Turakina, New Zealand

Turakina
Coordinates: 40°02′S 175°13′E}
Country	New Zealand
Region	Manawatū-Whanganui
District	Rangitikei District
Wards	Southern General Ward Tiikeitia ki Uta (Inland) Māori Ward
Electorates	Rangitīkei Te Tai Hauāuru (Māori)
Government
• Territorial Authority	Rangitikei District Council
• Regional council	Horizons Regional Council

Turakina is an old Māori settlement situated southeast of Whanganui city on the North Island of New Zealand. Turakina village derives its name from the Turakina River, which cut its passage to the sea from a source south of Waiouru.

Turakina is notable as the site of the first of New Zealand's children's health camp, established by Elizabeth Gunn in November 1919.

History and culture

Pre-European history

The original inhabitants of the area were the descendants of the Kahui Rere and the Kahui Maunga, later naming themselves Ngā Wairiki. However, after the migration of Ngāti Apa from the Bay of Plenty toward Rotoaira then south to the Rangitikei river, they found themselves slowly being taken over by generations of intermarriage with the latter tribe.

The hapū of Ngā Āriki still live in Turakina.

European settlement

First passenger train from Aramoho to Turakina on 17 May 1877

Scottish settlers arrived in the area in the 19th century, and their descendants still live there to the present day. Many Māori families intermarried with the Scottish also.

Celtic feeling is still strong in Turakina. For example, Highland games are held every year late January, attracting many from around New Zealand.

Marae

The local Tini Waitara Marae and Te Horo Taraipi meeting house is a traditional meeting place of Ngāti Apa.

Demographics

Turakina statistical area, which also includes Koitiata, Rātana Pā and Whangaehu, covers 276.62 km² (106.80 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 1,380 as of June 2024, with a population density of 5.0 people per km².

Historical population for the statistical area

Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
2006	1,260	—
2013	1,236	−0.27%
2018	1,254	+0.29%
Source:

The statistical area had a population of 1,254 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 18 people (1.5%) since the 2013 census, and a decrease of 6 people (−0.5%) since the 2006 census. There were 435 households, comprising 636 males and 618 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.03 males per female. The median age was 41.9 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 264 people (21.1%) aged under 15 years, 231 (18.4%) aged 15 to 29, 573 (45.7%) aged 30 to 64, and 186 (14.8%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 67.7% European/Pākehā, 39.7% Māori, 2.4% Pacific peoples, 1.2% Asian, and 1.0% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

The percentage of people born overseas was 6.9, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 33.7% had no religion, 30.6% were Christian, 28.5% had Māori religious beliefs, 0.2% were Muslim, 0.2% were Buddhist and 1.0% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 126 (12.7%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 237 (23.9%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $28,300, compared with $31,800 nationally. 108 people (10.9%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 501 (50.6%) people were employed full-time, 150 (15.2%) were part-time, and 57 (5.8%) were unemployed.

Education

Turakina School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students, with a roll of 25 as of August 2024.