Mamaku

For the black tree fern known as mamaku, see Cyathea medullaris.

Mamaku
Railhead station
Coordinates: 38°05′43″S 176°4′43″E
Country	New Zealand
Region	Bay of Plenty
Local Authority	Rotorua Lakes District
Ward	Rotorua Rural General Ward
Community	Rotorua Rural Community
Electorates	Rotorua Waiariki (Māori)
Government
• Territorial authority	Rotorua Lakes Council
• Regional council	Bay of Plenty Regional Council
Area
• Total	2.67 km2 (1.03 sq mi)
Population  (June 2024)
• Total	890
• Density	330/km2 (860/sq mi)

Mamaku is a small village in the Bay of Plenty Region of the North Island of New Zealand. It lies on the Mamaku Plateau at an elevation of 560 metres (1,840 ft) above sea level. Situated at the highest point of the now-mothballed Rotorua Branch railway line, the town is 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) south of State Highway 5.

History

Mamaku was originally called Kaponga, but the name was changed to Mamaku in 1890 to avoid confusion with the town of Kaponga in Taranaki. Ironically, the plant known as Mamaku, the Black tree fern, is not found in the area. European settlement commenced in the 1880s, and for a time Mamaku rivalled Rotorua for size.

The main industry in Mamaku was originally native timber logging. In the late 19th century and early 20th century Mamaku had, at one time, 5 timber mills, all logging native timber from the surrounding bush. This reduced over time and today there are no timber mills operating in the village, with the last mill ceasing operations on 31 March 2015.

Another major industry established in Mamaku was farming, primarily dairy and sheep. This continues today as perhaps the main source of income for the village. Some recent additions to local industry include blueberry winemaking and off-road biking.

Demographics

Mamaku is described by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement, and covers 2.67 km² (1.03 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 890 as of June 2024, with a population density of 333 people per km². Mamaku is part of the larger Ngongotahā Valley statistical area.

Historical population

Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
2006	726	—
2013	687	−0.79%
2018	840	+4.10%
Source:

Mamaku Church

Mamaku had a population of 840 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 153 people (22.3%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 114 people (15.7%) since the 2006 census. There were 267 households, comprising 399 males and 435 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.92 males per female, with 234 people (27.9%) aged under 15 years, 135 (16.1%) aged 15 to 29, 387 (46.1%) aged 30 to 64, and 81 (9.6%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 79.3% European/Pākehā, 36.8% Māori, 2.9% Pacific peoples, 2.9% Asian, and 1.8% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 62.9% had no religion, 23.9% were Christian, 1.1% had Māori religious beliefs and 2.1% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 45 (7.4%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 162 (26.7%) people had no formal qualifications. 33 people (5.4%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 285 (47.0%) people were employed full-time, 81 (13.4%) were part-time, and 45 (7.4%) were unemployed.

Education

Mamaku School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students, with a roll of 100 as of August 2024.

The school opened in the village in 1895.

References

• New Zealand 1:50000 Topographic Map Series sheet BE36 - Mamaku