Waipu, New Zealand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Waipu
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Northland Region |
| District | Whangarei District |
| Ward | Bream Bay Ward |
| Electorates |
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| Area | |
| • Total | 3.53 km2 (1.36 sq mi) |
| Population
(June 2023)
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| • Total | 1,350 |
| • Density | 382.4/km2 (991/sq mi) |
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Waipu (which means Waipū in the Māori language) is a small town in Bream Bay, located in the Northland Region of New Zealand. This town is special because it has a strong Scottish background. One of the most exciting events each year is the Highland Games, which happen around New Year. Close to Waipu, you can find the amazing Waipu Caves. These caves are home to many glow worms, which light up the dark like tiny stars!
Contents
Discovering Waipu's Past: A Journey Through Time
Waipu has a rich history, especially with its early settlers.
Who Were the First People in Waipu?
The local Māori group, called Patuharakeke, are the original people of this area. They are descendants of important ancestors named Te Toru, Te Taotahi, and Te Pirihi Whakaariki. Because of Te Toru's family line, the Patuharakeke are connected to other large Māori groups, known as iwi, such as Ngapuhi, Ngati Wai, Ngati Whatua, and Te Uri o Hau.
The Scottish Settlers' Story
Waipu became a major settlement for a group of Presbyterian people. They were led by a minister named Norman McLeod. He guided his community on an incredible journey all the way from the Highlands of Scotland. They traveled across the ocean, stopping in places like Pictou and St. Ann's in Nova Scotia, and even Australia, before finally arriving in New Zealand.
In 1854, the New Zealand government bought the land and then sold it to these new settlers. Around 800 Scottish settlers made Waipu their new home in the 1850s. Later, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Waipu was also a busy place for digging kauri gum. This gum came from ancient kauri trees and was used for many things, like varnish.
Exploring Waipu's Heritage: The Scottish Migration Museum
To celebrate and remember this unique history, the Waipu Scottish Migration Museum was opened in 1953. It helps visitors learn about the amazing journey of the Scottish settlers and how they built the town of Waipu.
Waipu's Population: Who Lives Here?
Statistics New Zealand describes Waipu as a small urban area. The town covers about 3.53 square kilometers.
How Many People Live in Waipu?
As of 2023, Waipu had a population of 1,392 people. This was a big increase of 327 people (30.7%) since the 2018 census. The median age in Waipu is 57.5 years. This is older than the national average of 38.1 years.
- 192 people (13.8%) were under 15 years old.
- 150 people (10.8%) were between 15 and 29 years old.
- 474 people (34.1%) were between 30 and 64 years old.
- 576 people (41.4%) were 65 years or older.
What Are the Different Backgrounds of Waipu Residents?
People in Waipu come from many different backgrounds.
- 89.2% identified as European (also known as Pākehā).
- 17.9% identified as Māori.
- 2.6% identified as Pasifika.
- 3.9% identified as Asian.
- 0.4% identified as Middle Eastern, Latin American, and African New Zealanders (MELAA).
- 4.1% identified with other backgrounds, including "New Zealander."
Most people (98.1%) in Waipu speak English. Some also speak Māori (3.2%) or other languages (8.4%).
What About Jobs and Education in Waipu?
For people aged 15 and older:
- 12.2% had a university degree or higher.
- 53.2% had a certificate or diploma after high school.
- 29.2% had only high school qualifications.
The average income in Waipu was $28,600. This is less than the national average of $41,500. About 33.2% of people worked full-time, and 14.8% worked part-time.
Learning in Waipu: Local Schools
Waipu School is a primary school for students in years 1 to 6. It is a coeducational school, meaning both boys and girls attend.
How Waipu Schools Grew Over Time
In the past, there were several small schools in the Waipu area. These included schools at Bream Tail, Waipu Centre, The Braigh, North River, and Waipu Cove. Some of these smaller schools closed down before 1930.
In 1940, the remaining schools, along with one from Mata, joined together to form Waipu District High School. This new school taught both primary and secondary students on one campus. However, it became very large and needed better facilities.
In 1972, the school was split into two separate schools: Bream Bay College (for secondary students) and Waipu Primary (for primary students). Bream Bay College moved to a new location in Ruakaka in 1974, and Waipu Primary moved to the Argyle Street site.
Famous Faces from Waipu
- The members of the metal band Alien Weaponry come from Waipu.
- Author Fiona Kidman lived in Waipu for two years when she was a teenager. Her experiences here inspired her book The Book of Secrets.
