View source for Te Aroha

{{Short description|Town in Waikato, New Zealand}}
{{About||the electorate|Te Aroha (New Zealand electorate)|the waiata|Te Aroha (song)}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=March 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                    = Te Aroha
| native_name             =
| native_name_lang        = <!-- ISO 639-2 code e.g. "fr" for French. If more than one, use {{lang}} instead -->
| settlement_type         = [[Urban areas of New Zealand|Minor urban area]]
| image_skyline           = Cadman Bath House (former) Te Aroha.jpg
| image_alt               =
| image_caption           = Cadman Bathhouse in Te Aroha Domain
| etymology               =
| nickname                =
| image_map               = {{infobox mapframe|zoom=9}}
| mapsize                 =
| map_caption             =
| pushpin_map             =
| pushpin_map_caption     = Location of Te Aroha, south of the [[Coromandel Peninsula]]
| coordinates             = {{coord|37|32|S|175|43|E|region:NZ-WKO|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type        = Country
| subdivision_name        = New Zealand
| subdivision_type1       = [[Regions of New Zealand|Region]]
| subdivision_name1       = [[Waikato]]
| subdivision_type2       = [[Territorial authorities of New Zealand|Territorial authority]]
| subdivision_name2       = [[Matamata-Piako District]]
| subdivision_type3       = [[Ward (country subdivision)|Ward]]
| subdivision_name3       = Te Aroha
| seat_type               = [[New Zealand electorates|Electorates]]
| seat                    = {{ubl|[[Waikato (New Zealand electorate)|Waikato]]|[[Hauraki-Waikato]]}}
| leader_title            = Territorial Authority
| leader_name             = [[Matamata-Piako District Council]]
| leader_title1           = Regional council
| leader_name1            = [[Waikato Regional Council]]
| area_footnotes          = <ref name="Area"/>
| area_total_km2          = 10.96
| population_as_of        = {{NZ population data 2018|||y}}
| population_footnotes    = {{NZ population data 2018||||y}}
| population_total        = {{NZ population data 2018|Te Aroha|y}}
| population_density_km2  = auto
| postal_code_type        = [[Postcodes in New Zealand|Postcode(s)]]
| postal_code             = 3320
| website                 = <!-- {{URL|example.com}} -->
}}
[[File:Te Aroha Cruise 2014 yellow.jpg|thumb|Cruise 2014 Telegraph Building Te Aroha]]
[[File:Te Aroha.jpg|thumb|View over the town]]
'''Te Aroha''' ({{langx|mi|Te Aroha-a-uta}}) is a rural town in the [[Waikato]] region of [[New Zealand]] with a population of 3,906 people in the 2013 census, an increase of 138 people since 2006.<ref>{{NZ Quickstats2013|13693}}</ref> It is {{convert|53|km|abbr=on}} northeast of [[Hamilton, New Zealand|Hamilton]] and {{convert|50|km|abbr=on}} south of [[Thames, New Zealand|Thames]]. It sits at the foot of {{convert|952|m}} '''Mount Te Aroha''', the highest point in the [[Kaimai Range]].
== History ==
The name Te Aroha derives from the [[Māori language|Māori]] name of Mount Te Aroha. In one version, [[Rāhiri]], the [[Myth of origins|eponymous ancestor]] of [[Ngāti Rāhiri Tumutumu]], climbed the mountain and saw his homeland in the distance and felt a sense of love ({{lang|mi|aroha}}) for it. The town is properly named {{lang|mi|Te Aroha-a-uta}}; {{lang|mi|uta}} meaning 'inland', so the town is named "love flowing inland".<ref name="NZHistory">{{cite web |title=Te Aroha |url=https://nzhistory.govt.nz/keyword/te-aroha |website=nzhistory.govt.nz |publisher=[[Ministry for Culture and Heritage]] |access-date=8 May 2020}}</ref> In some [[Tainui]] traditions, [[Rakataura]], a [[tohunga]] of the ''[[Tainui (canoe)|Tainui]]'' waka, was one of the first people to leave the waka, settling at [[Mount Smart|Rarotonga / Mount Smart]]. After a period of time, Rakataura decided to leave [[Auckland|Tāmaki Makaurau]] and travel south, however during the journey his wife [[Kahupeka|Kahukeke]] died. Eventually Rakataura settled at Te Aroha, naming the area after the love he felt for Kahukeke.<ref name="RangunuiWalker">{{Cite book| title=Ka Whawhai Tonu Matou - Struggle Without End |year=2004 |publisher=[[Penguin Books (NZ)|Penguin Books]] |first1=Ranginui |last1=Walker |author-link1=Ranginui Walker |isbn=9780143019459 |location=Auckland, New Zealand |edition=Second |chapter=Nga Korero o Nehera |pages=46}}</ref>
The European settlement was established in the late 1870s. The population grew quickly during the 1880s as a result of a [[gold rush]]. A spa was founded in 1883 but popularity had declined by the 1930s.<ref name="NZHistory"/>
Te Aroha [[List of former territorial authorities in New Zealand|Borough Council]] took over from the 1880 Town Board on 2 May 1898.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Cyc02Cycl-t1-body1-d3-d5-d3.html|title=Te Aroha|date=1902|website=The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]}}</ref> Herriesville became part of Te Aroha Borough Council.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19250122.2.17|title=Waihou River Bridge.|date=1925|work=New Zealand Herald|access-date=25 May 2018|pages=6}}</ref> The 1938 Council Chambers is now a Category 2 listed building.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.heritage.org.nz/the-list/details/4286|title=Te Aroha Borough Council Chambers|website=www.heritage.org.nz|language=en-nz|access-date=25 May 2018}}</ref> [[Matamata-Piako District]] Council took over under the [[1989 local government reforms]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzlii.org/nz/other/nz_gazette/1989/99.pdf|title=Orders in Council for Local Government Reorganisation - The Local Government (Waikato Region) Reorganisation Order 1986 - Matamata- Piako District|page=2482|publisher=New Zealand Government|newspaper=New Zealand Gazette|date=8 June 1989}}</ref>
The [[Te Aroha and Lemon]] fizzy drink was created in 1888 until it ceased production in the 1960s. It started being produced again in 2022.<ref>{{cite web|title=New Zealand's first Kiwi fizz wasn't L&P but Te Aroha and Lemon|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/food-wine/117860694/new-zealands-first-kiwi-fizz-wasnt-lp-but-te-aroha-and-lemon|author=Sharnae Hope|date=January 5, 2020}}</ref><ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last=Rolleston |first=Te Aorewa |date=2022-06-28 |title=In a Fizz - Lemon and Te Aroha back to reclaim its soda crown |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/food-drink/300622837/in-a-fizz--lemon-and-te-aroha-back-to-reclaim-its-soda-crown |access-date=2023-10-30 |website=Stuff |language=en}}</ref>
On 17 February 1985 Te Aroha experienced a severe flash flood that washed boulders, mud, and trees through the town. Most shops and more than 50 homes were damaged, resulting in the death of three people.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mpdc.govt.nz/index.php/component/content/article?id=426:natural-hazards&start=5|title=Case Study: Te Aroha Flood, 1985|publisher=Matamata Piako District Council|access-date=22 January 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite encyclopedia|title=Debris from a flash flood|encyclopedia=Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand|url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/4874/debris-from-a-flash-flood|last=McSaveney|first=Eileen|date=9 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/66294606/the-day-disaster-arrived-on-te-arohas-doorstep|title=The day disaster arrived|website=Stuff|access-date=24 December 2015}}</ref>
On 4 January 2022, a magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck {{convert|5|km}} south of Te Aroha, at a depth of {{convert|7|km}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/481882/magnitude-5-point-1-earthquake-shakes-northern-parts-of-new-zealand|title=Magnitude 5.1 earthquake shakes northern parts of New Zealand|publisher=Radio New Zealand|date=4 January 2022}}</ref> Te Aroha's water treatment plant was had to temporarily close on 21 November 2023 due to bad weather. Residents were asked to keep water consumption low, and there were water tankers for residents to get water from.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Residents in Te Aroha, Waikato, asked to 'urgently' save water after town's treatment plant forced to shut down |language=en |work=Newshub |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2023/11/residents-in-te-aroha-waikato-asked-to-urgently-save-water-after-town-s-treatment-plant-forced-to-shut-down.html |access-date=2023-11-21}}</ref>
=== Bridges ===
[[File:Te_Aroha_Railway_Bridge.jpg|thumb|1960s Te Aroha railway bridge]]
[[Robert Coulter (New Zealand politician)|Coulter]] Bridge, over the Waihou River, on Kenrick St ([[New Zealand State Highway 26|SH26]]) was rebuilt in 1910<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?BU=http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/HeritageImages/index.htm&AC=QBE_QUERY&TN=heritageimages&QF0=ID&NP=2&MR=5&RF=HIORecordSearch&QI0==%22AWNS-19100317-13-3%22|title=Opening of a new traffic bridge at Te Aroha|date=17 March 1910|website=www.aucklandcity.govt.nz|access-date=2018-05-25}}</ref> and the present bridge was built alongside it in 1928.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?BU=http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/HeritageImages/index.htm&AC=QBE_QUERY&TN=heritageimages&QF0=ID&NP=2&MR=5&RF=HIORecordSearch&QI0==%22AWNS-19271013-44-1%22|title=An important work at Te Aroha|date=13 October 1927|website=www.aucklandcity.govt.nz|access-date=2018-05-25}}</ref> The 1885 railway bridge had an {{Convert|11|ft|abbr=on}} and  9 of {{Convert|40|ft|abbr=on}} spans, with a swing span at its east end.<ref name=":02222">{{Cite web |last=Scoble |first=Juliet |title=Station Archive |url=https://railheritage.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Station_Archive_4web-2.xls |website=Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand}}</ref> It was rebuilt in 1912,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mpdc.govt.nz/heritage-trails/te-aroha-heritage-trails?start=2|title=Te Aroha Heritage Trails|website=www.mpdc.govt.nz|language=en-gb|access-date=2018-05-25}}</ref> replacing an 1895 swing bridge.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?BU=http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/HeritageImages/index.htm&AC=QBE_QUERY&TN=heritageimages&QF0=ID&NP=2&MR=5&RF=HIORecordSearch&QI0==%22AWNS-19120613-13-2%22|title=Of no further use: the swing span of the Te Aroha railway bridge, which is to be removed|date=13 June 1912|website=www.aucklandcity.govt.nz|access-date=2018-05-25}}</ref> It is now a footbridge, but will not be replaced.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mpdc.govt.nz/pdf/CouncilDocuments/MinutesAndAgendas/COC/Agendas/COCAgenda24MaywithAttachments.pdf|title=Corporate and Operations Committee|date=24 May 2017|website=Matamata Piako Council|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128052706/http://mpdc.govt.nz/pdf/CouncilDocuments/MinutesAndAgendas/COC/Agendas/COCAgenda24MaywithAttachments.pdf|archive-date=2018-01-28|url-status=dead}}</ref>
=== Railway stations ===
[[File:Te_Aroha_railway_station.jpg|thumb|Te Aroha railway station in 2023. Apart from chimney stacks, it seems to have changed little in over a century<ref>{{Cite web |date=1910 |title=Te Aroha Railway station |url=https://natlib.govt.nz/records/22392320 |access-date=2023-03-11 |website=natlib.govt.nz}}</ref>]]
The [[Thames Branch]] reached Te Aroha in 1885 and the station opened on 1 March 1886,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.railheritage.org.nz/assets/dates_and_names.pdf|title=Names & Opening & Closing Dates of Railway Stations in New Zealand 1863 to 2010|last=Scoble|first=Juliet|website=Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand}}</ref> when it had a partly built [[George Troup (architect)#Standard station designs|4th class station]] (completed in June 1886 by W Cameron for about £2,750, with some buildings probably also moved from [[Eureka, New Zealand|Eureka]] to Te Aroha), platform, cart approach, {{Convert|40|ft|abbr=on}} x {{Convert|30|ft|abbr=on}} goods shed (extended in 1942), loading bank, engine shed, stationmaster's house, urinals and a [[passing loop]] for 48 wagons. Te Aroha remained a terminus until the line to Paeroa opened on 20 December 1895. Cattle yards were added later in 1886, a coffee stall in 1896 and more improvements in 1897.<ref name=":02222" /> The station was described in 1902 as, "of wood, and include a ladies' waiting room, a public waiting room, a vestibule, stationmaster's office, ticket office, and parcels office. There is a long asphalted platform."<ref name=":0" />
The area west of the Waihou was named '''Herriesville''' from 1914,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIGUS19131009.2.8|title=Waikato Argus|date=9 October 1913|access-date=25 May 2018|pages=2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19140417.2.113|title=Herriesville|date=17 April 1914|work=New Zealand Herald|access-date=25 May 2018|pages=9}}</ref> when a private railway siding<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19150723.2.44|title=Piako County Council|date=23 July 1915|work=Waikato Times|access-date=25 May 2018|pages=6}}</ref> was opened on 24 January 1914 to serve the [[Agricultural show|A&P]] ground.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/THS19140117.2.25|title=Te Aroha a. P. and H. Show|date=1914|work=Thames Star|access-date=25 May 2018|pages=4}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIKIN19140124.2.26|title=New Zealand Railways.|date=1914|work=Waikato Independent|access-date=25 May 2018|pages=5}}</ref> [[William Herries]] had been a local landowner.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/3h19/herries-william-herbert|title=Herries, William Herbert|last=Taonga|first=New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu|website=teara.govt.nz|language=en|access-date=25 May 2018}}</ref> Seven railway cottages were built in 1924.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19240407.2.53|title=Railway Cottages.|date=7 April 1924|work=New Zealand Herald|access-date=25 May 2018|pages=8}}</ref> Both stations closed to passengers on 11 September 1967 and to freight on 11 July 1986, though Herriesville was only open for racecourse traffic.<ref name=":1" />
{{Historical Rail Start}}
{{rail line|previous=[[Waihou]]<br /><small>Line closed, station closed<br>{{convert|4.8|km|abbr=on}}</small>|next=Tui Pa<br /><small>Line closed, station closed<br>{{convert|2.49|km|abbr=on}}</small>|route=[[Thames Branch]]<br><small>[[New Zealand Railways Department]]</small>|col=}}
{{s-end}}
==Demographics==
Te Aroha covers {{Convert|10.96|km2||abbr=on}}<ref name="Area">{{Cite web|title=ArcGIS Web Application|url=https://statsnz.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6f49867abe464f86ac7526552fe19787| access-date=29 April 2024|website=statsnz.maps.arcgis.com}}</ref> and had an estimated population of {{NZ population data 2018|Te Aroha|y}} as of {{NZ population data 2018|||y|y||,}} with a population density of {{Decimals|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Te Aroha|y}}|R}}/10.96|0}} people per km<sup>2</sup>.
{{Historical populations|2006|3,810|2013|4,005|2018|4,554|percentages=pagr|align=left|source=<ref name="Census 2018"/>}}
Te Aroha had a population of 4,554 at the [[2018 New Zealand census]], an increase of 549 people (13.7%) since the [[2013 New Zealand census|2013 census]], and an increase of 744 people (19.5%) since the [[2006 New Zealand census|2006 census]]. There were 1,776 households, comprising 2,214 males and 2,337 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.95 males per female, with 849 people (18.6%) aged under 15 years, 639 (14.0%) aged 15 to 29, 1,839 (40.4%) aged 30 to 64, and 1,221 (26.8%) aged 65 or older.
Ethnicities were 84.8% European/[[Pākehā]], 17.7% [[Māori people|Māori]], 3.9% [[Pasifika New Zealanders|Pacific peoples]], 6.4% [[Asian New Zealanders|Asian]], and 2.0% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.
The percentage of people born overseas was 17.1, compared with 27.1% nationally.
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 48.6% had no religion, 37.2% were [[Christianity in New Zealand|Christian]], 0.7% had [[Religion of Māori people|Māori religious beliefs]], 0.1% were [[Hinduism in New Zealand|Hindu]], 0.7% were [[Islam in New Zealand|Muslim]], 2.0% were [[Buddhism in New Zealand|Buddhist]] and 1.7% had other religions.
Of those at least 15 years old, 384 (10.4%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 1,095 (29.6%) people had no formal qualifications. 450 people (12.1%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 1,506 (40.6%) people were employed full-time, 498 (13.4%) were part-time, and 126 (3.4%) were unemployed.<ref name="Census 2018">{{NZ census 2018|Te Aroha East (174100) and Te Aroha West (174200)}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
|+Individual statistical areas
|-
!Name !! Area<br />(km<sup>2</sup>) !! Population !! Density<br />(per km<sup>2</sup>) || Households !! Median age !! Median<br />income
|-
| Te Aroha East || style="text-align:right;"|4.68 || style="text-align:right;"|2,529 || style="text-align:right;"|540 || style="text-align:right;"|1,029 || 47.1 years || $23,800<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|te-aroha-east|Te Aroha East}}</ref>
|-
| Te Aroha West || style="text-align:right;"|6.29 || style="text-align:right;"|2,025 || style="text-align:right;"|322 || style="text-align:right;"|747 || 49.1 years || $27,600<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|te-aroha-west|Te Aroha West}}</ref>
|-
! New Zealand !! !! !! !! !! 37.4 years !! style="text-align:left;"| $31,800
|}
== Geography ==
[[File:Waterfall at Te Aroha. ATLIB 285876.png|thumb|Waterfall at Te Aroha]]
The [[Waihou River]] runs through Te Aroha. Close by to the east is the base of the [[Kaimai Range]], and the town is overlooked by the 952-metre Mount Te Aroha. To the north of the town is the low-lying, swampy land of the [[Hauraki Plains]].{{Citation needed|date=June 2021}}
===Hot springs===
[[hot spring|Thermal]] and [[mineral spring]]s are both found close to the centre of the town. The springs have been used by the Māori for many years before becoming popular in the 1870s with European settlers. The New Zealand Herald writes that the site was gifted to New Zealand by chief Mokena Hou in the 1880s. The hot spring water emerges from the source at a range of 75&nbsp;°C /167&nbsp;°F to 85&nbsp;°C / 185&nbsp;°F, and is cooled before reaching the soaking pools. Te Aroha has a hot soda-water geyser, which is the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.<ref name="NZH">{{cite news |last1=Meads |first1=Linda |title=GO NZ: A short break at Waikato's Te Aroha mineral pools an antidote to city life |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/go-nz-a-short-break-at-waikatos-te-aroha-mineral-pools-an-antidote-to-city-life/TCJDPNRL27SI5OJFIRJ2QCIXW4/ |access-date=1 April 2022 |publisher=The New Zealand Herald}}</ref>
===Climate===
{{Weather box|width=auto
|metric first=y
|single line=y
|collapsed = Y
|location = Te Aroha, {{convert|18|m|ft|abbr=on}}, (1971–2000 normals, extremes 1888–1999)
| Jan record high C = 35.0
| Feb record high C = 34.4
| Mar record high C = 31.1
| Apr record high C = 27.8
| May record high C = 24.4
| Jun record high C = 21.7
| Jul record high C = 20.9
| Aug record high C = 22.2
| Sep record high C = 25.0
| Oct record high C = 29.4
| Nov record high C = 32.5
| Dec record high C = 33.3
| year record high C = 35.0
| Jan avg record high C  = 29.3
| Feb avg record high C  = 29.2
| Mar avg record high C  = 27.1
| Apr avg record high C  = 24.3
| May avg record high C  = 21.0
| Jun avg record high C  = 18.9
| Jul avg record high C  = 17.7
| Aug avg record high C  = 18.4
| Sep avg record high C  = 20.4
| Oct avg record high C  = 22.5
| Nov avg record high C  = 25.0
| Dec avg record high C  = 27.4
| year avg record high C = 30.2
|Jan high C = 	25.2
|Feb high C = 	25.5
|Mar high C = 	23.6
|Apr high C = 	20.6
|May high C = 	17.4
|Jun high C = 	15.0
|Jul high C = 	14.4
|Aug high C = 	15.2
|Sep high C = 	17.0
|Oct high C = 	18.8
|Nov high C = 	20.9
|Dec high C = 	23.2
| year high C =
|Jan mean C = 	19.9
|Feb mean C = 	20.1
|Mar mean C = 	18.4
|Apr mean C = 	15.6
|May mean C = 	12.7
|Jun mean C = 	10.6
|Jul mean C = 	10.0
|Aug mean C = 	10.8
|Sep mean C = 	12.5
|Oct mean C = 	14.5
|Nov mean C = 	16.3
|Dec mean C = 	18.4
| year mean C =
|Jan low C = 	14.7
|Feb low C = 	14.8
|Mar low C = 	13.2
|Apr low C = 	10.5
|May low C = 	8.0
|Jun low C = 	6.2
|Jul low C = 	5.5
|Aug low C = 	6.5
|Sep low C = 	8.1
|Oct low C = 	10.2
|Nov low C = 	11.8
|Dec low C = 	13.6
| year low C =
| Jan avg record low C  = 8.8
| Feb avg record low C  = 8.8
| Mar avg record low C  = 5.9
| Apr avg record low C  = 3.4
| May avg record low C  = 0.4
| Jun avg record low C  = -1.1
| Jul avg record low C  = -1.7
| Aug avg record low C  = -0.2
| Sep avg record low C  = 1.8
| Oct avg record low C  = 3.5
| Nov avg record low C  = 5.2
| Dec avg record low C  = 7.8
| year avg record low C = -2.3
|Jan record low C  = 2.2
|Feb record low C  = 2.2
|Mar record low C  = 0
|Apr record low C  = -2.2
|May record low C  =  -4.4
|Jun record low C  = -5.6
|Jul record low C  = -4.6
|Aug record low C  = -6.1
|Sep record low C  = -2.8
|Oct record low C  = -1.1
|Nov record low C  = -1.1
|Dec record low C  = 0.0
|year record low C = -6.1
|rain colour = green
|Jan rain mm = 	80.4
|Feb rain mm = 	99.5
|Mar rain mm = 	117.9
|Apr rain mm = 	127.8
|May rain mm = 	107.3
|Jun rain mm = 	150.0
|Jul rain mm = 	159.5
|Aug rain mm = 	145.3
|Sep rain mm = 	141.9
|Oct rain mm = 	115.0
|Nov rain mm = 	102.7
|Dec rain mm = 	109.3
|year rain mm =
|source 1 = NIWA<ref name= NIWA>
{{cite web
|url = http://cliflo.niwa.co.nz
|title = CliFlo – National Climate Database : Te Aroha
|publisher = NIWA
|access-date = 20 May 2024}}</ref><ref name=NIWA2>{{cite web
|url = https://cliflo.niwa.co.nz/
|title = CliFlo -The National Climate Database (Agent numbers: 1565)
|publisher = NIWA
|access-date = 15 Jul 2024}}</ref>
}}
{{Weather box|width=auto
|metric first=y
|single line=y
|collapsed = Y
|location = Mount Te Aroha Summit, {{convert|951|m|ft|abbr=on}}, (1951-1980 normals, extremes 1966-1989)
| Jan record high C = 25
| Feb record high C = 26
| Mar record high C = 22
| Apr record high C = 20.6
| May record high C = 15
| Jun record high C = 14.2
| Jul record high C = 11.7
| Aug record high C = 14.4
| Sep record high C = 15
| Oct record high C = 17
| Nov record high C = 20.6
| Dec record high C = 21.1
| year record high C = 26
| Jan high C  = 16.9
| Feb high C  = 17
| Mar high C  = 15.3
| Apr high C  = 12.2
| May high C  = 9.3
| Jun high C  = 7.5
| Jul high C  = 6.3
| Aug high C  = 7.4
| Sep high C  = 8.7
| Oct high C  = 10.6
| Nov high C  = 13.2
| Dec high C  = 15.3
| year high C =
| Jan mean C  = 12.9
| Feb mean C  = 13.5
| Mar mean C  = 12
| Apr mean C  = 9.1
| May mean C  = 6.7
| Jun mean C  = 5.2
| Jul mean C  = 4
| Aug mean C  = 4.6
| Sep mean C  = 5.7
| Oct mean C  = 7.5
| Nov mean C  = 9.6
| Dec mean C  = 11.3
| year mean C =
| Jan low C  = 8.9
| Feb low C  = 10
| Mar low C  = 8.7
| Apr low C  = 6
| May low C  = 4
| Jun low C  = 2.9
| Jul low C  = 1.7
| Aug low C  = 1.8
| Sep low C  = 2.6
| Oct low C  = 4.4
| Nov low C  = 6
| Dec low C  = 7.3
| year low C =
|Jan record low C  = 1.7
|Feb record low C  = 2
|Mar record low C  = -1.1
|Apr record low C  = -2.8
|May record low C  =  -3.9
|Jun record low C  = -6
|Jul record low C  = -6.7
|Aug record low C  = -6.7
|Sep record low C  = -8.3
|Oct record low C  = -5
|Nov record low C  = -0.6
|Dec record low C  = -1.7
|year record low C = -8.3
|rain colour = green
|Jan rain mm = 116
|Feb rain mm = 138
|Mar rain mm = 188
|Apr rain mm = 179
|May rain mm = 172
|Jun rain mm = 215
|Jul rain mm = 184
|Aug rain mm = 248
|Sep rain mm = 198
|Oct rain mm = 177
|Nov rain mm = 136
|Dec rain mm = 143
|year rain mm =
|source = NIWA <ref name=" ">{{cite web
|url = https://cliflo.niwa.co.nz/
|title = CliFlo -The National Climate Database (Agent number: 1566)
|publisher = NIWA
|access-date = 20 Jul 2024}}</ref>
}}
== Economy ==
Te Aroha is at the centre of a [[dairy farming]] community and much of its economic activity is in serving that community. Tourism is increasing in Te Aroha. The mineral baths are a very popular spot for tourists and locals alike.{{Citation needed|date=June 2021}}
[[File:Hinemoa Hotel at Te Aroha, circa 1916. ATLIB 287503.png|thumb|Hinemoa Hotel circa 1916]]
Historically mining played a role in the area, and has left some legacies – not all of them positive, such as toxic residues leaking from the abandoned [[Tui mine]] tailings dam.<ref name="GREENZONE">{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/pollution/news/article.cfm?c_id=281&objectid=10630166&pnum=0|title=Miners press to enter the green zone|date=6 March 2010|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|access-date=26 March 2010|first=Geoff|last=Cumming}}</ref> Miners' cottages are in evidence.{{Citation needed|date=June 2021}}
== Attractions ==
Te Aroha is the location of the Mokena Hou Geyser, the only natural soda water [[geyser]] in the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mpdc.govt.nz/our-community/walking-a-cycling-tracks/te-aroha-walking-tracks/mokena-geyser-access.html |title=Mokena Geyser Access |access-date=2012-01-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130209145553/http://mpdc.govt.nz/our-community/walking-a-cycling-tracks/te-aroha-walking-tracks/mokena-geyser-access.html |archive-date=9 February 2013 |df=dmy-all }} Mokena Hou section of the MPDC website</ref> The geyser complex, the most intact [[Edwardian]] [[spa]] in New Zealand, is located in the Te Aroha Domain.<ref>{{cite web |title=Te Aroha Domain |url=https://www.mpdc.govt.nz/our-facilities/te-aroha-domain |website=Matamata Piako District Council |access-date=14 February 2021}}</ref>
[[Image:Mokena Hou Geyser.jpg|thumb|right|Mokena Hou Geyser erupting.]]
The first sections of the [[Hauraki Rail Trail]] opened in 2012, connecting the town to [[Paeroa]], [[Waihi]], [[Matamata]] and [[Thames]].
[[File:Miners_cottage_te_aroha.jpg|thumb|Miner's cottage with lavender border opposite St Marks Church, Te Aroha, New Zealand]]
== Events ==
{{More citations needed|section|date=May 2022}}
* Waihou and Te Aroha Cobras play an annual rugby match for the Dr Dunn memorial trophy. This is one of the biggest days on the calendar of Te Aroha.
* A Day in the Domain was started in Te Aroha in 1977 by the Arts Council and continues to be a fun, affordable day out. The day attracts artists and performers from far and wide with a variety of stalls and foodies on display. Entertainment is free with competitions and games all day.
* The King and Queen of the Mountain and Bald Spur Derby have been annual events in Te Aroha since the 1950s. Held the weekend before Christmas, the challenge is to be the first man or woman up Mt Te Aroha and back down again. This has been achieved in under one hour. The Bald Spur Derby offers competitors a shorter but still challenging course.
* Te Aroha AP & H Show has been running since the 1890s. Boasting one of the most extensive home industries sections, it has full agricultural and equestrian sections and the usual country fair activities such as the gumboot throwing competition and cattle dogs.
[[File:Te_Aroha_Cruise_2014.jpg|thumb|Te Aroha Cruise 2014]]
* Te Aroha Cruise In (car event) started 2008.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/piako-post/97721644/thousands-roar-into-te-aroha-for-aroha-cruise-in |title=Thousands roar into Te Aroha for Aroha Cruise In |date=25 October 2017 |newspaper=Waikato Times |first=Katrina|last=Tanirau}}</ref>
==Education==
Te Aroha College is the town's state secondary school,<ref name="official116">{{cite web |title=Te Aroha College Official School Website |url=http://www.tearoha-college.school.nz |website=tearoha-college.school.nz}}</ref><ref name="moe116">{{cite web |title=Te Aroha College Ministry of Education School Profile |url=https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/find-school/school/profile?school=116 |website=educationcounts.govt.nz |publisher=[[Ministry of Education (New Zealand)|Ministry of Education]]}}</ref> with a roll of {{NZ school roll data|116|y}}.<ref name="ero116">{{cite web |title=Te Aroha College Education Review Office Report |url=http://www.ero.govt.nz/report-view?id=116 |website=ero.govt.nz |publisher=[[Education Review Office]]}}</ref>
There are two state primary schools in the town: Te Aroha Primary School,<ref name="official1999">{{cite web |title=Te Aroha Primary School Official School Website |url=http://www.tearohaprimary.school.nz |website=tearohaprimary.school.nz}}</ref><ref name="moe1999">{{cite web |title=Te Aroha Primary School Ministry of Education School Profile |url=https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/find-school/school/profile?school=1999 |website=educationcounts.govt.nz |publisher=[[Ministry of Education (New Zealand)|Ministry of Education]]}}</ref> with a roll of {{NZ school roll data|1999|y}};<ref name="ero1999">{{cite web |title=Te Aroha Primary School Education Review Office Report |url=http://www.ero.govt.nz/report-view?id=1999 |website=ero.govt.nz |publisher=[[Education Review Office]]}}</ref> and Stanley Avenue School,<ref name="official1967">{{cite web |title=Stanley Avenue School Official School Website |url=http://www.stanleyave.school.nz |website=stanleyave.school.nz}}</ref><ref name="moe1967">{{cite web |title=Stanley Avenue School Ministry of Education School Profile |url=https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/find-school/school/profile?school=1967 |website=educationcounts.govt.nz |publisher=[[Ministry of Education (New Zealand)|Ministry of Education]]}}</ref> with a roll of {{NZ school roll data|1967|y}}.<ref name="ero1967">{{cite web |title=Stanley Avenue School Education Review Office Report |url=http://www.ero.govt.nz/report-view?id=1967 |website=ero.govt.nz |publisher=[[Education Review Office]]}}</ref>
St Joseph's Catholic School is a state integrated Catholic school,<ref name="moe1952">{{cite web |title=St Joseph's Catholic School Ministry of Education School Profile |url=https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/find-school/school/profile?school=1952 |website=educationcounts.govt.nz |publisher=[[Ministry of Education (New Zealand)|Ministry of Education]]}}</ref> with a roll of {{NZ school roll data|1952|y}}.<ref name="ero1952">{{cite web |title=St Joseph's Catholic School Education Review Office Report |url=http://www.ero.govt.nz/report-view?id=1952 |website=ero.govt.nz |publisher=[[Education Review Office]]}}</ref>
All these schools are co-educational. Rolls are as of {{NZ school roll data|||y|y||.}}
==Notable people==
{{maincat|People from Te Aroha}}
* Olympic Gold Medalist [[Peter Snell]]
* All Blacks [[Don Clarke]], [[Kevin Schuler|Kevin 'Herb' Schuler]], [[Carl Hoeft]], [[Keith Robinson (rugby union)|Keith Robinson]] and [[Kevin O'Neill (rugby union)|Kevin O'Neill]]
* [[Robert Coulter (New Zealand politician)|Robert Coulter]], Mayor of Te Aroha and [[New Zealand Labour Party|Labour]] MP
* [[David Cunliffe]], former leader of the [[New Zealand Labour Party]], was born in Te Aroha.
* [[Stuart Farquhar]], Olympic javelin thrower
* [[Jack Body]], New Zealand composer
* [[Don Beard]], New Zealand cricketer and principal of Te Aroha College from 1961 to 1982
* [[Todd Muller]], Member of Parliament for [[Bay of Plenty (New Zealand electorate)|Bay of Plenty]], was born in Te Aroha.
==Fauna and flora==
In 2020 a report was produced on the moths of Mount Te Aroha outlining important species that inhabit the area.<ref name="Hoare2020">{{Cite Q|Q113345596}}</ref>
== Filmography ==
Te Aroha was the setting of the 2023 crime drama ''The Gone'' (renamed Mt Affinity in the show).<ref name="thegone2023">{{cite web |title=Gritty murder mystery series The Gone shot in town of love Te Aroha |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/131871566/gritty-murder-mystery-series-the-gone-shot-in-town-of-love-te-aroha |website=stuff.co.nz |publisher=[[Stuff News]]}}</ref>
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.tearohanz.co.nz/ Te Aroha i-SITE Visitor Centre]
* [http://www.tearoha-museum.com/ Te Aroha Museum Website]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20111211214021/http://www.mpdc.govt.nz/our-community/about-te-aroha.html Te Aroha section of the MPDC website]
* [http://www.tearoha-college.school.nz/ Te Aroha College]
Photos -
* Main street [http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?BU=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aucklandcity.govt.nz%2Fdbtw-wpd%2FHeritageImages%2Findex.htm&AC=QBE_QUERY&TN=heritageimages&QF0=ID&NP=2&MR=5&RF=HIORecordSearch&QI0=%3D%22AWNS-19090701-5-2%22 1909]
* Railway station - [http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?BU=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aucklandcity.govt.nz%2Fdbtw-wpd%2FHeritageImages%2Findex.htm&AC=QBE_QUERY&TN=heritageimages&QF0=ID&NP=2&MR=5&RF=HIORecordSearch&QI0=%3D%22AWNS-18991013-3-1%22 1899], [http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?BU=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aucklandcity.govt.nz%2Fdbtw-wpd%2FHeritageImages%2Findex.htm&AC=QBE_QUERY&TN=heritageimages&QF0=ID&NP=2&MR=5&RF=HIORecordSearch&QI0=%3D%22NZG-19030704-46-4%22 1903], [http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?BU=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aucklandcity.govt.nz%2Fdbtw-wpd%2FHeritageImages%2Findex.htm&AC=QBE_QUERY&TN=heritageimages&QF0=ID&NP=2&MR=5&RF=HIORecordSearch&QI0=%3D%22AWNS-19050330-15-3%22 1905], [http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?BU=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aucklandcity.govt.nz%2Fdbtw-wpd%2FHeritageImages%2Findex.htm&AC=QBE_QUERY&TN=heritageimages&QF0=ID&NP=2&MR=5&RF=HIORecordSearch&QI0=%3D%22AWNS-19050713-16-1%22 1905], [http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?BU=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aucklandcity.govt.nz%2Fdbtw-wpd%2FHeritageImages%2Findex.htm&AC=QBE_QUERY&TN=heritageimages&QF0=ID&NP=2&MR=5&RF=HIORecordSearch&QI0=%3D%22AWNS-19081203-10-4%22 1908 (new station)] [https://natlib.govt.nz/records/22392320 1910]
* [http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?BU=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aucklandcity.govt.nz%2Fdbtw-wpd%2FHeritageImages%2Findex.htm&AC=QBE_QUERY&TN=heritageimages&QF0=ID&NP=2&MR=5&RF=HIORecordSearch&QI0=%3D%22AWNS-18980716-2-1%22 Railway swing bridge 1898]
{{Authority control}}
{{Matamata-Piako District}}
[[Category:Te Aroha| ]]
[[Category:Populated places in Waikato]]
[[Category:Spa towns in New Zealand]]
[[Category:Hot springs of New Zealand]]
[[Category:Geysers of New Zealand]]
[[Category:Landforms of Waikato]]
[[Category:Matamata-Piako District]]