.govt.nz*. [Te Puni Kōkiri](/source/Te_Puni_K%C5%8Dkiri). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200118064630/http://www.tkm.govt.nz/) from the original on 18 January 2020. Retrieved 6 May 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-maorimaps_8-0)** ["Māori Maps"](https://maorimaps.com/map). *maorimaps.com*. Te Potiki National Trust. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190122131749/https://maorimaps.com/map) from the original on 22 January 2019. Retrieved 6 May 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Thousands Expected At New Pukawa Marae"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070310230603/http://www.newswire.co.nz/main/viewstory.aspx?storyid=346952&catid=0). newswire.co.nz. Archived from [the original](http://www.newswire.co.nz/main/viewstory.aspx?storyid=346952&catid=0) on 10 March 2007. Retrieved 18 November 2006.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-maorimonarchs_10-0)** ["Pictures: Māori Monarchs since 1858"](http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/media.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10396638). *[The New Zealand Herald](/source/The_New_Zealand_Herald)*. [New Zealand Media and Entertainment](/source/New_Zealand_Media_and_Entertainment).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** [Cowan, James](/source/James_Cowan_(New_Zealand_writer)); R. E. Owen. ["Chapter 16: The Maori King"](http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-Cow01NewZ-c16.html). *The [New Zealand Wars](/source/New_Zealand_Wars): Volume I (1845–64): A History of the Maori Campaigns and the Pioneering Period*. [New Zealand Electronic Text Centre](/source/New_Zealand_Electronic_Text_Centre). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20060914055730/http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-Cow01NewZ-c16.html) from the original on 14 September 2006. Retrieved 16 October 2006.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_12-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_12-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_12-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_12-4) ["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.1434.2013%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. Pukawa (1434). Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Census_2018_13-0)** ["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. 7013294.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["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%2Bdo1.1434.2023&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_DWD_003). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Stats NZ Geographic Data Service"](https://datafinder.stats.govt.nz/data/). Statistical Area 2 2023 (generalised). Retrieved 15 May 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2023_SA2_16-0)** ["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_LTB_17-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_LTB_17-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_LTB_17-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_LTB_17-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_LTB_17-4) ["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.187900.2013%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. Lake Taupō Bays (187900). Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Census_2018_LTB_18-0)** ["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. Lake Taupo Bays (187900). [2018 Census place summary: Lake Taupo Bays](https://www.stats.govt.nz/tools/2018-census-place-summaries/lake-taupo-bays)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["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%2Bdo1.187900.2023&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_DWD_003). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Parliamentary Papers"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZ18640105.2.30?query=Pukawa+School). *New Zealander*. 5 January 1864.

v t e Taupō District, New Zealand Seat: Taupō Populated places Mangakino-Pouakani Ātiamuri Mangakino Marotiri Mokai Ohakuri Waihāhā Whakamaru Taupō City Five Mile Bay Kinloch Taupō Acacia Bay Hilltop Nukuhau Rainbow Point Rangatira Park Richmond Heights Tauhara Taupō Central Waipahihi Wharewaka Waitahanui Taupō East Rural Iwitahi Oruanui Opepe Rangitaiki Rotokawa Taharua Two Mile Bay Wairakei Turangi-Tongariro Hatepe Kuratau Motuoapa Motutere Omori Otukou Paka Bay Pukawa Rangipo Tauranga Taupō Tokaanu Tūrangi Waihi Village Whareroa Village Geographic features Acacia Bay Ahimanawa Range Craters of the Moon Huka Falls Kaimanawa Range Mount Tauhara Motutaiko Island Pākā Bay Te Poporo / Bulli Point Lakes Rotoaira Rotopounamu Taupō Rivers Hautapu Hinemaiaia Kaipo Kuratau Mangatainoka Mōhaka Ōamaru Otamatea Rangitaiki Ripia Taharua Tauranga Taupō Tongariro Waihāhā Waimarino Waiotaka Waipakihi Wairakei Waitahanui Wheao Facilities and attractions Huka Prawn Park Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park Power stations Aratiatia Kuratau Mokai Ohaaki Rotokawa Te Mihi Wairakei Government District Council Mayor Waikato Regional Council Bay of Plenty Regional Council Hawke's Bay Regional Council Organisations Ngāti Tūwharetoa

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