Pakaraka is a settlement in Northland, New Zealand, at the junction of State Highway 1 and 10, in the district the Ngāpuhi tribe called Tai-a-mai.

Demographics

Pakaraka statistical area covers 72.44 km2 and had an estimated population of as of with a population density of people per km2. Pakaraka had a population of 702 in the 2023 New Zealand census, an increase of 36 people (5.4%) since the 2018 census, and an increase of 147 people (26.5%) since the 2013 census. There were 345 males, 357 females and 6 people of other genders in 243 dwellings. 2.6% of people identified as LGBTIQ+. The median age was 41.9 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 165 people (23.5%) aged under 15 years, 78 (11.1%) aged 15 to 29, 318 (45.3%) aged 30 to 64, and 141 (20.1%) aged 65 or older. People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 84.2% European (Pākehā); 34.6% Māori; 1.3% Pasifika; 0.9% Asian; 0.9% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.6% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 97.9%, Māori language by 9.4%, and other languages by 6.4%. No language could be spoken by 2.1% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.4%. The percentage of people born overseas was 15.8, compared with 28.8% nationally. Religious affiliations were 26.5% Christian, 2.6% Māori religious beliefs, 0.4% Buddhist, and 1.3% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 61.1%, and 8.5% of people did not answer the census question. Of those at least 15 years old, 81 (15.1%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 318 (59.2%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 114 (21.2%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $33,700, compared with $41,500 nationally. 36 people (6.7%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 267 (49.7%) people were employed full-time, 102 (19.0%) were part-time, and 6 (1.1%) were unemployed.

History and culture

Pre-European history

A pā was located at the base, and on the slopes, of Pouerua, a 270 m high basaltic scoria cone. The pā was studied during a major archeological project in the 1980s.

Modern history

Parts of the Flagstaff War were fought around Pakaraka in 1845. After the Battle of Ōhaeawai on 23 June 1845 the British troops destroyed Te Haratua's pā at Pakaraka on 16 July 1845. Mount Pouerua is registered with the Heritage New Zealand as a traditional site. Holy Trinity Church. The Retreat and the Store are also registered with the trust.

Marae

The local Kahukura Ariki Marae and Kahukura Ariki meeting house are affiliated with the Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa hapū of Hāhi Katorika, and the Ngāpuhi / Ngāti Kahu ki Whaingaroa hapū of Ngāti Kohu.

Education

Pakaraka School is a coeducational full primary (years 1–8) school with a roll of students as of In 2024, all of the students were Māori. The school opened in 1911.

Notable people

Gallery