Tuamarina facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tuamarina
Pioneers' Memorial in Tuamarina
Country	New Zealand
Region	Marlborough
Ward	Wairau-Awatere General Ward Marlborough Māori Ward
Electorates	Kaikōura Te Tai Tonga (Māori)
Area
• Total	9.68 km2 (3.74 sq mi)
Population  (June 2023)
• Total	230
• Density	23.8/km2 (61.5/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	7273

Tuamarina, also known as Tua Marina, is a small town in the Marlborough area of New Zealand. State Highway 1 goes right through the town. The Tuamarina River meets the Wairau River just south of Tuamarina. The town of Picton is about 18 kilometers north, and Blenheim is about 10 kilometers south.

The name Tuamarina comes from the Māori word Tuamarino. This word means 'the calm beyond'.

Dairy farming is the main way people make a living here. There used to be a cheese factory in Tuamarina. It was called the Marlborough Cheese Company and won many awards. Later, a bigger company called Fonterra took it over in 1999. Sadly, the factory was destroyed by fire in 2004.

An important historical event called the Wairau Affray happened in this area in 1843. This event led to 26 deaths.

The Wairau Plain, where Tuamarina is located, can sometimes flood. Because of this, it's important to manage the river to prevent floods. There have been big floods in Tuamarina, like one in December 1939.

People and Population in Tuamarina

This section tells you about the people who live in Tuamarina. It covers things like how many people live there and what groups they belong to.

Tuamarina Settlement Population

Statistics New Zealand describes Tuamarina as a rural settlement. It covers an area of 9.68 square kilometers. In June 2023, about 230 people lived there. This means there were about 24 people per square kilometer.

At the 2018 New Zealand census, Tuamarina had 237 people. This was a small increase of 15 people since the 2013 census. There were 87 homes in the town. There were slightly more females (120) than males (117).

The average age of people in Tuamarina was 45.8 years. About 20% of the people were under 15 years old. Most people (51.9%) were between 30 and 64 years old.

Most people in Tuamarina (94.9%) were of European or Pākehā background. About 12.7% identified as Māori. Some people identified with more than one ethnic group.

When asked about religion, 63.3% said they had no religion. About 27.8% were Christian.

Many people in Tuamarina had good jobs. About 63.5% of people aged 15 or older worked full-time. The average income was $41,200.

Tuamarina Statistical Area Population

The Tuamarina statistical area is a larger region that includes the town of Tuamarina and also Rārangi. This area is much bigger, covering 167.84 square kilometers. In June 2023, about 1,370 people lived in this wider area.

Tuamarina Cemetery Skoda Cannon

At the 2018 New Zealand census, the Tuamarina statistical area had 1,263 people. This was an increase of 78 people since 2013. There were 477 homes in this area. The number of males and females was equal, with 633 of each.

The average age was 46.4 years. About 19.7% of people were under 15 years old.

Most people (92.6%) were of European or Pākehā background. About 13.1% identified as Māori. About 17.1% of people in this area were born outside New Zealand.

Regarding religion, 63.4% said they had no religion. About 25.7% were Christian.

Many people in this wider area also had jobs. About 56.8% of people aged 15 or older worked full-time. The average income was $35,100.

Education

Tuamarina has its own school called Tua Marina School. It's a school for both boys and girls, teaching students from year 1 to year 8 (ages 5 to 13). The school has a good decile rating of 7. As of February 2024, there were 93 students attending. The school celebrated its 100th birthday in 1971.

Notable People

• Eileen Duggan, a famous poet, lived from 1894 to 1972. She was connected to Tuamarina.