Waikaka

Waikaka
Town
Coordinates: 45°55′S 169°01′E
Country	New Zealand
Region	Southland region
Territorial authorities of New Zealand	Gore District
Ward	Waikaka Ward
Electorates	Southland Te Tai Tonga (Māori)
Government
• Territorial authority	Gore District Council
• Regional council	Southland Regional Council
• Mayor of Gore	Ben Bell
• Southland MP	Joseph Mooney
• Te Tai Tonga MP	Tākuta Ferris
Area
• Total	21.20 km2 (8.19 sq mi)
Population  (2018 Census)
• Total	117
• Density	5.5/km2 (14/sq mi)

Waikaka is a town in Southland, New Zealand. It was a gold-mining town in the 19th century, starting in 1867 when gold was found. Over NZ£1,000,000 equivalent of gold was eventually extracted from this location. The town was served by the Waikaka branch railway.

Demographics

Waikaka is in an SA1 statistical area which covers 21.20 km² (8.19 sq mi). The SA1 area is part of the larger Waikaka statistical area.

Historical population of Waikaka town and surrounds

Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
2006	132	—
2013	132	+0.00%
2018	117	−2.38%
Source:

The SA1 statistical area had a population of 117 at the 2018 New Zealand census, a decrease of 15 people (−11.4%) since the 2013 census, and a decrease of 15 people (−11.4%) since the 2006 census. There were 48 households, comprising 63 males and 57 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.11 males per female. The median age was 46.4 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 24 people (20.5%) aged under 15 years, 18 (15.4%) aged 15 to 29, 57 (48.7%) aged 30 to 64, and 21 (17.9%) aged 65 or older. Ethnicities were 97.4% European/Pākehā, 2.6% Māori, and 5.1% Asian. People may identify with more than one ethnicity. Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 41.0% had no religion, 43.6% were Christian, and 5.1% were Hindu. Of those at least 15 years old, 12 (12.9%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 21 (22.6%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $36,900, compared with $31,800 nationally. 12 people (12.9%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 54 (58.1%) people were employed full-time, and 21 (22.6%) were part-time.

Waikaka statistical area

Waikaka statistical area covers 586.75 km² (226.55 sq mi) and also includes Chatton and Mandeville. It had an estimated population of 1,680 as of June 2024, with a population density of 2.9 people per km².

Historical population for the statistical area

Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
2006	1,560	—
2013	1,554	−0.06%
2018	1,560	+0.08%
Source:

The statistical area had a population of 1,560 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 6 people (0.4%) since the 2013 census, and unchanged since the 2006 census. There were 582 households, comprising 840 males and 717 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.17 males per female. The median age was 39.0 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 348 people (22.3%) aged under 15 years, 252 (16.2%) aged 15 to 29, 762 (48.8%) aged 30 to 64, and 192 (12.3%) aged 65 or older. Ethnicities were 90.0% European/Pākehā, 6.0% Māori, 0.4% Pasifika, 7.5% Asian, and 1.9% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity. The percentage of people born overseas was 12.5, compared with 27.1% nationally. Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 42.1% had no religion, 47.5% were Christian, 1.2% were Hindu, 0.2% were Muslim, 0.2% were Buddhist and 1.3% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 195 (16.1%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 246 (20.3%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $41,400, compared with $31,800 nationally. 198 people (16.3%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 771 (63.6%) people were employed full-time, 216 (17.8%) were part-time, and 15 (1.2%) were unemployed.

Education

Waikaka School is a full primary school for years 1 to 8 with a roll of 67 students as of August 2024. The school opened in 1883.