The Rotoiti Forest is located south of the settlement.
Demographics
Rotoiti is described by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement, and covers 5.86km2 (2.26sqmi)[4] and had an estimated population of 510 as of June 2024,[5] with a population density of 87 people per km2. Rotoiti is part of the larger Rotoiti-Rotoehu statistical area.[6]
Rotoiti had a population of 501 in the 2023 New Zealand census, an increase of 3 people (0.6%) since the 2018 census, and an increase of 93 people (22.8%) since the 2013 census. There were 237 males and 261 females in 162 dwellings.[9] 0.6% of people identified as LGBTIQ+. The median age was 41.5 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 102 people (20.4%) aged under 15 years, 90 (18.0%) aged 15 to 29, 219 (43.7%) aged 30 to 64, and 93 (18.6%) aged 65 or older.[7]
People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 38.3% European (Pākehā); 74.9% Māori; 5.4% Pasifika; 1.8% Asian; 0.6% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 1.2% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 95.8%, Māori by 38.9%, and other languages by 3.0%. No language could be spoken by 1.8% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.6%. The percentage of people born overseas was 6.6, compared with 28.8% nationally.[7]
Religious affiliations were 28.7% Christian, 9.6% Māori religious beliefs, 0.6% New Age, and 1.2% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 52.1%, and 8.4% of people did not answer the census question.[7]
Of those at least 15 years old, 87 (21.8%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 216 (54.1%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 105 (26.3%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $41,300, compared with $41,500 nationally. 42 people (10.5%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 198 (49.6%) full-time, 63 (15.8%) part-time, and 18 (4.5%) unemployed.[7]
In October 2020, the Government committed $4,525,104 from the Provincial Growth Fund to upgrade Taurua Marae and nine others, creating an estimated 34 jobs. It committed $2,984,246 to upgrade Punawhakareia Marae, Ruato Marae, Tapuaekura a Hatupatu Marae, Tapuaeharuru Marae, Te Waiiti Marae and Te Awhe o te Rangi Marae, creating 20 jobs. Another $499,993 was committed to upgrading Waikōhatu Marae, creating 25 jobs.[12]
Education
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Rotoiti is a co-educational state Māori language immersion primary school,[13] with a roll of 43 as of March 2025.[14]
Rotoiti School, a native school, was established at Tāheke on the northwestern side of Lake Rotoiti in 1871.[15] It was destroyed by fire in 1886, and lessons were held at a hall until a new school was built in 1890. That closed about 1892, and the building was later moved to Te Ngae.[16] A school was moved from Tapuaeharuru to Wai-iti (both part of the current Rotoiti settlement) in 1904.[17] Mention of Rotoiti School date from 1924[18] and references to Waiiti School continue to 1950,[19] so these appear to be distinct schools.
References
↑ "Your Mayor". Rotorua Lakes Council. Retrieved 15 June 2025.
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