Ōtaki, New Zealand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ōtaki
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Former information centre
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Wellington Region |
| Territorial authority | Kāpiti Coast District |
| Ward | Ōtaki Ward |
| Community | Ōtaki Community |
| Electorates |
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| Area | |
| • Total | 8.46 km2 (3.27 sq mi) |
| Population
(June 2023)
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| • Total | 4,000 |
| • Density | 470/km2 (1,220/sq mi) |
Ōtaki is a town in the Kāpiti Coast District of New Zealand's North Island. It is located about 70 kilometres (43 miles) southwest of Wellington, the capital city. Ōtaki is also 70 kilometres northeast of Palmerston North.
The town sits on New Zealand State Highway 1 and the main railway line that connects Wellington and Auckland. It marks the northernmost point of the Wellington Region. The name Ōtaki means "place of sticking a staff into the ground" in the Māori language.
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History of Ōtaki
Since the early 1800s, Ōtaki has been home to the Ngāti Raukawa iwi (tribe). This Māori group moved to the area from Waikato around 1819. They were led by important chiefs like Te Rauparaha. Before them, the Rangitāne and Muaūpoko people lived here.
In the 1840s, missionaries Henry Williams and Octavius Hadfield visited Ōtaki. Hadfield started the first mission in the Wellington Region here. The famous Rangiātea Church is near the Raukawa marae (meeting grounds). The first church was finished in 1851. It burned down in 1995 but was fully rebuilt by 2003.
Māori Meeting Grounds (Marae)
Ōtaki has three important marae (traditional Māori meeting places). These marae are connected to the Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga iwi and its smaller groups called hapū.
- Te Pou o Tainui Marae: This marae and its meeting house, Kapumanawawhiti, belong to the Ngāti Kapumanawawhiti hapū. In 2020, the government helped upgrade this marae.
- Raukawa Marae: This marae and its meeting house are linked to the Ngāti Korokī, Ngāti Maiotaki, and Ngāti Pare hapū. It also received government funding for upgrades in 2020.
- Pukekaraka Marae: This marae was home to a Catholic mission starting in 1842. It has two meeting houses: Roma (built 1904) and Hine Nui O Te Ao Katoa (built 1905). Both Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga and Muaūpoko have used this marae. It also received government support for upgrades in 2020.
Ōtaki's Population
Ōtaki covers an area of about 8.46 square kilometres (3.27 square miles). As of March 2023, about 4,000 people live there.
In the 2018 New Zealand census, Ōtaki had 3,489 people. This was an increase of 390 people since 2013. The median age was 43.1 years. About 21.8% of the people were under 15 years old.
The town is home to a mix of different cultures. About 67.3% of residents were European/Pākehā, and 41.4% were Māori. Other groups included Pasifika (6.4%) and Asian (5.9%).
Geography and Local Life
Ōtaki is located at the northern end of the Kāpiti Coast. It is close to the Ōtaki River, which flows into the Tasman Sea about 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) away.
The area around Ōtaki is mostly farmland, with market gardens and lifestyle blocks. The town provides services for the people living in the countryside. Ōtaki has two local newspapers, Ōtaki Today and the Ōtaki Mail.
Things to See and Do in Ōtaki
Ōtaki is home to Te Wānanga o Raukawa, a university that focuses on Tikanga Māori (Māori customs and culture). The town also hosts the yearly Māoriland Film Festival and the Otaki Kite Festival. It is also where The Ōtaki-Māori Racing Club, started in 1886, is located.
Ōtaki Forks is the entrance to the western side of the Tararua Forest Park. Here, you can enjoy short walks, swimming, rafting, and kayaking. There are also longer tramping (hiking) trips that can last 3 to 5 days. One famous trip is the Southern Crossing.
Ōtaki Beach stretches along the coast between the Ōtaki River and the Waitohu Stream. Many people live here, and it's also a popular spot for holidays. The beach is great for surfing, swimming, fishing, horse riding, walking, and photography.
Sports and Recreation
The Otaki Golf Club, founded in 1901, is an 18-hole golf course. It is located at the northern end of the historic Old Coach Road.
Ōtaki also has facilities for many other sports. These include rugby, rugby league, netball, swimming, wakaama (outrigger canoeing), water polo, football, squash, and tennis.
Community and Culture
The Māoriland Film Festival started in 2014. It is held every year in Ōtaki and focuses on films made by indigenous (native) filmmakers.
The Otaki Museum is on Main Street in the old BNZ building. It lets you explore local history, listen to oral stories, and see old photographs and documents.
Transport and Services
Both State Highway 1 and the North Island Main Trunk railway line pass through Ōtaki. These connect the town to Paraparaumu and Wellington in the south, and Levin, Palmerston North, and Auckland in the north.
In December 2022, the Peka Peka to Ōtaki section of the Kāpiti Expressway opened. This new road allows traffic on State Highway 1 to bypass the town. Before the expressway, the highway through Ōtaki was often very busy, especially during holidays.
Ōtaki gets its electricity from Electra, which manages the power network. The town's fresh water comes from three underground bores.
Schools in Ōtaki
Ōtaki has a range of schools for different age groups.
Early Learning Centres
- Ōtaki Montessori School: For children aged 2–6.
- Ōtaki Early Learning Centre: For children aged 2 and above.
- Ōtaki Kindergarten: For children aged 2 and above.
- Ōtaki Playcentre: For children from birth to six years old.
Primary Schools
- Ōtaki School: A state primary school for Year 1 to 6 students.
- Waitohu School: A state primary school for Year 1 to 6 students.
- St Peter Chanel School: A state-integrated Christian primary school for Year 1 to 8 students.
Māori Language Immersion Schools (Kura Kaupapa)
- Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rito: A state Kura Kaupapa Māori school for Year 1 to 13 students.
- Te Kura-a-iwi o Whakatupuranga Rua Mano: A state Māori language immersion school for Year 1 to 13 students.
Secondary School
- Ōtaki College: A state secondary school for Year 7 to 13 students.
Famous People from Ōtaki
- Vincent Bevan: A New Zealand and Wellington rugby player.
- Iain Hewitson: An Australian TV chef.
- Carla Van Zon: An artistic director.
- Renée: A well-known writer (1929–2023).
- Sir William Walkley: An oil-company executive.
- Inia Te Wiata: A famous opera singer and actor.
- Shay Evans (also known as Felicity Frockaccino): A drag entertainer and TV personality.
