# Te Puru

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Rural settlement in New Zealand

Place in Waikato, New Zealand

Te Puru View from a bach at Te Puru Interactive map of Te Puru Coordinates: 37°2′48″S 175°31′18″E / 37.04667°S 175.52167°E / -37.04667; 175.52167 Country New Zealand Region Waikato District Thames-Coromandel District Ward Thames ward Community Board Thames Community Electorates Coromandel Hauraki-Waikato (Māori) Government • Council Thames-Coromandel District Council • Regional council Waikato Regional Council • Mayor of Thames-Coromandel Peter Revell[3] • Coromandel MP Scott Simpson[4] • Hauraki-Waikato MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke[5] Area [1] • Total 1.96 km2 (0.76 sq mi) Population (June 2025)[2] • Total 490 • Density 250/km2 (650/sq mi)

**Te Puru** is a locality on the western side of the [Coromandel Peninsula](/source/Coromandel_Peninsula) of [New Zealand](/source/New_Zealand). [State Highway 25](/source/State_Highway_25_(New_Zealand)) runs through it. [Tapu](/source/Tapu%2C_New_Zealand) lies about 7 km to the north, and [Thames](/source/Thames%2C_New_Zealand) is about 12 km to the south.[6][7] The Te Puru Stream and about 18 tributaries drain a steep hilly 23 km2 area of the [Coromandel Range](/source/Coromandel_Range), almost entirely covered by native forest. It runs through the settlement and into the [Firth of Thames](/source/Firth_of_Thames) to the west. Flooding has been a problem.[8]

Te Puru track runs between Te Puru and Tapu-Coroglen road, intersecting with Waiomu Valley and Crosbies Main Range tramping tracks on the way.[9]

## Demographics

Te Puru is described by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement. It covers 1.96 km2 (0.76 sq mi)[1] and had an estimated population of 490 as of June 2025,[2] with a population density of 250 people per km2. Te Puru is part of the larger Thames Coast 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 of Te Puru Year Pop. ±% p.a. 2006 540 — 2013 501 −1.07% 2018 537 +1.40% 2023 510 −1.03% Source: [10][11]

Te Puru Track entrance

Te Puru had a population of 510 in the [2023 New Zealand census](/source/2023_New_Zealand_census), a decrease of 27 people (−5.0%) since the [2018 census](/source/2018_New_Zealand_census), and an increase of 9 people (1.8%) since the [2013 census](/source/2013_New_Zealand_census). There were 252 males, 255 females and 3 people of [other genders](/source/Non-binary_gender) in 213 dwellings.[12] 3.5% of people identified as [LGBTIQ+](/source/LGBTQ). The median age was 57.9 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 60 people (11.8%) aged under 15 years, 66 (12.9%) aged 15 to 29, 198 (38.8%) aged 30 to 64, and 189 (37.1%) aged 65 or older.[11]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 86.5% [European](/source/European_New_Zealanders) ([Pākehā](/source/P%C4%81keh%C4%81)), 25.9% [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people), 1.8% [Pasifika](/source/Pasifika_New_Zealanders), 3.5% [Asian](/source/Asian_New_Zealanders), and 2.9% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 98.8%, Māori language by 3.5%, and other languages by 4.1%. 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 0.6%. The percentage of people born overseas was 14.1, compared with 28.8% nationally.[11]

Religious affiliations were 24.7% [Christian](/source/Christianity_in_New_Zealand), 2.4% [Māori religious beliefs](/source/M%C4%81ori_religious_beliefs), 0.6% [Buddhist](/source/Buddhism_in_New_Zealand), 0.6% [New Age](/source/New_Age), and 1.8% other religions. People who answered that they had [no religion](/source/Irreligion_in_New_Zealand) were 57.1%, and 13.5% of people did not answer the census question.[11]

Of those at least 15 years old, 72 (16.0%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 249 (55.3%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 129 (28.7%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $28,200, compared with $41,500 nationally. 24 people (5.3%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 147 (32.7%) people were employed full-time, 63 (14.0%) were part-time, and 15 (3.3%) were unemployed.[11]

### Thames Coast statistical area

Thames Coast statistical area, which also includes [Tapu](/source/Tapu%2C_New_Zealand), [Waiomu](/source/Waiomu), [Thornton Bay](/source/Thornton_Bay) and [Ngarimu Bay](/source/Ngarimu_Bay), covers 116.11 km2 (44.83 sq mi)[13] and had an estimated population of 1,680 as of June 2025,[14] with a population density of 14 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 Thames Coast Year Pop. ±% p.a. 2006 1,710 — 2013 1,533 −1.55% 2018 1,704 +2.14% 2023 1,734 +0.35% Source: [15][16]

Thames Coast had a population of 1,734 in the [2023 New Zealand census](/source/2023_New_Zealand_census), an increase of 30 people (1.8%) since the [2018 census](/source/2018_New_Zealand_census), and an increase of 201 people (13.1%) since the [2013 census](/source/2013_New_Zealand_census). There were 861 males, 867 females and 6 people of [other genders](/source/Non-binary_gender) in 666 dwellings.[17] 2.6% of people identified as [LGBTIQ+](/source/LGBTQ). The median age was 60.2 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 165 people (9.5%) aged under 15 years, 177 (10.2%) aged 15 to 29, 732 (42.2%) aged 30 to 64, and 663 (38.2%) aged 65 or older.[16]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 87.5% [European](/source/European_New_Zealanders) ([Pākehā](/source/P%C4%81keh%C4%81)); 22.1% [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people); 1.7% [Pasifika](/source/Pasifika_New_Zealanders); 1.6% [Asian](/source/Asian_New_Zealanders); 0.5% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 4.2% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 98.8%, Māori language by 4.2%, Samoan by 0.2%, and other languages by 4.5%. No language could be spoken by 0.5% (e.g. too young to talk). [New Zealand Sign Language](/source/New_Zealand_Sign_Language) was known by 0.3%. The percentage of people born overseas was 13.8, compared with 28.8% nationally.[16]

Religious affiliations were 27.5% [Christian](/source/Christianity_in_New_Zealand), 0.2% [Islam](/source/Islam_in_New_Zealand), 1.9% [Māori religious beliefs](/source/M%C4%81ori_religious_beliefs), 0.5% [Buddhist](/source/Buddhism_in_New_Zealand), 0.9% [New Age](/source/New_Age), and 1.9% other religions. People who answered that they had [no religion](/source/Irreligion_in_New_Zealand) were 57.4%, and 10.4% of people did not answer the census question.[11]

Of those at least 15 years old, 273 (17.4%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 864 (55.1%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 438 (27.9%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $28,700, compared with $41,500 nationally. 93 people (5.9%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 525 (33.5%) people were employed full-time, 246 (15.7%) were part-time, and 36 (2.3%) were unemployed.[16]

## Education

[Te Puru School](/source/Te_Puru_School) is a coeducational full primary (years 1–8) school with a roll of 159 students as of March 2026.[18][19]

## History

Te Puru suffered severe flooding in 2002, when a low-pressure system led to extensive flooding on the Coromandel Peninsula and the south-west Waikato region.[20] Te Puru and Waiomu were included in the ‘high impact’ area of the storm.[21] Private and public property was damaged during the flood.

## 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/). Urban Rural 2023 (generalised). Retrieved 24 February 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2018_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2018_2-1) ["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-3)** ["Declaration of Results of Election and Poll"](https://www.tcdc.govt.nz/files/assets/public/v/1/our-council/public-notices/governance-pn/thames-coromandel-district-council-declaration-notice-tcdc.pdf) (PDF), *www.tcdc.govt.nz*, Thames-Coromandel District Council, 17 October 2025

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Coromandel - Official Result"](https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2020/electorate-details-07.html). [Electoral Commission](/source/Electoral_Commission_(New_Zealand)). Retrieved 27 February 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Hauraki-Waikato – Official Result"](https://archive.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/electorate-details-66.html). New Zealand Electoral Commission. Retrieved 27 February 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Peter Dowling, ed. (2004). *Reed New Zealand Atlas*. Reed Books. pp. map 16. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-7900-0952-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-7900-0952-8).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Roger Smith, GeographX (2005). *The Geographic Atlas of New Zealand*. Robbie Burton. pp. map 40. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-877333-20-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-877333-20-4).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Proposals for Te Puru"](https://web.archive.org/web/20071012154039/http://www.ew.govt.nz/projects/peninsula/thamescoast/documents/tepuruSec2.pdf) (PDF). Environment Waikato. Archived from [the original](http://www.ew.govt.nz/projects/peninsula/thamescoast/documents/tepuruSec2.pdf) (PDF) on 12 October 2007. Retrieved 13 February 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Harriss, Gavin (March 2022). [*Te Puru Track, Waikato*](https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap/trck128716/Te-Puru-Track/Waikato) (Map). NZ Topo Map.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Census_2018_10-0)** ["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. 7010689–7010691 and 7010694.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_11-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_11-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_11-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_11-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_11-5) ["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_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.1139.2013%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. Te Puru (1139). Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["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%2Bdo1.1139.2023&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_DWD_003). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Stats NZ Geographic Data Service"](https://datafinder.stats.govt.nz/data/). Statistical Area 2 2023 (generalised). Retrieved 24 February 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2023_SA2_14-0)** ["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-Census_2018_TC_15-0)** ["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. Thames Coast (167200). [2018 Census place summary: Thames Coast](https://www.stats.govt.nz/tools/2018-census-place-summaries/thames-coast)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_TC_16-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_TC_16-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_TC_16-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_TC_16-3) ["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.167200.2013%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. Thames Coast (167200). Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["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%2Bdo1.167200.2023&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_DWD_003). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NZ_school_roll_data_18-0)** ["New Zealand Schools Directory"](https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/data-services/directories/list-of-nz-schools). New Zealand Ministry of Education. Retrieved 1 March 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["Te Puru School - Education Counts"](https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/find-school/school/profile?school=1912). *www.educationcounts.govt.nz*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NIWA_-_June_2002_Upper_North_Island_Weather_Bomb_20-0)** [NIWA - June 2002 Upper North Island Weather Bomb](http://hwe.niwa.co.nz/event/June_2002_Upper_North_Island_Weather_Bomb).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Ministry_for_the_Environment_-_The_Waikato_Weather_Bomb:_Understanding_the_impact_21-0)** [Ministry for the Environment - The Waikato Weather Bomb: Understanding the impact](http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/climate/waikato-weather-mar04/html/page2.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170202060100/http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/climate/waikato-weather-mar04/html/page2.html) 2 February 2017 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine).

## External links

- [Te Puru School website](http://www.tepuru.school.nz)

v t e Thames-Coromandel District, New Zealand Seat: Thames Populated places Coromandel-Colville Ward Cape Colville Colville Coromandel Kennedy Bay Manaia Motutakapu Mercury Bay Ward Cooks Beach Coroglen Hahei Hot Water Beach Kūaotunu Matarangi New Chums Beach Otama Beach Rings Beach Te Rerenga Whangapoua Whenuakite Whitianga Thames Ward Hikutaia Kauaeranga Valley Kopu Matatoki Ngarimu Bay Puriri Tapu Te Mata Te Puru Thames Thornton Bay Waiomu South West Ward Whangamatā C.B. Onemana Opoutere Whangamata Tairua-Pauanui C.B. Hikuai Pauanui Tairua Islands Aldermen Islands Castle Island Mahurangi Island / Goat Island Mercury Islands Motueka Island / Pigeon Island Motukawao Islands Poikeke Island Slipper Island Whanganui Island Geographic features Cape Colville Castle Rock Cathedral Cove / Te Whanganui-A-Hei Colville Channel Firth of Thames Hauraki Gulf Kauaeranga Valley Mercury Bay Moehau Range Thames Valley Whangapoua Harbour Facilities and attractions Coromandel Forest Park Driving Creek Railway Hauraki Rail Trail Kopu Bridge Pauanui Aerodrome Siamese Kauri Square Kauri Thames Aerodrome Thames railway station Thames School of Mines Whangamata Beach Hop Whitianga Aerodrome Whitianga Festival of Speed Government District Council Mayor Regional Council Organisations The Mercury Bay Informer Ngāti Rongoū Thames High School

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