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Kawerau, New Zealand

Bay of Plenty · New Zealand

Kawerau is a small city in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand with a population of 7,670. Elevation: 151 ft (46 m). Average temperature: 49°F (9°C).

1.5 /5.0
D Poor
7,670 Population 906/sq mi density
151 ft Elevation 46 meters
49°F Avg Temperature 9°C
110.2 in Annual Rain
Pacific / Auckland Timezone
$17,340 Median Income
D
Overall
1.5 / 5.0
Poor overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
D
Economy
1.9 / 5.0
$17,340 median income, 22.0% unemployment
F
Affordability
1.0 / 5.0
$174,200 home value, $871/mo rent

Discover Kawerau, New Zealand

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile

People

Population7,670
Median Age34.2 yrs
Density906/mi²

Economy

D
Median Income$17,340
Per Capita$17,340
Unemployment22.0%

Housing

F
Home Value$174,200
Rent$871
Ownership65.4%
Housing Units3,068

Climate

Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
Rain110.2 in/yr
Sunny Days273/yr
Elevation151 ft (46 m)
Population7,670
Population Density906 / sq mi
Elevation151 ft (46 m)
Coordinates-38.1000°, 176.7000°
TimezonePacific/Auckland
Country🇳🇿 New Zealand
State / ProvinceBay of Plenty
Average Temperature49°F (9°C)
January Average56°F (13°C)
July Average42°F (5°C)
Annual Precipitation110.2 inches (2,798 mm)
Annual Snowfall0.0 inches (0 cm)
Median Household Income$17,340
Median Age34.2 years

About Kawerau

Kawerau is a small city in New Zealand (Bay of Plenty) with a population of 7,670. The city sits at an elevation of 151 feet (46 meters) above sea level. The average annual temperature is 49°F (9°C). Temperatures range from 56°F in January to 42°F in July. Annual precipitation averages 110.2 inches. The timezone is Pacific/Auckland.

Kawerau has a population of 7,670 with a density of 906 people per square mile, spread across 8.5 square miles. The median age is 34.2 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9.

Population

7,670
Total Population
906
People / sq mi
34.2yrs
Median Age
12% below New Zealand avg
8.5mi²
Land Area

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages 100.0%

Social Characteristics

Kawerau vs New Zealand Average

The median household income in Kawerau is $17,340, which is 77% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,340 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $333, 77% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 22.0% (above the 3.6% US average). The area has 706 business establishments.

Income: Kawerau vs New Zealand

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$17,340
77% below New Zealand avg
Per Capita Income$17,340
Avg Weekly Wage$333

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment22.0%
511% above New Zealand avg
Establishments (County)706

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Commute & Transportation

Walkability

The median home value in Kawerau is $174,200, 38% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $871 (25% below the national average of $1,163). 65.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,068 total housing units in the city. The home price-to-income ratio is 10x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$174,200
38% below New Zealand avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$871
25% below New Zealand avg

Ownership & Property

Homeownership65.4%
Owner-Occupied65.4%
Renter-Occupied34.6%
Housing Units3,068

Property Tax

Climate in Kawerau

Kawerau has an average annual temperature of 0°C (32°F). The hottest month is Jan (0°C), the coldest is Jan (0°C). Average annual precipitation is 1511 mm.

Month Avg °C / °F Min / Max °C Rain (mm)
Jan 0°C / 32°F — / — 99.0
Feb 0°C / 32°F — / — 114.0
Mar 0°C / 32°F — / — 117.0
Apr 0°C / 32°F — / — 117.0
May 0°C / 32°F — / — 150.0
Jun 0°C / 32°F — / — 150.0
Jul 0°C / 32°F — / — 142.0
Aug 0°C / 32°F — / — 137.0
Sep 0°C / 32°F — / — 127.0
Oct 0°C / 32°F — / — 122.0
Nov 0°C / 32°F — / — 104.0
Dec 0°C / 32°F — / — 132.0
Kawerau experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 56°F in January while summers reach 42°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 273 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 110.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 151 feet.

Temperature

56°F Jan (13°C) 42°F Jul (5°C)
Annual Average49.0°F
9% below New Zealand avg
January Average56°F (13°C)
July Average42°F (5°C)
Sunny Days273 days/yr

Geography

Elevation151 ft (46 m)
Area8.5 sq mi (21.9 km²)
Population Density906/sq mi
Coordinates-38.1000°N, 176.7000°W
TimezonePacific/Auckland

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 110.2"
190% above New Zealand avg
Snowfall 0.0"
Wettest Month (Aug) 6.38"
Driest Month (Jan) 4.13"

Air Quality

Earthquake History

1,679 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M6.5. Most recent: M4.1 on Aug 5, 2025.

Dec 15, 1994 83 km NNE of Opotiki, New Zealand M6.5 116 km
Aug 10, 1993 42 km WNW of Gisborne, New Zealand M6.4 88 km
Dec 7, 2012 27 km SE of Tokoroa, New Zealand M6.3 66 km
Jun 21, 1992 31 km NNW of Whakatane, New Zealand M6.2 48 km
Oct 25, 1999 24 km W of Taupo, New Zealand M6.2 103 km
May 18, 1999 54 km S of Otorohanga, New Zealand M5.8 141 km
May 16, 1992 25 km NNW of Gisborne, New Zealand M5.8 108 km
Aug 18, 1999 74 km N of Opotiki, New Zealand M5.7 101 km
Oct 16, 2012 8 km NE of Taupo, New Zealand M5.6 76 km
Jan 27, 2011 21 km NNW of Taupo, New Zealand M5.6 76 km
Mar 22, 1990 115 km NE of Maketu, New Zealand M5.6 138 km
May 5, 2023 82 km NNE of Whakatane, New Zealand M5.6 107 km
Mar 25, 1992 28 km N of Whakatane, New Zealand M5.6 50 km
Jul 18, 2004 20 km WNW of Kawerau, New Zealand M5.6 20 km
May 24, 2001 38 km WNW of Turangi, New Zealand M5.5 142 km
Nov 16, 1991 60 km NNE of Maketu, New Zealand M5.5 92 km
Jul 5, 2011 29 km W of Taupo, New Zealand M5.5 105 km
Mar 23, 1999 12 km NNW of Edgecumbe, New Zealand M5.4 26 km
Jul 7, 2012 8 km S of Turangi, New Zealand M5.3 133 km
Aug 17, 2002 13 km W of Edgecumbe, New Zealand M5.3 15 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

7 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 1.5 m (5 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1910 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Meteorological 1.5 m 1 128 km
2022 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Earthquake 1.0 m — 104 km
1956 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Earthquake 0.9 m — 119 km
1914 TOLAGA BAY, NORTH ISLAND Eruption + Earthquake — 1 136 km
1895 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Eruption + Earthquake — — 99 km
1846 LAKE TAUPO, NORTH ISLAND Unknown — — 128 km
1831 POVERTY BAY, NORTH ISLAND Earthquake — — 132 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

8 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Okataina (18 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Okataina Lava dome(s) 1,111 m (3,645 ft) 1981 18 km
Reporoa Caldera 592 m (1,942 ft) 1180 48 km
Maroa Caldera(s) 897 m (2,943 ft) 180 65 km
Whakaari/White Island Stratovolcano(es) 294 m (965 ft) 2019 77 km
Mayor Island Shield 355 m (1,165 ft) -5060 99 km
Taupo Caldera 760 m (2,493 ft) 260 101 km
Tongariro Stratovolcano(es) 1,978 m (6,490 ft) 2012 150 km
Ruapehu Stratovolcano 2,797 m (9,177 ft) 2007 164 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 56°F (13°C) 4.1 in Driest
February 65°F (19°C) 4.2 in Warmest
March 63°F (17°C) 5.7 in
April 58°F (14°C) 4.9 in
May 52°F (11°C) 5.1 in
June 48°F (9°C) 6.3 in
July 42°F (5°C) 5.6 in Coldest
August 49°F (9°C) 6.4 in Wettest
September 52°F (11°C) 5.4 in
October 55°F (13°C) 4.8 in
November 59°F (15°C) 4.6 in
December 63°F (17°C) 5.4 in

Kawerau has a seasonal temperature swing of 24°F / from 42°F in July to 65°F in February. Total annual precipitation is 62.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (6.4") and January the driest (4.1").

View full weather details →

Schools in Kawerau

5 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Te Whata Tau o Putauaki — — — —
Kawerau Putauaki School — — — —
Tarawera High School — — — —
Kawerau South School — — — —
Te Mahoe School — — — —
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Kawerau

1 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
Keep Laughing Forever Radio 80's, 90's MP3 128 kbps

Libraries in Kawerau

NameAddressStaffAnnual VisitsCirculationCollectionPrograms
Edgecumbe Library0.0
Library and Museum0.0

Hotels in Kawerau

1 hotels within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Kawerau Hotel

Restaurants in Kawerau

2 restaurants within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

The Mansoon Limited Indian restaurant
The Woodsmen restaurant and Grill

Cafes in Kawerau

1 cafes within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

The Bakehouse Cafe

Gas Stations in Kawerau

4 gas stations within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

G.A.S.
Gull Kawerau
NZ #10268962851
Z Kawerau

Shopping Malls in Kawerau

1 shopping malls within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Tarawera Mall

Golf Courses in Kawerau

2 golf courses within city radius — OpenStreetMap data

Hinehopu Golf Course
Kawerau Golf Course

Airports Near Kawerau

11 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Rotorua Regional AirportROTMedium Airport
Taupo AirportTUOMedium Airport
Tauranga AirportTRGMedium Airport
Whakatāne AirportWHKMedium Airport
Centennial Park Aerodrome—Small Airport
Galatea Airfield—Small Airport
Matakana Island Airport—Small Airport
Motiti Island Airport—Small Airport
Mount Tarawera Airport—Small Airport
Opotiki Airport—Small Airport
Waihi Beach Airport—Small Airport

Post Offices in Kawerau

1 post offices.

Post OfficeAddress
NZ Post Kawerau

Churches & Religious Organizations in Kawerau

10 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
House of Hope / Whare Tumanako (AOG)
Kawerau Bible Chapel
Kawerau Christian Fellowship
Kawerau Community Church
Kawerau Lutheran Church
Kingdom Hall of Jehovas Witnesses
Lutheran Church
Presbyterian Church
Saint Gerards Parish
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Explore Near Kawerau

Waterfalls
1
Natural waterfalls documented by USGS and OpenStreetMap contributors
View all →

Quick Facts

Timezone
Pacific/Auckland

🇳🇿 About New Zealand

Capital Wellington
Population 4,885,500
Area 268,680 km²
GDP (USD) $255,194,972,673
GDP per capita $49,076
HDI 0.939
Life expectancy 83.0 years
Internet users 96.2%
Urban population 83.9%
Currency NZD (Dollar)
Languages English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
Calling code +64
TLD .nz
Driving side left

Volcanoes Near Kawerau

Volcano Type Elevation Last Eruption
Okataina Lava dome(s) 1,111 m 1981

Public Holidays in New Zealand

23 public holidays this year

Date Holiday Local Name
Jan 1 New Year's Day New Year's Day
Jan 2 Day after New Year's Day Day after New Year's Day
Jan 19 Wellington Anniversary Day Wellington Anniversary Day
Jan 26 Auckland Anniversary Day Auckland/Northland Anniversary Day
Feb 2 Nelson Anniversary Day Nelson Anniversary Day
Feb 6 Waitangi Day Waitangi Day
Mar 9 Taranaki Anniversary Day Taranaki Anniversary Day
Mar 23 Otago Anniversary Day Otago Anniversary Day
Apr 3 Good Friday Good Friday
Apr 6 Easter Monday Easter Monday
Apr 7 Southland Anniversary Day Southland Anniversary Day
Apr 27 Anzac Day Anzac Day
Jun 1 King's Birthday King's Birthday
Jul 10 Matariki Matariki
Sep 28 Canterbury (South) Anniversary Day Dominion Day
Oct 23 Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day
Oct 26 Labour Day Labour Day
Nov 2 Marlborough Anniversary Day Marlborough Anniversary Day
Nov 13 Canterbury Anniversary Day Canterbury (North & Central) Anniversary Day
Nov 30 Chatham Islands Anniversary Day Chatham Islands Anniversary Day
Nov 30 Westland Anniversary Day Westland Anniversary Day
Dec 25 Christmas Day Christmas Day
Dec 28 Boxing Day Boxing Day

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Kawerau.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Kawerau

What is the population of Kawerau?

Kawerau has a population of 7,670 residents and is located in New Zealand. The population density is 906 people per square mile, spread across 8.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years.

Is Kawerau expensive to live in?

The median household income is $17,340, 77% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $174,200 (38% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $871 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 10x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.

What is the weather like in Kawerau?

Kawerau has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 56°F in January, while summers reach an average of 42°F in July. The area receives 273 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 110.2 inches.

How is the job market in Kawerau?

The job market in Kawerau faces challenges, with unemployment at 22.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $333. There are 706 business establishments in the area.

How much does housing cost in Kawerau?

The median home value in Kawerau is $174,200. For renters, the median monthly rent is $871. The homeownership rate is 65.4%.

Nearby Cities

Edgecumbe, E8 1,900 pop · 10.8 mi Awakeri, E8 2,289 pop · 12.9 mi Taneatua, E8 1,497 pop · 17.4 mi Whakatane, E8 18,602 pop · 18.4 mi Ohope Beach, E8 3,250 pop · 22.2 mi Ohinemutu, E8 1,260 pop · 22.9 mi Hamurana, E8 1,130 pop · 24.0 mi Rotorua, E8 65,901 pop · 24.9 mi Murupara, E8 1,876 pop · 25.3 mi Utuhina, E8 1,620 pop · 25.7 mi Kaharoa, E8 1,617 pop · 26.3 mi Maketu, E8 1,410 pop · 26.8 mi Ngongotaha, E8 5,240 pop · 27.2 mi Te Puke, E8 10,500 pop · 30.0 mi
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