Statistics New Zealand describes Nūhaka as a rural settlement, which covers 1.46 km2 (0.56 sq mi)[1] and had an estimated population of 210 as of June 2024,[2] with a population density of 144 people per km2. It is part of the larger Mahia statistical area.[5]
Nūhaka had a population of 198 at the 2018 New Zealand census, a decrease of 12 people (−5.7%) since the 2013 census, and a decrease of 48 people (−19.5%) since the 2006 census. There were 78 households, comprising 102 males and 96 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.06 males per female. The median age was 46.0 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 36 people (18.2%) aged under 15 years, 36 (18.2%) aged 15 to 29, 87 (43.9%) aged 30 to 64, and 42 (21.2%) aged 65 or older.
Ethnicities were 33.3% European/Pākehā, 80.3% Māori, and 1.5% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 25.8% had no religion, 63.6% were Christian, and 7.6% had Māori religious beliefs.
Of those at least 15 years old, 24 (14.8%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 42 (25.9%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $21,500, compared with $31,800 nationally. 9 people (5.6%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 57 (35.2%) people were employed full-time, 21 (13.0%) were part-time, and 21 (13.0%) were unemployed.[6]
Marae
Nūhaka is the tribal centre of the Ngāti Rakaipaaka people, a Māori subtribe of Ngāti Kahungunu. It has several marae (meeting grounds) and wharenui (meeting houses) for Ngāti Rakaipaaka and other iwi (tribe) and hapū:
Māhanga or Rongomaiwahine marae and Te Poho o Rongomaiwahine wharenui is a marae, also affiliated with Ngāi Tū hapū.
Other marae include Tamakahu Marae, Tāne-nui-a-Rangi Marae, Te Kotahitanga and Nūhaka Unity Hall, Te Manutai Marae, and Te Poho o Te Rehu or Te Rehu Marae.[7][8]
In October 2020, the Government committed $1,949,075 from the Provincial Growth Fund to upgrade Te Manutai Marae, Te Poho o Te Rehu Marae, and 22 other marae. It also committed $288,609 to upgrade Kahungunu Marae. [9]
Education
Nuhaka School is a Year 1–8 co-educational state primary school.[10][11] It is a decile 2 school with a roll of 101 as of November 2024.[12][13]