Potaka
Pōtaka | |
|---|---|
Settlement | |
| Coordinates: 37°34′26″S 178°08′42″E / 37.574°S 178.145°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Gisborne District |
| Ward | Tairāwhiti General Ward |
| Electorates | |
| Government | |
| • Territorial authority | Gisborne District Council |
| • Mayor of Gisborne | Rehette Stoltz[1] |
| • East Coast MP | Dana Kirkpatrick[2] |
| • Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MP | Cushla Tangaere-Manuel[3] |
| Area | |
• Total | 3.86 km2 (1.49 sq mi) |
| Population (2023 Census)[5] | |
• Total | 117 |
| • Density | 30/km2 (79/sq mi) |
| Postcode(s) | 3199 |
Pōtaka (Māori: Pōtaka) is a village and rural community in Gisborne District of New Zealand's North Island.[6] It marks the northern and western end of the Gisborne District and the Ngāti Porou tribal territory.[7]
The name Pōtaka was made official in November 2021.[8] It means 'spinning top' in the Māori language.[9]
Lottin Point Whakatiri, located north of the main village,[10] features a motel and small reserve.[7]
Demographics
Pōtaka locality covers 3.86 km2 (1.49 sq mi).[4] It is part of the East Cape statistical area.[11]
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 138 | — |
| 2013 | 117 | −2.33% |
| 2018 | 96 | −3.88% |
| 2023 | 117 | +4.04% |
| Source: [5][12] | ||
Pōtaka had a population of 117 in the 2023 New Zealand census, an increase of 21 people (21.9%) since the 2018 census, and unchanged since the 2013 census. There were 66 males and 51 females in 39 dwellings.[13] 2.6% of people identified as LGBTIQ+. The median age was 36.8 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 27 people (23.1%) aged under 15 years, 18 (15.4%) aged 15 to 29, 54 (46.2%) aged 30 to 64, and 18 (15.4%) aged 65 or older.[5]
People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 43.6% European (Pākehā), 71.8% Māori, and 2.6% Asian. English was spoken by 92.3%, Māori by 30.8%, and other languages by 5.1%. No language could be spoken by 2.6% (e.g. too young to talk). The percentage of people born overseas was 7.7, compared with 28.8% nationally.[5]
Religious affiliations were 25.6% Christian, and 7.7% Māori religious beliefs. People who answered that they had no religion were 56.4%, and 10.3% of people did not answer the census question.[5]
Of those at least 15 years old, 12 (13.3%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 48 (53.3%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 33 (36.7%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $30,300, compared with $41,500 nationally. 6 people (6.7%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 33 (36.7%) full-time, 18 (20.0%) part-time, and 9 (10.0%) unemployed.[5]
Marae
The local Pōtaka Marae is a meeting place for Te Whānau-ā-Apanui's hapū of Te Whānau a Rutaia, and the Ngāti Porou hapū of Te Whānau a Tapuaeururangi.[14] It includes a meeting house, known as Te Ēhutu and Te Pae o Ngā Pakanga.[15]
In October 2020, the Government committed $520,760 from the Provincial Growth Fund to upgrade Hinemaurea ki Wharekahika and Pōtaka Marae, creating 12 jobs.[16]
Education
Potaka School is a Year 1-8 co-educational state primary school[17] with a roll of 48 students as of July 2025.[18][19] The school was established by 1935.[20]
References
- ^ "Councillor contact details". Gisborne District Council. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
- ^ "East Coast - Official Result". Electoral Commission. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ^ "Ikaroa-Rāwhiti – Official Result". New Zealand Electoral Commission. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
- ^ a b "Stats NZ Geographic Data Service". Statistical Area 1 2023 (generalised). Retrieved 17 August 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f "Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses". Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. 7015462. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
- ^ Hariss, Gavin. "Potaka, Gisborne". topomap.co.nz. NZ Topo Map.
- ^ a b "Potaka". pacificcoasthighwayguide.co.nz. Opotiki & District 10,000 club.
- ^ "Notice of Approved Official Geographic Names in Gisborne Region". New Zealand Government. 18 November 2021.
- ^ "Place name detail: Pōtaka". New Zealand Gazetteer. Land Information New Zealand.
- ^ Hariss, Gavin. "Lottin Point (Wakatiri), Gisborne". topomap.co.nz. NZ Topo Map.
- ^ "Geographic Boundary Viewer". Stats NZ. Statistical Area 1 – 2023 and Statistical Area 2 – 2023.
- ^ "Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census". Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. 7015462.
- ^ "Totals by topic for dwellings, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses". Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
- ^ "Te Kāhui Māngai directory". tkm.govt.nz. Te Puni Kōkiri.
- ^ "Māori Maps". maorimaps.com. Te Potiki National Trust.
- ^ "Marae Announcements" (Excel). growregions.govt.nz. Provincial Growth Fund. 9 October 2020.
- ^ "Education Review Office Report". ero.govt.nz. Education Review Office.
- ^ "New Zealand Schools Directory". New Zealand Ministry of Education. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ "Ministry of Education School Profile". educationcounts.govt.nz. Ministry of Education.
- ^ "General Election". Poverty Bay Herald. 4 November 1935.