Otangarei facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Otangarei
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Suburb
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 Otangarei
Location in New Zealand
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Local authority | Whangarei District Council |
| Electoral ward | Whangārei Urban Ward |
| Area | |
| • Land | 77 ha (190 acre) |
| Population
(June 2023)
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| • Total | 2,360 |
  Otangarei  |
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Otangarei is a suburb located in Whangārei, a city in the Northland Region of New Zealand.
The name Ōtāngarei means "place of a group of people leaping." This name was given by the New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
A very important place in the community is Te Kotahitanga Marae o Otangarei. A marae is a special meeting ground for Māori people. This marae is a gathering place for the Ngāpuhi hapū (which means a sub-tribe or clan) called Uri o Te Tangata. It also has a meeting house named Te Puawaitanga Hou.
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About the People of Otangarei
Otangarei covers an area of about 0.77 square kilometers. As of 2023, around 2,211 people live here. The number of people living in Otangarei has been growing. For example, since 2013, the population has increased by over 35%.
Who Lives Here?
The people of Otangarei come from many different backgrounds. Most residents identify as Māori (about 78%). There are also many European (Pākehā) people, making up about 34% of the population. About 10% of people are Pasifika, and 2.6% are Asian.
Most people in Otangarei speak English (about 95%). A good number of people also speak the Māori language (about 26.5%).
Age and Life in Otangarei
The average age in Otangarei is about 28.8 years old. This is younger than the national average for New Zealand. Many young people live here, with almost 30% of the population being under 15 years old. About 22.7% are aged 15 to 29.
When it comes to jobs, about 32% of people aged 15 and over work full-time. Another 10% work part-time.
Learning in Otangarei
Te Kura o Otangarei
Te Kura o Otangarei is the local school for children in years 1 to 8 (ages 5 to 13). It first opened in 1955 as Otangarei Primary School.
In 1996, the school added a special unit where students learn completely in the Māori language. In 2004, it started teaching older students (years 7 and 8). The school changed its name to Te Kura o Otangarei in 2006. Students at the school can choose to learn in full Māori language classes, bilingual classes (both Māori and English), or regular English classes.
Adult Learning
Adults in Otangarei can also take classes. Since 2018, there have been weekly classes at Te Puawaitanga Marae. These classes teach Te Reo Māori (the Māori language), Tikanga Marae (Māori customs and traditions related to the marae), and Waiata (Māori songs). These classes are open to everyone in Otangarei and the wider community.
Sports in Otangarei
Otangarei is home to local sports clubs where people can play rugby and rugby league.
Rugby
The City RFC rugby team is based in Otangarei. They play in the Northland Rugby Union South Zone competitions. Their team colours are blue and white hoops.
Rugby League
The City Knights rugby league team also comes from Otangarei. They used to be called the Kensington Knights. They play in the Whangarei City & Districts rugby league competitions.
