Rotoiti, Bay of Plenty

Rotoiti is described by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement, and covers 5.86 km² (2.26 sq mi)[1] and had an estimated population of 530 as of June 2023,[2] with a population density of 90 people per km². Rotoiti is part of the larger Rotoiti-Rotoehu statistical area.[3]

Rotoiti had a population of 498 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 87 people (21.2%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 3 people (0.6%) since the 2006 census. There were 147 households, comprising 255 males and 240 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.06 males per female, with 126 people (25.3%) aged under 15 years, 90 (18.1%) aged 15 to 29, 210 (42.2%) aged 30 to 64, and 72 (14.5%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 33.1% European/Pākehā, 77.1% Māori, 4.2% Pacific peoples, 1.8% Asian, and 1.8% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 38.0% had no religion, 44.6% were Christian, 7.8% had Māori religious beliefs, 0.6% were Hindu, 0.6% were Buddhist and 1.8% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 78 (21.0%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 60 (16.1%) people had no formal qualifications. 42 people (11.3%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 159 (42.7%) people were employed full-time, 63 (16.9%) were part-time, and 36 (9.7%) were unemployed.[4]

The northern end of Rotoiti township.

The area has seven marae.

Punawhakareia Marae and Uenuku mai Rarotonga meeting house is a meeting place of the Ngāti Pikiao hapū of Ngāti Te Rangiunuora.[5][6]

Ruato Marae or Ngā Pūmanawa Marae and Ngā Pūmanawa e Waru meeting house is a meeting place of Ngāti Rongomai.[5][6]

Tapuaekura a Hatupatu Marae and meeting house is a meeting place of Ngāti Rongomai.[5][6]

Tapuaeharuru Marae and Uruika meeting house is a meeting place of the Ngāti Pikiao hapū of Ngāti Kawiti and Ngāti Tamateatutahi.[5][6]

Taurua Marae and Te Rangiunuora meeting house is a meeting place of the Ngāti Pikiao hapū of Ngāti Te Rangiunuora.[5][6]

Te Waiiti Marae and Hinekura meeting house is a meeting place of Ngāti Rongomai and the Ngāti Pikiao hapū of Ngāti Hinekura.[5][6]

Waikōhatu Marae and Tarāwhai meeting house is a meeting place of the Ngāti Tarāwhai hapū of Ngāti Rangitakaroro.[5][6]

In October 2020, the Government committed $4,525,104 from the Provincial Growth Fund to upgrade Taurua Marae and nine others, creating an estimated 34 jobs. It committed $2,984,246 to upgrade Punawhakareia Marae, Ruato Marae, Tapuaekura a Hatupatu Marae, Tapuaeharuru Marae, Te Waiiti Marae and Te Awhe o te Rangi Marae, creating 20 jobs. Another $499,993 was committed to upgrading Waikōhatu Marae, creating 25 jobs.[7]

Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Rotoiti is a co-educational state Māori language immersion primary school,[8] with a roll of 43 as of April 2023.[9]