Rodney stretches from the spectacular black volcanic sand beaches of Muriwai in the west to the white sands and islands of the Kowhai Coast in the east. It includes a number of regional parks or areas of special interest. North of Orewa are the coastal Wenderholm, Mahurangi and Tawharanui Regional Parks. Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve, which surrounds Te Hāwere-a-Maki / Goat Island, was New Zealand's first marine reserve, officially opened in 1977. It covers a coastline of about 5km (3mi), extends out in sea by 800 m, and encompasses 5km2 (2sqmi), inside which all marine life is protected.
Towns in the south of the ward are becoming dormitory districts for Auckland, enjoying improved access by motorway. Further north, communities are more rural. Some have become famous for particular activities, such as Puhoi and its cheese factory. Warkworth serves as a base for visitors to explore the Kowhai Coast, which includes historic Kawau Island, formerly the home of New Zealand's Governor Sir George Grey, where Mansion House is now a museum.
The dominant feature of the western side of Rodney is Kaipara Harbour, the largest enclosed harbour in the Southern Hemisphere, with a perimeter of about 3,000km (1,864mi). The area was once famous for its kauri timber mills.
Kumeū, Matakana and Huapai are known for their wineries, a number of which provide sampling, cellar-door sales, and restaurants.
Population
Rodney ward covers 2,275.00km2 (878.38sqmi)[1] and had an estimated population of 82,400 as of June 2024,[2] with a population density of 36 people per km2.
Rodney ward had a population of 77,949 in the 2023 New Zealand census, an increase of 11,532 people (17.4%) since the 2018 census, and an increase of 23,067 people (42.0%) since the 2013 census. There were 38,826 males, 38,859 females and 261 people of other genders in 26,883 dwellings.[6] 2.6% of people identified as LGBTIQ+. The median age was 41.3 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 15,225 people (19.5%) aged under 15 years, 11,988 (15.4%) aged 15 to 29, 36,972 (47.4%) aged 30 to 64, and 13,764 (17.7%) aged 65 or older.[5]
People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 84.9% European (Pākehā); 12.2% Māori; 4.3% Pasifika; 9.4% Asian; 1.2% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.7% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 96.5%, Māori language by 1.8%, Samoan by 0.4%, and other languages by 12.8%. No language could be spoken by 2.1% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.3%. The percentage of people born overseas was 26.4, compared with 28.8% nationally.[5]
Of those at least 15 years old, 15,705 (25.0%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 33,453 (53.3%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 13,569 (21.6%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $45,600, compared with $41,500 nationally. 10,539 people (16.8%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 32,595 (52.0%) people were employed full-time, 9,711 (15.5%) were part-time, and 1,272 (2.0%) were unemployed.[5]
Rodney Ward is one of the 13 wards of Auckland Council and is governed by the Mayor of Auckland. It has one directly elected councillor who sits on the Auckland Council. The councillor has oversight over Rodney Local Board.
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