Tauranga Population and Facts

Facts about Tauranga & our Population

Interesting Facts & Information about the Tauranga Population

In New Zealand’s North Island, Tauranga City has become one of New Zealand’s favourite over the years. Here are some interesting facts about the Bay of Plenty city, Tauranga.

This coastal metropolis is the fifth most populous city in New Zealand. Its urban population is around 155,200(June 2021 estimate), which is roughly 3% of the national total. Maori people first settled the region in the late thirteenth century, and Europeans began colonizing the area in the early nineteenth century. It was constituted as a city in 1963.

What is the current Tauranga Population?

Tauranga is the largest city in the Bay of Plenty and has become the fifth largest urban area in New Zealand, surpassing Dunedin. The population of Tauranga city currently sits at 155,200 people as of a recent 2021 estimate, according to Statistics New Zealand. The Tauranga population growth had risen 14 percent between the 2001 and the 2006 census. This was a surge in population growth that propelled Tauranga to become New Zealand’s 5th largest city.

Tauranga Population – 136,713 (2018, Statistics New Zealand)
Tauranga City holds 2.7 percent of New Zealand’s population.
The Tauranga population currently ranks 6th in size out of the 67 districts in New Zealand.
Males In Tauranga – 65,868 (2018, Statistics New Zealand)
Females In Tauranga – 70,845(2018, Statistics New Zealand)

There are plenty of reasons for the huge increase in growth within Tauranga. These include the city’s highly sought after natural environment, wonderful climate, and a robust economy anchored by the Port of Tauranga.

Others have also noted the acclaimed “Auckland effect” where people relocated from New Zealand’s largest city to “enjoy the change in lifestyle and easier access to property ownership”.

Statistics New Zealand estimate that Tauranga’s population would break 129,000 people in 2018 – which would be an increase of about 13,000 in five years.

What is the Population of Mount Maunganui?

If we were to consider the “whole” of Mount Maunganui according to what people believe it is, the population of Mt Maunganui would be 19,065, according to the 2013 Statistics New Zealand.

If only truly looking at the suburb of Mount Maunganui North, the population would then be 4,131. Which is an increase of 396 people, since the 2006 Census.

Population of Mount Maunganui – 19,065 (2018, Statistics New Zealand)

Population of Papamoa

Papamoa has undergone a major transformation from a widely popular rural and holiday destination to now having become Tauranga’s largest suburb. The population of Papamoa has now grown to 25,272, according to the 2018 census. For Papamoa, this growth has really only just begun, with development expected to continue spreading eastwards over the coming years.

With the completion of the Tauranga Eastern Link, the attractiveness for both businesses and households would have grown immensely. This would be due to the more ease of access both into Tauranga city and out towards the eastern Bay of Plenty.

Population of Papamoa – 25,272 (2018, Statistics New Zealand)

For Papamoa in the short-term, retail and other services will continue to grow primarily throughout the neighbourhood centres.

For Papamoa long-term, as residential construction makes it’s way into the Te Tumu area, there may be potential for a more significant retail centre to be developed.

What about the Te Puke Population?

The Te Puke population continues to grow as does the city of Tauranga. In fact, the Tauranga population has grown by the size of Te Puke in the last two years and is set to continue growing.

The Te Puke population sits at 8,688, according to the Statistics New Zealand census in 2018.

Series of Additional Quick Facts about Tauranga City (2018 Census)

These facts follow the latest, official information brought forward by the New Zealand Government. This information is according to the 2018 census. You can find this information on Stats NZ. This info covers Tauranga, within the Bay of Plenty region.

Quick stats about the local population counts for Tauranga City

Median Age – 40.4 Years old
Males – 65,868
Females – 70,845
Number of Maori – 24,912
Median Age of Maori – 24.9 Years old

Dwelling count stats for Tauranga City

Occupied Private Dwellings – 50,739
Unoccupied Private Dwellings – 4,884
Occupied Non-Private Dwellings – 177
Total Private Dwellings – 56,253

Other quick stats about relationship status within Tauranga

Never married and never in a civil union – 29.0%
Married (not separated) – 51.7%

Stats about ethnicity within the Tauranga City region

European ethnic group – 81.7%
Maori ethic group – 18.2%
Pacific – 2.9%
Asian – 7.6%
Other – 2.2%

Quick stats about birthplace for the Tauranga region

Born in New Zealand – 78.1%
Born Overseas – 21.9%

More quick stats about the languages spoken throughout Tauranga City

Te reo Māori speakers – 4.1%
New Zealand Sign Language – 0.4%
English Speakers – 96.6%

Quick stats about those who travel to work throughout Tauranga

Drive a private vehicle – 62.3%
Drive a company vehicle – 13.8%
Work at home – 12.6%
Walk or jog – 2.9%

Tauranga is the Most Populous City in the Bay of Plenty Region

One of the best things about living in Tauranga is its waterfront location, which is visible from just about everywhere. Tauranga’s beautiful harbour is the perfect spot for sailing, fishing, and even dolphin tours. You can also visit many of the city’s beauty spots, including the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park and McLaren Falls. Regardless of your interests, Tauranga has something to offer everyone.

The City of Tauranga is the largest in the Bay of Plenty and one of the fastest growing cities in New Zealand. With more than 130,000 people, it’s the economic hub for the Bay of Plenty region. Whether you’re interested in the arts, history, or horticulture, there’s something in Tauranga for you. And with its coastline, islands, and harbours, you’ll never be short of things to do in Tauranga.

A recent census shows that the city has a majority of European/Pakeha population, with only a small proportion of Maori. In addition, Tauranga is on the antipode of Spain, which makes it a popular surfing destination. There are numerous beaches, including the famous Mt Maunganui Beach.

Tauranga has a Maritime Temperate Climate

The Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand is a maritime climate. The coastal region includes Tauranga, a city in the north-western corner of the Bay. Tauranga is the largest city of the region, occupying 168 square kilometres of land.

The mean annual temperature in New Zealand is around 16degC. This means the coldest month is July and the warmest month is February or January. Areas protected from westerlies generally enjoy more sunshine, with more than 2000 hours of sunshine per year. The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research collects 270 million records from 5,900 land-based weather stations. The Meteorological Service forecasts weather conditions for the country.

The climate makes for great fishing throughout the region, both out on a boat or fishing charter or off of some local fishing spot.

It has an All Weather Athletics Ground

If you are interested in competing in all weather athletics, Tauranga is fortunate to have an all weather athletics ground. This track is used for school meets and for Pakuranga Athletic Club competitions. In addition to local meets, Tauranga has hosted Athletics Auckland Senior Meets and the Northern Region Heptathlon and Decathlon Championships. There are also several international competitions hosted in Tauranga.

The all weather athletics track at Tauranga’s Domain once remained closed for three months to undergo resurfacing and upgrade to international standards. The track was laid in 2007 and is the only all weather track in the region. However, the track was showing signs of wear and tear because of exposure to high UV rays. NZCT is very proud to be supporting local kiwis in their pursuit of international athletics, and it is pleased to help make the Tauranga track even better for everyone.

It has a Port Located in the Tauranga Harbour

Tauranga is home to the second largest port in New Zealand. Its wharves and marshalling yards are located in the suburb of Mt Maunganui. In 1914, the port handled just twenty thousand tons of cargo. The vast majority of this cargo was imported. By 1954, the total cargo volume was 106 thousand tons, with about three-quarters of that being exported. In 1964, the total volume of cargo handled in the port was over nine hundred thousand tons, with two million of these cargoes going to overseas markets. In 1974, the port handled 2.9 million tons of cargo, including 1.9 million tons of exports and 1.1 million tons of imports.

In 1853, Captain Drury chartered the Port of Tauranga. New Zealand’s governor officially established the port in 1873. The first big sailing ship, the Lady Jocelyn, entered the harbor in 1882. In 1912, the Tauranga Harbour Board was formed, and in 1927 the railway wharf was completed. It was used for coastal shipping until 1948. After that, it was taken over by the city’s government, which made it a prime location for international trade.

Tauranga is Wonderfully Culturally Diverse

Before European settlers began to arrive in New Zealand, the Maori population in Tauranga was estimated to be about 90,000. The Maori population was centered in the coastal regions, and it declined to 60,000 by 1860. In the following years, Maori numbers continued to decline rapidly. However, they began to increase again, and Tauranga’s population jumped by almost 20,000.

The city was first settled by Maori in the 13th century. It was then colonized by Europeans during the 1860s and eventually constituted as a city in 1963.

The city is home to many different religions. The city is home to many different denominations of Christianity, including the Latter-day Saints Church. Besides the Maori community, there are a number of Christians, including the Christian Church, and many other denominations of the Christian religion. The area is also home to Taoism and Judaism. Despite the diversity of the city’s ethnic population, most residents are identified with at least one major religion.