Karaka, New Zealand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Karaka
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Aerial view of northern Karaka, with Papakura and the Hunua Ranges in the background.
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Auckland Region |
| Territorial authority | Auckland Council |
| Ward | Franklin ward |
| Board | Franklin Local Board |
| Electorates |
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| Area | |
| • Total | 86.68 km2 (33.47 sq mi) |
| Population
(June 2023)
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| • Total | 3,180 |
| • Density | 36.69/km2 (95.02/sq mi) |
| Postcode |
2120
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| Area code(s) | 09 |
Karaka is a small rural area located in the south of Auckland, New Zealand. It used to be part of the Franklin District. Now, it is part of the Auckland Council area. This happened when many councils in the Auckland region joined together.
The Karaka area includes places like Karaka Lakes and Karaka Harbourside Estate.
Karaka's Past
Between the years 1870 and 1900, Karaka was a very important place. It was a major center for the kauri gum industry. Kauri gum is a type of resin that comes from kauri trees. People used it to make things like varnish.
Who Lives in Karaka?
The Kingseat-Karaka area covers about 86.68 square kilometers. As of 2023, around 3,180 people live here.
In 2018, the population was 2,904 people. This was an increase from 2,550 people in 2013. It shows that more people are choosing to live in Karaka.
Most people in Karaka are of European background (85.3%). About 13.9% are Māori. Other groups include Pacific peoples (3.9%) and Asian people (7.0%).
Karaka's Economy
Karaka is mainly a rural area. It is well known for its connection to thoroughbred horses. Many horse studs, where horses are bred, are located here.
The area is also important for dairy farming and sheep farming. The New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Sales Complex is in Karaka. This is where thoroughbred yearlings (young horses) are sold. It is linked to the Karaka Million race meeting at Ellerslie. Two famous horse studs, Westbury Stud and Haunui Farm, are also in Karaka.
Whātāpaka Marae
The Whātāpaka Marae is a traditional meeting place for local Māori. Its meeting house is called Tamaoho. This marae is connected to three Waikato Tainui hapū (sub-tribes). These are mainly Ngāti Tamaoho, and also Ngāi Tai and Ngāti Koheriki.
Schools in Karaka
Karaka has two coeducational primary schools for students in years 1 to 8. These are Karaka School and Te Hihi School.
- Karaka School has about 240 students. It celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1978.
- Te Hihi School has about 148 students. It first opened in 1914.
For high school, students usually go to nearby towns like Papakura and Pukekohe.
