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Coordinates: 35°24′27″S 173°47′59″E / 35.40750°S 173.79972°E / -35.40750; 173.79972
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{{Short description|Town in the Northland Region of New Zealand}}
[[Image:NZ-Kaikohe.png|none|right|160px]]
{{use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
'''Kaikohe''' is the central service area for the [[Far North District]] of [[New Zealand]], about 260 km from [[Auckland]], situated on [[New Zealand State Highway network|State Highway 12]] at {{coor dm|35|27|S|173|49|E|}}. It is the largest inland town and highest community above sea level in the [[Northland Region]].
{{use New Zealand English|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox settlement
|name = Kaikohe
|image_skyline = Bank of New Zealand Building, Kaikohe.jpg
|image_caption = Bank of New Zealand Building
|subdivision_type = Country
|subdivision_name = New Zealand
|subdivision_type1= Region
|subdivision_name1= [[Northland Region]]
|subdivision_type2= District
|subdivision_name2= [[Far North District]]
|subdivision_type3= Ward
|subdivision_name3= Kaikohe/Hokianga
|subdivision_type4= Community
|subdivision_name4= Kaikohe-Hokianga
|subdivision_type5= Subdivision
|subdivision_name5= Kaikohe
|leader_title = Territorial Authority
|leader_name = [[Far North District Council]]
|leader_title1 = Regional council
|leader_name1 = [[Northland Regional Council]]
|leader_title2 = [[Mayor of Far North]]
|leader_name2 = {{NZ officeholder data|Far North District Mayor|y}}
|leader_title3 = [[Northland (New Zealand electorate)|Northland MP]]
|leader_name3 = {{NZ officeholder data|Northland MP|y}}
|leader_title4 = [[Te Tai Tokerau|Te Tai Tokerau MP]]
|leader_name4 = {{NZ officeholder data|Te Tai Tokerau MP|y}}
|seat_type = Electorates
|seat = {{ubl|[[Northland (New Zealand electorate)|Northland]]|[[Te Tai Tokerau]]}}
|image_map = {{infobox mapframe|coord={{coord|35|24|27|S|173|47|59|E}}|zoom=9}}
|coordinates = {{coord|35|24|27|S|173|47|59|E|region:NZ|display=inline,title}}
|area_total_km2 = 5.92
|area_footnotes = <ref name="Area"/>
|population_total = {{NZ population data 2018||y}}
|population_as_of = {{NZ population data 2018|||y}}
|population_footnotes = {{NZ population data 2018||||y}}
|population_density_km2 = auto
|postal_code_type= [[Postcodes in New Zealand|Postcode(s)]]
|postal_code= 0405
}}
'''Kaikohe''' is the seat of the [[Far North District]] of New Zealand, situated on [[New Zealand State Highway 12|State Highway 12]] about {{convert|260|km}} from [[Auckland]], and about {{convert|85|km}} from [[Whangārei]]. It is the largest inland town and highest community above sea level in the [[Northland Region]]. With a population of over 4000 people,<ref name="NZ_population_data_2018"/> Kaikohe is a shopping and service centre for an extensive farming district and is sometimes referred to as "the hub of the north".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.northernadvocate.co.nz/news/editorial-hard-hit-kaikohe-needs-to-reinvent-itsel/987190/|title=EDITORIAL – Hard-hit Kaikohe needs to reinvent itself|publisher=[[The Northern Advocate]]|date=11 November 2007}}</ref>


==Geography==
The 2004 census revealed the population of Kaikohe to be just over 4000 people, but it is the thriving shopping and service centre for an extensive farming district with a [[catchment]] of 28,000 people.
The town is situated on a relatively level site surrounded mainly by undulating plains<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/1966/kaikohe/1|title=KAIKOHE|publisher=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]]|access-date=11 December 2012}}</ref> and is nearby many former [[Pā (Māori)|pā]] sites including Nga Huha, [[Pouerua]], Te Rua-hoanga, Ngaungau, Kaiaia, Te Tou o Roro, Taka-poruruku, Tapa-huarau, Nga Puke-pango, Maunga-turoto, and Maunga-kawakawa.<ref name="EB1">{{cite book |last1=Best |first1=Elsdon |title= The Pa Maori |year= 1927 |publisher= Whitcombe and Tombs Limited|chapter=Old Forts of the Taiamai District, Bay of Islands |chapter-url= http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-BesPaMa-t1-body-d5-d1-d20.html }}</ref> On the western edge of town, [[Kaikohe Hill]] rises 300 m above sea level, allowing views of the imposing sand dunes on the [[Hokianga Harbour]] to the west, farmlands to the east and south toward [[Mount Hikurangi, Northland|Mount Hikurangi]] (625 m).


To the north of the [[Putahi]] volcanic ridge is [[Lake Ōmāpere]], five km in length, but only two to three metres deep. Around five km to the east is the small village of [[Ngawha Springs]], where hot water springs rise to the surface from the [[Ngawha geothermal field]], and where the [[Northland Region Corrections Facility]] is situated.
==History==


There are several volcanic [[scoria cones]] in the area, which are part of the [[Kaikohe-Bay of Islands volcanic field]].
===Early History===
Originally a [[Māori]] village called ''Opango'', Kaikohe is recognised as being the very heart of the culture of the great [[Ngapuhi]] [[iwi]]. In the early [[19th century]] a rival Māori tribe raided the village and fugitives subsisted among the [[Kohekohe]] (a native tree) groves on Tokareireia (Kaikohe Hill). After the incident, the village became known as ''Kaikohekohe'' ([[kai]] meaning food) but was later shortened to Kaikohe.


===Climate===
The warrior chief [[Hone Heke]] settled in Kaikohe after fighting ceased, and died there in [[1850]]. His nephew Hone Heke, [[New Zealand Parliament|MP]] for [[Northern Māori]], also lived in Kaikohe. In April [[1911]], a monument to him was unveiled on Kaikohe Hill by Sir [[Tui Carroll]], acting [[Prime Minister of New Zealand|Prime Minister]]. A park in the town is dedicated to [[Rawiri Taiwhanga]] who has a very strong claim to being New Zealand's first commercial [[Dairy farming|dairy farmer]]. He milked a herd of cows and sold [[butter]] in [[1834]]. Also in the town is a Pioneer Village, a 19th century Northland community recreated with all its colourful atmosphere, history and detail.


{{Weather box|width=auto
===Railway Links===
|metric first=y
Kaikohe was linked to the [[Rail transport in New Zealand|national rail network]] with the arrival of a [[branch line]] [[railway]] being built from [[Otiria]] on the [[North Auckland Line]] to [[Kaitaia]], which opened to Kaikohe on [[1 May]] [[1914]]. The line continued north to [[Okaihau]], opening on [[29 October]] [[1923]] and eventually reached [[Rangiahua]], although the section between Okaihau and Rangiahua was never handed over to the [[New Zealand Railways Department]] for operation and the line never reached Kaitaia. The line between Okaihau and Rangiahua was operated for a short time by the [[New Zealand Ministry of Works|Public Works Department]] before being closed and dismantled during World War II. The railway through Kaikohe thus became known as the [[Okaihau Branch]].
|single line=y
|collapsed = Y
|location = Kaikohe (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1973–present)
| Jan record high C = 34.6
| Feb record high C = 33.0
| Mar record high C = 33.6
| Apr record high C = 29.1
| May record high C = 23.3
| Jun record high C = 20.4
| Jul record high C = 19.1
| Aug record high C = 20.5
| Sep record high C = 23.5
| Oct record high C = 23.2
| Nov record high C = 28.4
| Dec record high C = 28.4
| year record high C = 34.6
|Jan high C = 23.4
|Feb high C = 23.8
|Mar high C = 22.1
|Apr high C = 19.7
|May high C = 17.2
|Jun high C = 15.1
|Jul high C = 14.3
|Aug high C = 14.6
|Sep high C = 15.8
|Oct high C = 17.2
|Nov high C = 19.0
|Dec high C = 21.4
| year high C =
|Jan mean C = 18.9
|Feb mean C = 19.5
|Mar mean C = 18.1
|Apr mean C = 16.1
|May mean C = 14.1
|Jun mean C = 12.1
|Jul mean C = 11.3
|Aug mean C = 11.5
|Sep mean C = 12.5
|Oct mean C = 13.7
|Nov mean C = 15.2
|Dec mean C = 17.4
| year mean C =
|Jan low C = 14.4
|Feb low C = 15.2
|Mar low C = 14.0
|Apr low C = 12.6
|May low C = 11.0
|Jun low C = 9.1
|Jul low C = 8.4
|Aug low C = 8.4
|Sep low C = 9.2
|Oct low C = 10.1
|Nov low C = 11.3
|Dec low C = 13.4
| year low C =
|Jan record low C = 8.0
|Feb record low C = 7.4
|Mar record low C = 6.9
|Apr record low C = 3.8
|May record low C = 1.4
|Jun record low C = -0.9
|Jul record low C = 0.9
|Aug record low C = 0.2
|Sep record low C = 2.5
|Oct record low C = 3.7
|Nov record low C = 5.0
|Dec record low C = 6.7
|year record low C = -0.9
|rain colour = green
|Jan rain mm = 104.6
|Feb rain mm = 108.2
|Mar rain mm = 119.3
|Apr rain mm = 136.5
|May rain mm = 156.4
|Jun rain mm = 175.3
|Jul rain mm = 222.4
|Aug rain mm = 162.4
|Sep rain mm = 123.9
|Oct rain mm = 94.4
|Nov rain mm = 89.4
|Dec rain mm = 121.4
|year rain mm =
|source 1 = NIWA<ref name= NIWA>
{{cite web
|url = http://cliflo.niwa.co.nz
|title = CliFlo – National Climate Database : Kaikohe Aws
|publisher = NIWA
|access-date = 20 May 2024}}</ref><ref name=" ">{{cite web
|url = https://cliflo.niwa.co.nz/
|title = CliFlo -The National Climate Database (Agent numbers: 1129, 1134)
|publisher = NIWA
|access-date = 15 May 2024}}</ref>
}}


==Demographics==
Although Kaikohe has become established as the service centre of the Far North, it failed to generate much rail traffic in the early years of the line. During the first ten months of existence, just 1,500 tons of inbound freight was carried, with roughly half that carried outbound; the decline continued to the point that in [[1918]] Kaikohe lost its stationmaster. Minimal services were offered, and although losses increased up to [[1930]], fortunes had somewhat improved by [[1940]], and by [[1950]] there was sufficient traffic to justify six trains each way a week. Two carried solely freight, while four were [[mixed train]]s, which also carried passengers. By this time, a full complement of staff were again employed at Kaikohe.
Kaikohe is described by Statistics New Zealand as a small urban area. It covers {{Convert|5.92|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=14 March 2024|website=statsnz.maps.arcgis.com}}</ref> and had an estimated population of {{NZ population data 2018|Kaikohe|y}} as of {{NZ population data 2018|||y|y||,}} with a population density of {{Decimals|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Kaikohe|y}}|R}}/5.92|0}} people per km<sup>2</sup>.


{{Historical populations|2006|4,041|2013|3,885|2018|4,455|2023|4,563|percentages=pagr|align=left|title=Historical population for Kaikohe|source=<ref name="Census 2018">{{NZ census 2018|Kaikohe (103500)|kaikohe|Kaikohe}}</ref><ref name="Census 2023"/>|footnote=The 2006 population is for a smaller area of 5.68 km<sup>2</sup>}}
When [[railcar]]s were introduced on services north of [[Auckland]] in November [[1956]], they ran through Kaikohe all the way to Okaihau. Previously, a carriage train known as the [[Northland Express]] had run from Auckland to Opua with connections to Kaikohe and Okaihau via the mixed trains, but with the change of the northern terminus to Okaihau, the branch increased in importance. This proved to be short-lived; in July 1967 the very popular railcar service was withdrawn due to mechanical problems plaguing the railcars. Passengers had to use the mixed trains, with significantly older rolling stock on a slower schedule, and demand slipped. The branch closed to passengers on [[21 June]] [[1976]].
[[File:Monument to Hone Heke, at Kaikohe ATLIB 298005.png|thumb|Monument to [[Hōne Heke]] at Kaikohe]]
Kaikohe had a population of 4,563 in the [[2023 New Zealand census]], an increase of 108 people (2.4%) since the [[2018 New Zealand census|2018 census]], and an increase of 678 people (17.5%) since the [[2013 New Zealand census|2013 census]]. There were 2,214 males, 2,337 females and 12 people of [[non-binary gender|other genders]] in 1,353 dwellings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_005&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=doTotal%2Bdo1.1026.2023&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_DWD_003|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for dwellings, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses}}</ref> 1.7% of people identified as [[LGBTQ|LGBTIQ+]]. The median age was 31.0 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 1,263 people (27.7%) aged under 15 years, 963 (21.1%) aged 15 to 29, 1,719 (37.7%) aged 30 to 64, and 618 (13.5%) aged 65 or older.<ref name="Census 2023"/>


People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 35.4% [[European New Zealanders|European]] ([[Pākehā]]); 81.5% [[Māori people|Māori]]; 8.3% [[Pasifika New Zealanders|Pasifika]]; 3.6% [[Asian New Zealanders|Asian]]; 0.3% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 0.8% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 94.9%, Māori language by 25.2%, Samoan by 0.6% and other languages by 3.2%. No language could be spoken by 3.0% (e.g. too young to talk). [[New Zealand Sign Language]] was known by 1.4%. The percentage of people born overseas was 7.2, compared with 28.8% nationally.
In [[1977]], a relaxation of road transport laws led to a decline in freight traffic on the line and forestry proposals that would have required a railway service failed to eventuate. Scheduled trains were cancelled on [[12 August]] [[1983]], and for a little over four years the line was shunted when required. The branch closed on [[1 November]] [[1987]] and the track has been lifted. The rail corridor through Kaikohe is still owned by the New Zealand Railways Corporation (Ontrack), being retained in case any forestry proposals come to fruition and the railway is again required.

Religious affiliations were 36.5% [[Christianity in New Zealand|Christian]], 0.6% [[Hinduism in New Zealand|Hindu]], 0.1% [[Islam in New Zealand|Islam]], 12.4% [[Māori religious beliefs]], 0.2% [[Buddhism in New Zealand|Buddhist]], 0.1% [[New Age]], and 0.9% other religions. People who answered that they had [[Irreligion in New Zealand|no religion]] were 41.6%, and 8.5% of people did not answer the census question.

Of those at least 15 years old, 252 (7.6%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 1,914 (58.0%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 1,080 (32.7%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $28,100, compared with $41,500 nationally. 90 people (2.7%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 1,263 (38.3%) people were employed full-time, 342 (10.4%) were part-time, and 273 (8.3%) were unemployed.<ref name="Census 2023">{{Cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_008&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.1026.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to[TIME]=false&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly[cl]=CEN23_YEAR_001|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses|at=Kaikohe (1026)}}</ref>

===Ngapuhi statistical area===
The area around Kaikohe, from the southern side of Lake Ōmāpere to [[Kaikohe Airport]] and including [[Ngawha Springs]], is the statistical area of Ngapuhi, which covers {{Convert|175.14|km2||abbr=on}}<ref name="Area"/> and had an estimated population of {{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Ngapuhi|y}} as of {{NZ population data 2023 SA2|||y|y||,}} with a population density of {{Decimals|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Ngapuhi|y}}|R}}/175.14|0}} people per km<sup>2</sup>.

{{Historical populations|2006|1,506|2013|1,347|2018|1,776|2023|1,920|percentages=pagr|align=left|title=Historical population for Ngapuhi|source=<ref name="Census 2018 N">{{NZ census 2018|Ngapuhi (103400)|ngapuhi|Ngapuhi}}</ref><ref name="Census 2023 N"/>|footnote=The 2006 population is for a larger area of 175.39 km<sup>2</sup>}}
Ngapuhi had a population of 1,920 in the [[2023 New Zealand census]], an increase of 144 people (8.1%) since the [[2018 New Zealand census|2018 census]], and an increase of 573 people (42.5%) since the [[2013 New Zealand census|2013 census]]. There were 1,152 males, 765 females and 3 people of [[non-binary gender|other genders]] in 495 dwellings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_005&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=doTotal%2Bdo1.103401.2023&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_DWD_003|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for dwellings, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses}}</ref> 1.4% of people identified as [[LGBTQ|LGBTIQ+]]. The median age was 36.9 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 360 people (18.8%) aged under 15 years, 363 (18.9%) aged 15 to 29, 951 (49.5%) aged 30 to 64, and 249 (13.0%) aged 65 or older.<ref name="Census 2023 N"/>

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 41.4% [[European New Zealanders|European]] ([[Pākehā]]); 76.4% [[Māori people|Māori]]; 7.7% [[Pasifika New Zealanders|Pasifika]]; 1.9% [[Asian New Zealanders|Asian]]; 0.2% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 1.4% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 96.6%, Māori language by 26.9%, Samoan by 0.6% and other languages by 2.5%. No language could be spoken by 1.9% (e.g. too young to talk). [[New Zealand Sign Language]] was known by 0.9%. The percentage of people born overseas was 6.7, compared with 28.8% nationally.

Religious affiliations were 35.8% [[Christianity in New Zealand|Christian]], 0.5% [[Islam in New Zealand|Islam]], 9.5% [[Māori religious beliefs]], 0.5% [[Buddhism in New Zealand|Buddhist]], 0.5% [[New Age]], 0.2% [[Judaism in New Zealand|Jewish]], and 0.6% other religions. People who answered that they had [[Irreligion in New Zealand|no religion]] were 45.9%, and 7.5% of people did not answer the census question.

Of those at least 15 years old, 108 (6.9%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 915 (58.7%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 507 (32.5%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $24,500, compared with $41,500 nationally. 36 people (2.3%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 564 (36.2%) people were employed full-time, 159 (10.2%) were part-time, and 141 (9.0%) were unemployed.<ref name="Census 2023 N">{{Cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_008&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.103401.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to[TIME]=false&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly[cl]=CEN23_YEAR_001|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses|at=Ngapuhi (103401)}}</ref>

==History and culture==

===Early history===
Originally a [[Māori people|Māori]] village called ''Ōpango'', Kaikohe is recognised as being the very heart of the culture of the great [[Ngāpuhi]] [[iwi]]. In the early 19th century a rival Māori tribe raided the village and fugitives subsisted among the [[Kohekohe]] (a native tree) groves on Tokareireia (Kaikohe Hill). After the incident, the village became known as ''Kaikohekohe'' ([[Māori cuisine|kai]] meaning food) but was later shortened to Kaikohe.

Battles during the [[Flagstaff War]] (also known as 'Hōne Heke's Rebellion') were fought around Kaikohe: at [[Hōne Heke]]'s pā at Puketutu on the shores of Lake Ōmāpere; followed by a battle at [[Te Ahuahu]]; with the warriors of [[Te Ruki Kawiti]] fighting the [[Battle of Ōhaeawai]]. St. Michael's Anglican Church in nearby [[Ngawha Springs|Ngāwhā Springs]] was built on the site of the pā at which the battle took place. The warrior chief [[Hōne Heke]] settled in Kaikohe after fighting ceased, and died there in 1850.<ref name="June1851">{{cite web |title= The Church Missionary Gleaner, June 1851|work= Heke|access-date=18 October 2015 |url= http://www.churchmissionarysociety.amdigital.co.uk/Documents/Images/CMS_OX_Gleaner_1850-1851_15/1| publisher = [[Adam Matthew Digital]] |url-access=subscription }}</ref> His grand-nephew Hone Heke Ngapua, [[New Zealand Parliament|MP]] for [[Northern Maori]], also lived in Kaikohe. In April 1911, a monument to him was unveiled on Kaikohe Hill by Sir [[James Carroll (New Zealand politician)|James Carroll]], acting [[Prime Minister of New Zealand|Prime Minister]]. A park in the town is dedicated to [[Rawiri Taiwhanga]] who has a very strong claim to being New Zealand's first commercial [[Dairy farming|dairy farmer]]. He milked a herd of cows and sold [[butter]] in 1834.

[[File:Aperahama Church Kaikohe.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The Aperahama Church named after Aperahama Te Awa who is buried in the churchyard]]
To the west of the town is the Aperahama Anglican Church, named after Aperahama Te Awa. It was opened in 1885, a year after his death, and he is buried in the churchyard. It is on the site of an earlier church, built in 1837, and the existing memorial gates were erected and dedicated for that earlier church.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kaikohe.co.nz/The_Early_Church.cfm|title=Early Church History in Kaikohe}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://don-donovan.blogspot.com/2009/07/country-churches-of-nz-10-aperahama.html|title= Aperahama, Kaikohe, Northland|publisher=Don Donovan}}</ref> The building is registered as a place ''".... of special or outstanding historical or cultural heritage significance or value...."'' by [[Heritage New Zealand]].

Kaikohe was an important location for the late 19th/early 20th century [[kauri gum]] digging trade.<ref name="HaywardGum">{{cite book |last1=Hayward |first1=Bruce W. |author-link1=Bruce Hayward |title=Kauri Gum and the Gumdiggers |publisher=The Bush Press |date=1989 |isbn=0-908608-39-X |page=4}}</ref>

Also in the town is a Pioneer Village, a 19th-century Northland community recreated with all its colourful atmosphere, history and detail.

===Railway links===
Kaikohe was linked to the [[Rail transport in New Zealand|national rail network]] with the arrival of a [[branch line]] [[railway]] being built from [[Otiria]] on the [[North Auckland Line]] to [[Kaitaia]], which opened to Kaikohe on 1 May 1914. The line continued north to [[Ōkaihau]], opening on 29 October 1923 and eventually reached [[Rangiahua]], although the section between Okaihau and Rangiahua was never handed over to the [[New Zealand Railways Department]] for operation and the line never reached Kaitaia. The line between Okaihau and Rangiahua was operated for a short time by the [[New Zealand Ministry of Works|Public Works Department]] before being closed and dismantled during World War II. The railway through Kaikohe thus became known as the [[Okaihau Branch]].

Although Kaikohe became the service centre of the Far North, it failed to generate much rail traffic in the early years of the line. During the first ten months of existence, just 1,500 tons of inbound freight was carried, with roughly half that carried outbound, and the decline continued to the point where in 1918 Kaikohe lost its stationmaster. Minimal services were offered, and although losses increased up to 1930, fortunes had somewhat improved by 1940, and by 1950 there was sufficient traffic to justify six trains each way a week. Two carried only freight, while four were [[mixed train|mixed goods/passenger trains]]. At that time, a full complement of staff was again employed at Kaikohe.

When [[railcar]]s were introduced on services north of [[Auckland]] in November 1956, they ran through Kaikohe all the way to Okaihau. Previously, a carriage train known as the [[Northland Express]] had run from Auckland to Opua with connections to Kaikohe and Okaihau via the mixed trains, but with the change of the northern terminus to Okaihau, the branch increased in importance. This proved to be short-lived; in July 1967 the popular railcar service was withdrawn due to mechanical problems plaguing the railcars. Passengers had to use the mixed trains, with significantly older rolling stock on a slower schedule. Demand decreased and the branch closed to passengers on 21 June 1976.

In 1977, a relaxation of road transport laws led to a decline in freight traffic on the line and forestry proposals that would have required a railway service failed to eventuate. Scheduled trains were cancelled beyond Kaikohe on 12 August 1983, and for a little over four years the line was shunted when required. The branch closed on 1 November 1987 and the track has been lifted. The rail corridor through Kaikohe is still owned by the [[New Zealand Railways Corporation]], being retained in case any forestry proposals come to fruition and the railway is again required, although it now forms part of the Twin Coast Cycle Trail.

===Marae===

The Kaikohe area has three [[Ngāpuhi]] [[marae]]:

* [[Te Kiore Marae]] and [[Te Kiore]] meeting house are affiliated with [[Ngāti Whakaminenga]].
* [[Te Iringa Marae|Te Iringa or Parihaka Marae]] and its [[Parihaka (whare)|Parihaka]] meeting house are affiliated with [[Ngāti Hinemutu]] and [[Ngāti Tautahi]].
* [[Ōkorihi|Ōkorihi Marae]] is affiliated with [[Ngāti Hinemutu]], [[Ngāti Tautahi]] and [[Ngāti Ueoneone]]; its meeting house burned down in 2003.<ref name="tkmentry">{{cite web|title=Te Kāhui Māngai directory|url= http://www.tkm.govt.nz/ |website=tkm.govt.nz|publisher=[[Te Puni Kōkiri]]}}</ref><ref name="maorimaps">{{cite web |title=Māori Maps |url=https://maorimaps.com/map |website=maorimaps.com |publisher=Te Potiki National Trust}}</ref>

==Local government==
From 1876, Kaikohe was administered as part of [[Bay of Islands County]].<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Cyc02Cycl-t1-body1-d2-d24.html |chapter=Kaikohe |title=The Cyclopedia of New Zealand (Auckland Provincial District |location=Christchurch |year=1902 |publisher=Cyclopedia Company |page=575 |access-date=19 March 2022}}</ref> The town attained borough status on 1 July 1947, separating from Bay of Islands County, after a poll of Kaikohe electors saw a vote for the establishment of the borough of 207 votes in favour and 27 against.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NA19470627.2.35 |title=Kaikohe gazetted a borough |date=27 June 1947 |work=Northern Advocate |page=6 |access-date=19 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NA19470619.2.30 |title=Big majority for Kaikohe borough |date=19 June 1947 |work=Northern Advocate |page=4 |access-date=19 March 2022}}</ref> The first mayor and members of the Kaikohe Borough Council were elected on 20 August 1947.<ref name="First mayor">{{Cite news |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NA19470821.2.32 |title=Kaikohe's mayor and corporation |date=21 August 1947 |work=Northern Advocate |page=4 |access-date=19 March 2022}}</ref> In the [[1989 New Zealand local government reforms|1989 local government reforms]], Kaikohe Borough re-amalgamated with Bay of Islands County and joined with [[Mangonui County]], [[Hokianga County]], [[Whangaroa County]] and [[Kaitaia|Kaitaia Borough]] to create the [[Far North District]]. Kaikohe was selected to be the seat of the new district and the council's main headquarters are located in the township. <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fndc.govt.nz/Your-Council/Governance |title=Governance |publisher=Far North District Council |access-date=19 March 2022}}</ref>

===Mayors of Kaikohe===
During the period of the Kaikohe Borough Council from 1947 to 1989, Kaikohe had at least five mayors. The following is an incomplete list:
{| class="wikitable"
!
! Name
! Term of office
! Notes
|-
| align=center | 1
| Harold Fisher Guy
| 1947–1959
| <ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/northland/northern-news/8781890/Clock-set-to-tick-again |title=Clock set to tick again |date=12 June 2013 |work=Northern News |access-date=23 October 2022}}</ref>
|-
| align=center | 2
| Pearce Melvin Eddy Williams
| 1959–1971
| <ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19750102.2.9 |title=Mrs Kirk created D.B.E. |date=2 January 1975 |work=[[The Press]] |volume=115 |issue=33731 |page=1 |access-date=23 October 2022}}</ref>
|-
| align=center | 3
| Wally Lomax
| 1971–1977
| <ref>{{cite news |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19711013.2.31 |title=Kaikohe mayor |date=13 October 1971 |work=[[The Press]] |volume=111 |issue=32736 |page=3 |access-date=23 October 2022}}</ref>
|-
| align=center | 4
| [[Manahi Nitama Paewai|Nītama Paewai]]
| 1977–1980
| <ref>{{DNZB|title=Paewai, Manahi Nītama|first=Manahi|last=Paewai|id=5p1|access-date=23 October 2022}}</ref>
|-
| colspan=4 |
|}


==Attractions==
==Attractions==
Kaikohe has a strategic position in the centre of the province, giving access of some of New Zealand's finest scenic attractions. Within a 50 km radius are the famous [[Bay of Islands]] and the [[Waipoua Forest|Waipoua]], [[Puketi Forest|Puketi]] and Omahuta [[Kauri|kauri forests]]. Also not far away are the Whangaroa and [[Hokianga]] harbours, the [[Waiomio Caves|Waiomio]] limestone caves, many beautiful beaches and secluded bays, and the historic town of [[Kerikeri]].
Kaikohe is the geographical centre of the Far North. Within a 50&nbsp;km radius are the [[Bay of Islands]] and the [[Waipoua Forest|Waipoua]], [[Puketi Forest|Puketi]] and Omahuta [[Agathis|kauri forests]]. Also not far away are the Whangaroa and [[Hokianga]] harbours, the [[Waiomio Caves|Waiomio]] limestone caves, many beaches and bays, and historic [[Kerikeri]] which is Northland's largest [[town]]. It is also the home of the Kaikohe Demolition Derby which featured in the "Kaikohe Demolition" movie<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.filmarchive.org.nz/feature-project/pages/Kaikohe-Demo.php|title=Kaikohe Demolition|publisher=The New Zealand Film Archive|access-date=2008-08-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080708213303/http://www.filmarchive.org.nz/feature-project/pages/Kaikohe-Demo.php|archive-date=2008-07-08|url-status=dead}}</ref> filmed by [[Florian Habicht]].


The Twin Coast Cycle Trail, part of the [[New Zealand Cycle Trail]] project, runs through the town.
It is also the home of the Kaikohe Demolition Derby, made world-famous by Florian Habicht's movie "Kaihohe Demolition". It gives excellent insight to Maori culture with some hilarious characters and advice for wannabe demo derby competitors. This exciting event is held during the Kaikohe Speedway's Easter Stampede.


==Notable residents==
==Geography==
Former New Zealand Prime Minister [[David Lange]] lived in Kaikohe for a time. Former [[New Zealand First]] Member of Parliament and brother of [[Winston Peters]], [[Jim Peters (politician)|Jim Peters]], is a current resident. [[Christian Huriwai]], winner of the [[street unicycling]] competition at the 2010 World Championships in [[Wellington]], is a current resident. The [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand Kiwis rugby league player]] [[Olsen Filipaina]] was born in the town.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Skene|first=Patrick|title=The big O|publisher=Mower|year=2020|isbn=978-1-988516-84-4|location=Auckland|pages=30}}</ref> Two professional boxers have lived in Kaikohe including [[Daniella Smith]] and [[Patricia Vaka]].
The town is situated on the slopes of a volcanic hill and surrounded by many former [[Pā (Māori)|pā]] sites. The countryside is mainly undulating plain with volcanic soils, but on the western edge of town, Kaikohe Hill rises 300 m above sea level, allowing views of the imposing sand dunes on the Hokianga Harbour and farmlands to the east and south toward [[Mount Hikurangi]] (625 m).

==Education==
[[Northland College (Kaikohe)|Northland College]] is a secondary (years 9-15) school with a roll of {{NZ school roll data|9|y}}.<ref>{{TKI|9|Northland College}}</ref> It was founded in 1947 on the site of a former [[United States Army]] camp.<ref name=KaikoheEducation>{{cite web|url=http://www.kaikohe.co.nz/Education.cfm |title=Education |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014012624/http://www.kaikohe.co.nz/Education.cfm |archive-date=October 14, 2008 }}</ref> The school incorporates a working farm and forestry block.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.northlandcollege.school.nz/theschool.htm|title=Northland College – The School|access-date=2008-01-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071008165626/http://www.northlandcollege.school.nz/theschool.htm|archive-date=2007-10-08|url-status=dead}}</ref> A $14 million reconstruction of the school was completed in 2016–17.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/northland-age/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503402&objectid=11495320|title=College rebuild a boon}}</ref>

Kaikohe Intermediate School (years 7–8) has a roll of {{NZ school roll data|1022|y}}.<ref>{{TKI|1022|Kaikohe Intermediate}}</ref> It was established in 1969, taking over the grounds of the former Kaikohe Primary School.<ref name=KaikoheEducation />

Kaikohe East School and Kaikohe West School are contributing primary (years 1–6) schools with rolls of {{NZ school roll data|1021|y}}<ref>{{TKI|1021|Kaikohe East School}}</ref> and {{NZ school roll data|1023|y}}<ref>{{TKI|1023|Kaikohe West School}}</ref> respectively. Kaikohe West School opened in 1882 as Kaikohe Native School. The name changed to Kaikohe Maori School in the mid-1950s, and to the current name in 1969.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kaikohewest.school.nz/information.htm|title=Kaikohe West School – Information|access-date=2008-01-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070908052115/http://www.kaikohewest.school.nz/information.htm|archive-date=2007-09-08|url-status=dead}}</ref> Kaikohe East School has a Māori unit offering bilingual and total immersion classes.<ref name=KaikoheEducation />

Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kaikohe is a composite (years 1–15) school with a roll of {{NZ school roll data|4227|y}}.<ref>{{TKI|4227|Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kaikohe}}</ref> It is a [[Kura Kaupapa Māori]] school which teaches fully in the [[Māori language]] through to Year 13. The school originated in the early 1990s and opened on its present site about 2003.<ref name=KaikoheEducation />

Kaikohe Christian School is a state-integrated composite school (years 1–13) with a roll of {{NZ school roll data|1175|y}}<ref>{{TKI|1175|Kaikohe Christian School}}</ref> The school has a Kaikohe campus and a smaller Kerikeri campus which opened in 1985<ref name=KaikoheEducation /> and 2004,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kcs.school.nz/multimedia|title=Kaikohe Christian School – About}}</ref> respectively.

All these schools are coeducational. School rolls are as of {{NZ school roll data|||y|y}}.


[[NorthTec]] polytechnic also has a campus in Kaikohe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.northtec.ac.nz/Pages/Kaikohe.aspx|title=Kaikohe|publisher=NorthTec|access-date=4 March 2010}}</ref>
To the north of the Putahi volcanic ridge is [[Lake Omapere]], five km in length, but only two to three metres deep. Around five kilometers to the east is the small village of [[Ngawha Springs]] - the site where hot water springs emerge to the surface from the [[Ngawha geothermal field]]. The new Northland prison is situated nearby.


==Famous residents==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
Former New Zealand Prime Minister [[David Lange]] was once a resident of Kaikohe. Former [[New Zealand First]] Member of Parliament and brother of [[Winston Peters]], [[Jim Peters]], is a current resident.


==External sites==
==External links==
*[http://www.kaikohe.co.nz/ Kaikohe website]
* [http://www.kaikohe.co.nz/ Kaikohe website]
</br>
'''KAIKOHE "The Hub of the North"'''


{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Northland, New Zealand]]
{{Far North District}}
[[Category:Cities, towns and communities in New Zealand]]
[[Category:Far North District]]
[[Category:Populated places in the Northland Region]]
[[Category:Kaikohe|*]]

Latest revision as of 00:47, 13 November 2024

Kaikohe
Bank of New Zealand Building
Bank of New Zealand Building
Map
Coordinates: 35°24′27″S 173°47′59″E / 35.40750°S 173.79972°E / -35.40750; 173.79972
CountryNew Zealand
RegionNorthland Region
DistrictFar North District
WardKaikohe/Hokianga
CommunityKaikohe-Hokianga
SubdivisionKaikohe
Electorates
Government
 • Territorial AuthorityFar North District Council
 • Regional councilNorthland Regional Council
 • Mayor of Far NorthMoko Tepania
 • Northland MPGrant McCallum
 • Te Tai Tokerau MPMariameno Kapa-Kingi
Area
 • Total
5.92 km2 (2.29 sq mi)
Population
 (June 2024)[2]
 • Total
4,890
 • Density830/km2 (2,100/sq mi)
Postcode(s)
0405

Kaikohe is the seat of the Far North District of New Zealand, situated on State Highway 12 about 260 kilometres (160 mi) from Auckland, and about 85 kilometres (53 mi) from Whangārei. It is the largest inland town and highest community above sea level in the Northland Region. With a population of over 4000 people,[2] Kaikohe is a shopping and service centre for an extensive farming district and is sometimes referred to as "the hub of the north".[3]

Geography

[edit]

The town is situated on a relatively level site surrounded mainly by undulating plains[4] and is nearby many former sites including Nga Huha, Pouerua, Te Rua-hoanga, Ngaungau, Kaiaia, Te Tou o Roro, Taka-poruruku, Tapa-huarau, Nga Puke-pango, Maunga-turoto, and Maunga-kawakawa.[5] On the western edge of town, Kaikohe Hill rises 300 m above sea level, allowing views of the imposing sand dunes on the Hokianga Harbour to the west, farmlands to the east and south toward Mount Hikurangi (625 m).

To the north of the Putahi volcanic ridge is Lake Ōmāpere, five km in length, but only two to three metres deep. Around five km to the east is the small village of Ngawha Springs, where hot water springs rise to the surface from the Ngawha geothermal field, and where the Northland Region Corrections Facility is situated.

There are several volcanic scoria cones in the area, which are part of the Kaikohe-Bay of Islands volcanic field.

Climate

[edit]
Climate data for Kaikohe (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1973–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 34.6
(94.3)
33.0
(91.4)
33.6
(92.5)
29.1
(84.4)
23.3
(73.9)
20.4
(68.7)
19.1
(66.4)
20.5
(68.9)
23.5
(74.3)
23.2
(73.8)
28.4
(83.1)
28.4
(83.1)
34.6
(94.3)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 23.4
(74.1)
23.8
(74.8)
22.1
(71.8)
19.7
(67.5)
17.2
(63.0)
15.1
(59.2)
14.3
(57.7)
14.6
(58.3)
15.8
(60.4)
17.2
(63.0)
19.0
(66.2)
21.4
(70.5)
18.6
(65.5)
Daily mean °C (°F) 18.9
(66.0)
19.5
(67.1)
18.1
(64.6)
16.1
(61.0)
14.1
(57.4)
12.1
(53.8)
11.3
(52.3)
11.5
(52.7)
12.5
(54.5)
13.7
(56.7)
15.2
(59.4)
17.4
(63.3)
15.0
(59.1)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 14.4
(57.9)
15.2
(59.4)
14.0
(57.2)
12.6
(54.7)
11.0
(51.8)
9.1
(48.4)
8.4
(47.1)
8.4
(47.1)
9.2
(48.6)
10.1
(50.2)
11.3
(52.3)
13.4
(56.1)
11.4
(52.6)
Record low °C (°F) 8.0
(46.4)
7.4
(45.3)
6.9
(44.4)
3.8
(38.8)
1.4
(34.5)
−0.9
(30.4)
0.9
(33.6)
0.2
(32.4)
2.5
(36.5)
3.7
(38.7)
5.0
(41.0)
6.7
(44.1)
−0.9
(30.4)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 104.6
(4.12)
108.2
(4.26)
119.3
(4.70)
136.5
(5.37)
156.4
(6.16)
175.3
(6.90)
222.4
(8.76)
162.4
(6.39)
123.9
(4.88)
94.4
(3.72)
89.4
(3.52)
121.4
(4.78)
1,614.2
(63.56)
Source: NIWA[6][7]

Demographics

[edit]

Kaikohe is described by Statistics New Zealand as a small urban area. It covers 5.92 km2 (2.29 sq mi)[1] and had an estimated population of 4,890 as of June 2024,[2] with a population density of 826 people per km2.

Historical population for Kaikohe
YearPop.±% p.a.
20064,041—    
20133,885−0.56%
20184,455+2.78%
20234,563+0.48%
The 2006 population is for a smaller area of 5.68 km2
Source: [8][9]
Monument to Hōne Heke at Kaikohe

Kaikohe had a population of 4,563 in the 2023 New Zealand census, an increase of 108 people (2.4%) since the 2018 census, and an increase of 678 people (17.5%) since the 2013 census. There were 2,214 males, 2,337 females and 12 people of other genders in 1,353 dwellings.[10] 1.7% of people identified as LGBTIQ+. The median age was 31.0 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 1,263 people (27.7%) aged under 15 years, 963 (21.1%) aged 15 to 29, 1,719 (37.7%) aged 30 to 64, and 618 (13.5%) aged 65 or older.[9]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 35.4% European (Pākehā); 81.5% Māori; 8.3% Pasifika; 3.6% Asian; 0.3% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 0.8% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 94.9%, Māori language by 25.2%, Samoan by 0.6% and other languages by 3.2%. No language could be spoken by 3.0% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 1.4%. The percentage of people born overseas was 7.2, compared with 28.8% nationally.

Religious affiliations were 36.5% Christian, 0.6% Hindu, 0.1% Islam, 12.4% Māori religious beliefs, 0.2% Buddhist, 0.1% New Age, and 0.9% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 41.6%, and 8.5% of people did not answer the census question.

Of those at least 15 years old, 252 (7.6%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 1,914 (58.0%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 1,080 (32.7%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $28,100, compared with $41,500 nationally. 90 people (2.7%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 1,263 (38.3%) people were employed full-time, 342 (10.4%) were part-time, and 273 (8.3%) were unemployed.[9]

Ngapuhi statistical area

[edit]

The area around Kaikohe, from the southern side of Lake Ōmāpere to Kaikohe Airport and including Ngawha Springs, is the statistical area of Ngapuhi, which covers 175.14 km2 (67.62 sq mi)[1] and had an estimated population of 1,990 as of June 2024,[11] with a population density of 11 people per km2.

Historical population for Ngapuhi
YearPop.±% p.a.
20061,506—    
20131,347−1.58%
20181,776+5.69%
20231,920+1.57%
The 2006 population is for a larger area of 175.39 km2
Source: [12][13]

Ngapuhi had a population of 1,920 in the 2023 New Zealand census, an increase of 144 people (8.1%) since the 2018 census, and an increase of 573 people (42.5%) since the 2013 census. There were 1,152 males, 765 females and 3 people of other genders in 495 dwellings.[14] 1.4% of people identified as LGBTIQ+. The median age was 36.9 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 360 people (18.8%) aged under 15 years, 363 (18.9%) aged 15 to 29, 951 (49.5%) aged 30 to 64, and 249 (13.0%) aged 65 or older.[13]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 41.4% European (Pākehā); 76.4% Māori; 7.7% Pasifika; 1.9% Asian; 0.2% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 1.4% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 96.6%, Māori language by 26.9%, Samoan by 0.6% and other languages by 2.5%. No language could be spoken by 1.9% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.9%. The percentage of people born overseas was 6.7, compared with 28.8% nationally.

Religious affiliations were 35.8% Christian, 0.5% Islam, 9.5% Māori religious beliefs, 0.5% Buddhist, 0.5% New Age, 0.2% Jewish, and 0.6% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 45.9%, and 7.5% of people did not answer the census question.

Of those at least 15 years old, 108 (6.9%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 915 (58.7%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 507 (32.5%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $24,500, compared with $41,500 nationally. 36 people (2.3%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 564 (36.2%) people were employed full-time, 159 (10.2%) were part-time, and 141 (9.0%) were unemployed.[13]

History and culture

[edit]

Early history

[edit]

Originally a Māori village called Ōpango, Kaikohe is recognised as being the very heart of the culture of the great Ngāpuhi iwi. In the early 19th century a rival Māori tribe raided the village and fugitives subsisted among the Kohekohe (a native tree) groves on Tokareireia (Kaikohe Hill). After the incident, the village became known as Kaikohekohe (kai meaning food) but was later shortened to Kaikohe.

Battles during the Flagstaff War (also known as 'Hōne Heke's Rebellion') were fought around Kaikohe: at Hōne Heke's pā at Puketutu on the shores of Lake Ōmāpere; followed by a battle at Te Ahuahu; with the warriors of Te Ruki Kawiti fighting the Battle of Ōhaeawai. St. Michael's Anglican Church in nearby Ngāwhā Springs was built on the site of the pā at which the battle took place. The warrior chief Hōne Heke settled in Kaikohe after fighting ceased, and died there in 1850.[15] His grand-nephew Hone Heke Ngapua, MP for Northern Maori, also lived in Kaikohe. In April 1911, a monument to him was unveiled on Kaikohe Hill by Sir James Carroll, acting Prime Minister. A park in the town is dedicated to Rawiri Taiwhanga who has a very strong claim to being New Zealand's first commercial dairy farmer. He milked a herd of cows and sold butter in 1834.

The Aperahama Church named after Aperahama Te Awa who is buried in the churchyard

To the west of the town is the Aperahama Anglican Church, named after Aperahama Te Awa. It was opened in 1885, a year after his death, and he is buried in the churchyard. It is on the site of an earlier church, built in 1837, and the existing memorial gates were erected and dedicated for that earlier church.[16][17] The building is registered as a place ".... of special or outstanding historical or cultural heritage significance or value...." by Heritage New Zealand.

Kaikohe was an important location for the late 19th/early 20th century kauri gum digging trade.[18]

Also in the town is a Pioneer Village, a 19th-century Northland community recreated with all its colourful atmosphere, history and detail.

[edit]

Kaikohe was linked to the national rail network with the arrival of a branch line railway being built from Otiria on the North Auckland Line to Kaitaia, which opened to Kaikohe on 1 May 1914. The line continued north to Ōkaihau, opening on 29 October 1923 and eventually reached Rangiahua, although the section between Okaihau and Rangiahua was never handed over to the New Zealand Railways Department for operation and the line never reached Kaitaia. The line between Okaihau and Rangiahua was operated for a short time by the Public Works Department before being closed and dismantled during World War II. The railway through Kaikohe thus became known as the Okaihau Branch.

Although Kaikohe became the service centre of the Far North, it failed to generate much rail traffic in the early years of the line. During the first ten months of existence, just 1,500 tons of inbound freight was carried, with roughly half that carried outbound, and the decline continued to the point where in 1918 Kaikohe lost its stationmaster. Minimal services were offered, and although losses increased up to 1930, fortunes had somewhat improved by 1940, and by 1950 there was sufficient traffic to justify six trains each way a week. Two carried only freight, while four were mixed goods/passenger trains. At that time, a full complement of staff was again employed at Kaikohe.

When railcars were introduced on services north of Auckland in November 1956, they ran through Kaikohe all the way to Okaihau. Previously, a carriage train known as the Northland Express had run from Auckland to Opua with connections to Kaikohe and Okaihau via the mixed trains, but with the change of the northern terminus to Okaihau, the branch increased in importance. This proved to be short-lived; in July 1967 the popular railcar service was withdrawn due to mechanical problems plaguing the railcars. Passengers had to use the mixed trains, with significantly older rolling stock on a slower schedule. Demand decreased and the branch closed to passengers on 21 June 1976.

In 1977, a relaxation of road transport laws led to a decline in freight traffic on the line and forestry proposals that would have required a railway service failed to eventuate. Scheduled trains were cancelled beyond Kaikohe on 12 August 1983, and for a little over four years the line was shunted when required. The branch closed on 1 November 1987 and the track has been lifted. The rail corridor through Kaikohe is still owned by the New Zealand Railways Corporation, being retained in case any forestry proposals come to fruition and the railway is again required, although it now forms part of the Twin Coast Cycle Trail.

Marae

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The Kaikohe area has three Ngāpuhi marae:

Local government

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From 1876, Kaikohe was administered as part of Bay of Islands County.[21] The town attained borough status on 1 July 1947, separating from Bay of Islands County, after a poll of Kaikohe electors saw a vote for the establishment of the borough of 207 votes in favour and 27 against.[22][23] The first mayor and members of the Kaikohe Borough Council were elected on 20 August 1947.[24] In the 1989 local government reforms, Kaikohe Borough re-amalgamated with Bay of Islands County and joined with Mangonui County, Hokianga County, Whangaroa County and Kaitaia Borough to create the Far North District. Kaikohe was selected to be the seat of the new district and the council's main headquarters are located in the township. [25]

Mayors of Kaikohe

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During the period of the Kaikohe Borough Council from 1947 to 1989, Kaikohe had at least five mayors. The following is an incomplete list:

Name Term of office Notes
1 Harold Fisher Guy 1947–1959 [26]
2 Pearce Melvin Eddy Williams 1959–1971 [27]
3 Wally Lomax 1971–1977 [28]
4 Nītama Paewai 1977–1980 [29]

Attractions

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Kaikohe is the geographical centre of the Far North. Within a 50 km radius are the Bay of Islands and the Waipoua, Puketi and Omahuta kauri forests. Also not far away are the Whangaroa and Hokianga harbours, the Waiomio limestone caves, many beaches and bays, and historic Kerikeri which is Northland's largest town. It is also the home of the Kaikohe Demolition Derby which featured in the "Kaikohe Demolition" movie[30] filmed by Florian Habicht.

The Twin Coast Cycle Trail, part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail project, runs through the town.

Notable residents

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Former New Zealand Prime Minister David Lange lived in Kaikohe for a time. Former New Zealand First Member of Parliament and brother of Winston Peters, Jim Peters, is a current resident. Christian Huriwai, winner of the street unicycling competition at the 2010 World Championships in Wellington, is a current resident. The New Zealand Kiwis rugby league player Olsen Filipaina was born in the town.[31] Two professional boxers have lived in Kaikohe including Daniella Smith and Patricia Vaka.

Education

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Northland College is a secondary (years 9-15) school with a roll of 286.[32] It was founded in 1947 on the site of a former United States Army camp.[33] The school incorporates a working farm and forestry block.[34] A $14 million reconstruction of the school was completed in 2016–17.[35]

Kaikohe Intermediate School (years 7–8) has a roll of 125.[36] It was established in 1969, taking over the grounds of the former Kaikohe Primary School.[33]

Kaikohe East School and Kaikohe West School are contributing primary (years 1–6) schools with rolls of 245[37] and 176[38] respectively. Kaikohe West School opened in 1882 as Kaikohe Native School. The name changed to Kaikohe Maori School in the mid-1950s, and to the current name in 1969.[39] Kaikohe East School has a Māori unit offering bilingual and total immersion classes.[33]

Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kaikohe is a composite (years 1–15) school with a roll of 211.[40] It is a Kura Kaupapa Māori school which teaches fully in the Māori language through to Year 13. The school originated in the early 1990s and opened on its present site about 2003.[33]

Kaikohe Christian School is a state-integrated composite school (years 1–13) with a roll of 160[41] The school has a Kaikohe campus and a smaller Kerikeri campus which opened in 1985[33] and 2004,[42] respectively.

All these schools are coeducational. School rolls are as of August 2024[43].

NorthTec polytechnic also has a campus in Kaikohe.[44]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "ArcGIS Web Application". statsnz.maps.arcgis.com. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "Aotearoa Data Explorer". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  3. ^ "EDITORIAL – Hard-hit Kaikohe needs to reinvent itself". The Northern Advocate. 11 November 2007.
  4. ^ "KAIKOHE". Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 11 December 2012.
  5. ^ Best, Elsdon (1927). "Old Forts of the Taiamai District, Bay of Islands". The Pa Maori. Whitcombe and Tombs Limited.
  6. ^ "CliFlo – National Climate Database : Kaikohe Aws". NIWA. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  7. ^ "CliFlo -The National Climate Database (Agent numbers: 1129, 1134)". NIWA. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
  8. ^ "Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census". Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. Kaikohe (103500). 2018 Census place summary: Kaikohe
  9. ^ a b c "Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses". Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Kaikohe (1026). Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  10. ^ "Totals by topic for dwellings, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses". Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  11. ^ "Aotearoa Data Explorer". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  12. ^ "Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census". Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. Ngapuhi (103400). 2018 Census place summary: Ngapuhi
  13. ^ a b c "Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses". Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Ngapuhi (103401). Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  14. ^ "Totals by topic for dwellings, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses". Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  15. ^ "The Church Missionary Gleaner, June 1851". Heke. Adam Matthew Digital. Retrieved 18 October 2015.
  16. ^ "Early Church History in Kaikohe".
  17. ^ "Aperahama, Kaikohe, Northland". Don Donovan.
  18. ^ Hayward, Bruce W. (1989). Kauri Gum and the Gumdiggers. The Bush Press. p. 4. ISBN 0-908608-39-X.
  19. ^ "Te Kāhui Māngai directory". tkm.govt.nz. Te Puni Kōkiri.
  20. ^ "Māori Maps". maorimaps.com. Te Potiki National Trust.
  21. ^ "Kaikohe". The Cyclopedia of New Zealand (Auckland Provincial District. Christchurch: Cyclopedia Company. 1902. p. 575. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  22. ^ "Kaikohe gazetted a borough". Northern Advocate. 27 June 1947. p. 6. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  23. ^ "Big majority for Kaikohe borough". Northern Advocate. 19 June 1947. p. 4. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  24. ^ "Kaikohe's mayor and corporation". Northern Advocate. 21 August 1947. p. 4. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  25. ^ "Governance". Far North District Council. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
  26. ^ "Clock set to tick again". Northern News. 12 June 2013. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
  27. ^ "Mrs Kirk created D.B.E." The Press. Vol. 115, no. 33731. 2 January 1975. p. 1. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
  28. ^ "Kaikohe mayor". The Press. Vol. 111, no. 32736. 13 October 1971. p. 3. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
  29. ^ Paewai, Manahi. "Paewai, Manahi Nītama". Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
  30. ^ "Kaikohe Demolition". The New Zealand Film Archive. Archived from the original on 8 July 2008. Retrieved 23 August 2008.
  31. ^ Skene, Patrick (2020). The big O. Auckland: Mower. p. 30. ISBN 978-1-988516-84-4.
  32. ^ Education Counts: Northland College
  33. ^ a b c d e "Education". Archived from the original on 14 October 2008.
  34. ^ "Northland College – The School". Archived from the original on 8 October 2007. Retrieved 17 January 2008.
  35. ^ "College rebuild a boon".
  36. ^ Education Counts: Kaikohe Intermediate
  37. ^ Education Counts: Kaikohe East School
  38. ^ Education Counts: Kaikohe West School
  39. ^ "Kaikohe West School – Information". Archived from the original on 8 September 2007. Retrieved 17 January 2008.
  40. ^ Education Counts: Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kaikohe
  41. ^ Education Counts: Kaikohe Christian School
  42. ^ "Kaikohe Christian School – About".
  43. ^ "New Zealand Schools Directory". New Zealand Ministry of Education. Retrieved 17 September 2024.
  44. ^ "Kaikohe". NorthTec. Retrieved 4 March 2010.
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