Motatau facts for kids

Motatau or Mōtatau is a small place located in the Northland Region of New Zealand's North Island. It's a quiet area where the Taikirau Stream flows through. The North Auckland Line, which is a railway, also runs through Motatau. The name "Motatau" comes from the Māori language and means "to speak to oneself."

Motatau is home to two important marae, which are traditional Māori meeting grounds. These places are central to Māori culture and community life.

Marae in Motatau

• Mōtatau Marae and its meeting house, Manu Koroki, are a gathering place for the Ngāpuhi hapū (sub-tribes) of Ngāti Hine and Ngāti Te Tāwera.
• Matawaia Marae and its meeting house, Rangimarie, serve as a meeting place for the Ngāpuhi hapū of Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Ngāherehere, and Te Kau i Mua.

Motatau's Population

Motatau is a small community. The area covers about 46.45 square kilometers.

In the 2023 New Zealand census, Motatau had a population of 135 people. This was a small decrease from the 2018 census but an increase from 2013. The community has a mix of ages, with many young people under 15 years old.

People in Motatau come from different backgrounds.

• Most people identify as Māori (86.7%).
• Some identify as European (28.9%).
• Others identify as Pasifika (15.6%) or from other groups.

Most people speak English (93.3%), and many also speak the Māori language (44.4%).

Education in Motatau

Motatau has its own primary school, called Motatau School.

• It is a coeducational school, meaning both boys and girls attend.
• The school serves students from Year 1 to Year 8.
• Motatau School first opened its doors in 1914.
• It currently has a roll of 61 students as of February 2024. .