# Whakamaru

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Settlement in Waikato, New Zealand

Place in Waikato region, New Zealand

Whakamaru Interactive map of Whakamaru Coordinates: 38°25′S 175°48′E / 38.42°S 175.80°E / -38.42; 175.80 Country New Zealand Region Waikato region District Taupō District Ward Mangakino-Pouakani Ward Electorates Taupō Te Tai Hauāuru (Māori) Government • Territorial Authority Taupō District Council • Regional council Waikato Regional Council • Mayor of Taupō John Funnell[1] • Taupō MP Louise Upston[2] • Hauraki-Waikato MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke[3] Area [4] • Total 1.60 km2 (0.62 sq mi) Population (June 2025)[5] • Total 200 • Density 120/km2 (320/sq mi)

 The Whakamaru dam power station, a major part of the power product in New Zealand

**Whakamaru** [/ˈfɑːkəˌmɑːruː/](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English) is a town in the central region of the [North Island](/source/North_Island) of New Zealand. The town is adjacent to a [hydroelectric](/source/Hydroelectric) power station on the [Waikato River](/source/Waikato_River), and electricity transmission infrastructure that serves the North Island national grid.

## History

The Whakamaru supervolcano eruption occurred 320,000–340,000 years ago and is the largest known eruption in the [Taupō Volcanic Zone](/source/Taup%C5%8D_Volcanic_Zone). The town is located in the resulting [Whakamaru Caldera](/source/Whakamaru_Caldera).[6]

The Māori word *whakamaru* means 'to shelter' or 'to protect'.[7] The name is a shortened version of Te Whakamarumarutanga o Kahukeke ("The Shelter of Kahukeke"). According to [Waikato Tainui](/source/Waikato_Tainui) oral traditions, [Kahukeke](/source/Kahupeka), the [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people) healer and explorer, who had arrived in New Zealand on the [*Tainui*](/source/Tainui_(canoe)) migratory canoe fell ill at the spot and the area was named for the shelter where she recovered. In some versions the shelter was built by her husband [Rakatāura / Hape](/source/Hape_(tohunga)), the [tohunga](/source/Tohunga) of the *Tainui*.[8][9]

The town of Whakamaru was originally established as accommodation for the [Whakamaru Power Station](/source/Whakamaru_Power_Station). The first 220 kV transmission lines in New Zealand were constructed from [Maraetai](/source/Maraetai_Power_Station) to Whakamaru, and from Whakamaru to [Ōtāhuhu](/source/%C5%8Ct%C4%81huhu). These lines were commissioned in October 1952, making Whakamaru a key node on the North Island grid.[10] In 1964, following the commissioning of the [HVDC Inter-Island](/source/HVDC_Inter-Island) link, the North Island Control Centre for the national grid was transferred from [Claudelands](/source/Claudelands) to a new facility at Whakamaru. This control centre remained in service until 1993 when a replacement was commissioned at [Hamilton](/source/Hamilton%2C_New_Zealand).[11]

## Demographics

Statistics New Zealand describes Whakamaru as a rural settlement, which covers 1.60 km2 (0.62 sq mi).[4] It had an estimated population of 200 as of June 2025,[5] with a population density of 125 people per km2. The settlement is part of the larger [Marotiri statistical area](/source/Marotiri%2C_New_Zealand#Marotiri_statistical_area).[12]

‹ 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 168 — 2013 162 −0.52% 2018 168 +0.73% 2023 192 +2.71% Source: [13][14]

Whakamaru had a population of 192 in the [2023 New Zealand census](/source/2023_New_Zealand_census), an increase of 24 people (14.3%) since the [2018 census](/source/2018_New_Zealand_census), and an increase of 30 people (18.5%) since the [2013 census](/source/2013_New_Zealand_census). There were 96 males and 96 females in 69 dwellings.[15] 1.6% of people identified as [LGBTIQ+](/source/LGBTQ). The median age was 50.8 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 36 people (18.8%) aged under 15 years, 24 (12.5%) aged 15 to 29, 90 (46.9%) aged 30 to 64, and 42 (21.9%) aged 65 or older.[13]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 71.9% [European](/source/European_New_Zealanders) ([Pākehā](/source/P%C4%81keh%C4%81)), 37.5% [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people), 12.5% [Pasifika](/source/Pasifika_New_Zealanders), and 4.7% [Asian](/source/Asian_New_Zealanders). English was spoken by 98.4%, Māori by 9.4%, and other languages by 7.8%. No language could be spoken by 1.6% (e.g. too young to talk). The percentage of people born overseas was 12.5, compared with 28.8% nationally.[13]

Religious affiliations were 18.8% [Christian](/source/Christianity_in_New_Zealand), 1.6% [Hindu](/source/Hinduism_in_New_Zealand), 1.6% [Māori religious beliefs](/source/M%C4%81ori_religious_beliefs), and 1.6% [New Age](/source/New_Age). People who answered that they had [no religion](/source/Irreligion_in_New_Zealand) were 68.8%, and 9.4% of people did not answer the census question.[13]

Of those at least 15 years old, 15 (9.6%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 93 (59.6%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 51 (32.7%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $33,000, compared with $41,500 nationally. 9 people (5.8%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 69 (44.2%) full-time, 18 (11.5%) part-time, and 6 (3.8%) unemployed.[13]

## Recreation and amenities

During the summer months Lake Whakamaru is used extensively for [water skiing](/source/Water_skiing). The Whakamaru Water Ski Club is very busy during the Christmas holidays, although water skiing courses are normally available all year round. [Kiwiburn](/source/Kiwiburn), the New Zealand [Burning Man](/source/Burning_Man) regional, was held annually at the Whakamaru Domain, State Highway 30, from 2007 to 2013.

The town has a resident association, grocery store, cafe, pizza restaurant, and petrol station. Guided walks are available for the nearby Mt Titiraupenga, located at the geographic centre of The North Island.[16]

## Education

Whakamaru School is a co-educational state primary school,[17] with a roll of 75 as of March 2026.[18][19] It opened in 1959.[20]

## References

### Citations

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)** ["Hauraki-Waikato – Official Result"](https://archive.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/electorate-details-66.html). New Zealand Electoral Commission. Retrieved 27 February 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 11 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-6)** Saunders, K. E.; Morgan, D. J.; Baker, J. A.; Wysoczanski, R. J. (2010). ["The Magmatic Evolution of the Whakamaru Supereruption, New Zealand, Constrained by a Microanalytical Study of Plagioclase and Quartz whakamaru volcano"](https://academic.oup.com/petrology/article-pdf/51/12/2465/16671949/egq064.pdf) (PDF). *Journal of Petrology*. **51** (12): 2465–2488. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1093/petrology/egq064](https://doi.org/10.1093%2Fpetrology%2Fegq064).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["whakamaru"](https://maoridictionary.co.nz/word/39324). *Te Aka Māori Dictionary*. Retrieved 1 June 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Jones, Pei Te Hurinui; Biggs, Bruce (2004). *Ngā Iwi o Tainui: Nga Koorero Tuku Iho a Nga Tuupuna = The Traditional History of the Tainui People*. Auckland: Auckland University Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1869403312](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1869403312).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-PestManagement_9-0)** ["Waikato Regional Pest Management Plan 2017/18: Appendix 1: Statutory Acknowledgements"](https://www.waikatoregion.govtMaraetai.nz/assets/WRC/Council/Policy-and-Plans/RPS-Regional-Policy-Statement/RPSv2018-Appendices.pdf) (PDF). [Waikato Regional Council](/source/Waikato_Regional_Council). 2017. Retrieved 17 March 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEReilly2008124_10-0)** [Reilly 2008](#CITEREFReilly2008), p. 124.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEReilly2008182–183_11-0)** [Reilly 2008](#CITEREFReilly2008), pp. 182–183.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["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. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_13-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_13-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_13-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_13-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_13-4) ["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.1208.2013%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. Whakamaru (1208). Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Census_2018_14-0)** ["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. 7013272.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["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%2Bdo1.1208.2023&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_DWD_003). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Mount Titiraupenga tracks: Places to go in Pureora Forest Park"](https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/waikato/places/pureora-forest-park/things-to-do/mount-titiraupenga-tracks/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-moe_17-0)** ["Whakamaru School Ministry of Education School Profile"](https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/find-school/school/profile?district=28&region=5&school=2080). *educationcounts.govt.nz*. [Ministry of Education](/source/Ministry_of_Education_(New_Zealand)).

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-ero_19-0)** ["Whakamaru School Education Review Office Report"](http://www.ero.govt.nz/report-view?id=2080). *ero.govt.nz*. [Education Review Office](/source/Education_Review_Office).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["School History"](https://www.whakamaru.school.nz/17/easy_pages/6-school-history). Whakamaru School. Retrieved 11 May 2025.

### Works cited

- Helen Reilly (2008). *Connecting the Country: New Zealand's National Grid 1886–2007*. Wellington: Steele Roberts Publishers. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-877448-40-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-877448-40-9). [LCCN](/source/LCCN_(identifier)) [2008531690](https://lccn.loc.gov/2008531690). [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [232968789](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/232968789). [OL](/source/OL_(identifier)) [23164270M](https://openlibrary.org/books/OL23164270M). [Wikidata](/source/WDQ_(identifier)) [Q113030968](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113030968).

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

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