Te Tairāwhiti encompasses an intergenerational layering of connection between everyone, iwi, hapū, marae,
whānau, everyplace and everything in a holistic and interconnected sense – a unique place in the world, settled
by our ancestor Maui some 46 generations ago and followed by successive navigators who brought with them
the tools, methods and gumption to live successful lives underpinned by a deep respect for te Taiao.
The iwi and hapū of Te Tairāwhiti have held fast to the way-finder, navigation and innovative traditions and
legacies of our ancestors that pushed boundaries, ventured beyond the horizons, and thrived in the landscapes
and environments they settled.
The Hauora of our ancestors was deeply interconnected with the wellbeing of the Taiao and this remains the
same today. The Taiao is what grounds us, it is what keeps us well, it is the source of everlasting mauri, it is our
mother and father. From our wai to our ngāhere, to our whenua and moana, to the seen and the unseen, all are
deeply important in ensuring our people flourish.
Source: https://www.ngatiporou.com/nati-biz/rohenga-tipuna
Population Statistics
Total Population approximately = 52,100
57% Māori reside in the Tairawhiti region
4.5% Pasifika reside in the Tairawhiti region
42% under 25 years old
Projected population in 2033: 55,300
Projected Māori population proportion
2033: Approx 63%
Notes:
• “different data sources were used to develop a fulsome regional
profile, as such some inconsistency between data may be present”
• Where available, this profile contains data from the 2023 Census.
Where 2023 Census data is not yet available, the data includes Stats
NZ population estimates and projections usually based on 2018
Census data. In anticipation of further data from Census 2023, we have
kept our regional profile high-level so as not to promote decision
making based on out of date data. More detailed data on health status
(which dates from 2018) can be found in the Tairāwhiti Toitū Te Ora
Health Profile completed by Te Aka Whai Ora