Mangawhai facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mangawhai
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Mangawhai Tavern, 2019
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Northland Region |
| District | Kaipara District |
| Ward | Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Ward |
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| Area | |
| • Total | 1.89 km2 (0.73 sq mi) |
| Population
(June 2023)
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| • Total | 1,370 |
| • Density | 725/km2 (1,877/sq mi) |
Mangawhai is a town located in the Northland Region of New Zealand. It sits at the southwestern end of the Mangawhai Harbour, which is also called the Mangawhai Estuary.
Nearby, Mangawhai Heads is about 5 kilometers northeast, closer to the harbour's mouth. Other towns like Kaiwaka (13 km southwest) and Waipu (20 km northwest of Mangawhai Heads) are also close by.
In 2018, plans were made to build a new town called Mangawhai Central between Mangawhai and Mangawhai Heads. This was to help with the fast-growing population and limited space for shops. By late 2022, most of the business area was finished, but homes were not yet built. A new housing area called Mangawhai Hills is also planned to the west of the current town.
Contents
History of Mangawhai
Mangawhai is a traditional Māori name for this area. It refers to the stingrays that live in the harbour.
Early Travel and Trade
In the early to mid-1800s, Mangawhai Harbour was a key entry point to the Kaipara Harbour. The Ngāti Whātua people used to pull their canoes from Kaiwaka to Mangawhai. In February 1825, a Ngā Puhi war party arrived at Mangawhai. They then traveled 12 kilometers inland to fight the Ngāti Whātua at Te Ika-a-ranga-nui, near Kaiwaka.
Later in the 1800s, settlers would travel by boat from Auckland to Mangawhai. From there, they would walk to Kaiwaka and then travel by water again across the Kaipara Harbour. By the early 1860s, a dray road connected Mangawhai and Kaiwaka. In the late 1800s, digging for kauri gum became an important business in the area.
On January 26, 2025, a tornado hit the town. It caused a lot of damage and seriously injured two people.
Sand Mining in the Harbour
Sand mining started at the entrance of Mangawhai Harbour before 1940. In 1978, sand dunes collapsed, which was thought to be caused by sand mining. This closed the harbour for five and a half years.
From 1993 to 2004, companies used suction dredges to remove sand from the sandbars at Mangawhai Heads. In 2004, the Mangawhai Harbour Restoration Society won a court case. This stopped new sand mining licenses from being given out. Companies like McCallum Brothers tried to get new permits, but their requests were denied in 2005.
In January 2008, another request to mine sand in the Mangawhai Forest was being reviewed by the Environment Court.
Local Government
The Mangawai Road District was created on September 26, 1867. It began operating on October 29, 189. In 1886, it was moved from Rodney County to the new Otamatea County. Today, Mangawhai is part of the Kaipara District.
Population and People
Mangawhai township covers about 1.89 square kilometers. As of July 2025, it has an estimated population of 1,370.
| Historical population for Mangawhai township | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
| 2006 | 348 | — |
| 2013 | 507 | +5.52% |
| 2018 | 936 | +13.05% |
| 2023 | 1,206 | +5.20% |
The population of Mangawhai was 1,206 in the 2023 New Zealand census. This was a big increase of 270 people (28.8%) since the 2018 census. It was also an increase of 699 people (137.9%) since the 2013 census.
In 2023, there were 585 males and 624 females living in 528 homes. The average age was 50.6 years. About 18.9% of the people were under 15 years old.
Most people in Mangawhai identify as European (94.3%). Other groups include Māori (12.4%), Pasifika (2.2%), and Asian (3.5%). English is spoken by 98.0% of the people. About 20.6% of the people were born outside New Zealand.
Many people (66.9%) said they had no religion. About 24.4% identified as Christian.
For those aged 15 and older, 15.0% had a university degree or higher. The average income was $32,600. About 38.3% of people aged 15 and over worked full-time.
Surrounding Rural Areas
The rural area around Mangawhai, which does not include the township or Mangawhai Heads, covers about 91.56 square kilometers. As of July 2025, it has an estimated population of 3,260.
| Historical population for Mangawhai Rural | ||
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| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
| 2006 | 1,032 | — |
| 2013 | 1,398 | +4.43% |
| 2018 | 2,100 | +8.48% |
| 2023 | 2,940 | +6.96% |
The population of Mangawhai Rural was 2,940 in the 2023 New Zealand census. This was an increase of 840 people (40.0%) since the 2018 census. The average age was 49.7 years.
Most people in Mangawhai Rural are European (94.1%). Other groups include Māori (12.3%) and Pasifika (3.5%). English is spoken by 98.1% of the people. About 19.9% of the people were born overseas.
Most people (66.8%) said they had no religion. About 23.4% identified as Christian.
For those aged 15 and older, 17.6% had a university degree or higher. The average income was $35,200. About 41.7% of people aged 15 and over worked full-time.
Education in Mangawhai
Mangawhai Beach School
Mangawhai Beach School is a school for students in years 1 to 8 (ages 5-13). It is a coeducational school, meaning both boys and girls attend. As of July 2025, it has a roll of 617 students.
Mangawhai Hills College
Mangawhai Hills College is a new private school. It is planned to open in February 2025. This school will be for students from Years 7 to 13 (ages 11-18). The Mangawhai Education Trust is setting up this new college.
External Links
