MAIN SETTLEMENTS Usually Resident Population

The majority of the usually resident population of the The largest settlements in the Thames-Coromandel District are , lives in one of the main settlements of the District. In 2006, this figure was Coromandel, , , , Thames, Whangamata and almost 74% – which is similar to previous census years. . Each of the main settlements has different population and growth characteristics. It is important to take these characteristics into account when Between the 1996 and 2006 census nights, the overall usually resident planning and delivering Council services and facilities – both now and in the population of the District increased, despite the fact that there was a decrease future. in the usually resident population of some of the main settlements. The graph

below illustrates the changes in the usually resident populations of the main In order to protect the privacy of census participants, Statistics settlements over the past ten years. The population figure shown on the does not release data when the size of the subject population for a particular graph is from the 2006 Census. category is too small. Hence, data is unavailable in some categories for the smaller settlements in the District (Cooks Beach, Matarangi, Pauanui and Tairua). Usually Resident Population of the Main Settlements 7,542 8,000 1996 This section of the document compares and contrasts the characteristics of 2001 2006 the main settlements in the Thames-Coromandel District. Information on each 6,000 individual main settlement can be found in Appendix C. Usually 3,567 3,768 Re s ide nt 4,000 Population

1,617 2,000 1,296

723 318 249 0

h ui ta ndel an a eac u ames a Tairua h ianga B atarangi P T ks M Whit Coroma Coo Whangam

In 2006 Thames had a usually resident population of 7,542 people followed by Whitianga with 3,768 people and Whangamata with 3,567 people. The usually resident population of Coromandel township was 1,617 people with

12 1,296 living in Tairua, 723 people in Pauanui, 318 people in Cooks Beach and Looking forward 7 249 living in Matarangi.

Population projections developed based on current trends indicate that, with In terms of population growth, in the ten years from 1996 to 2006 Whitianga, the exception of Tairua and Whangamata, the usually resident population of Cooks Beach, Pauanui and Thames experienced growth in the size of the each of the main settlements is likely to continue increasing to the year 2041.8 usually resident population, whereas Coromandel, Matarangi, Tairua and However, the usually resident population of some settlements is projected to Whangamata all experienced a decrease in the usually resident population. grow at a faster rate than others. In the 35 year period from 2006 to 2041 the The percentage change in the usually resident population for this ten year usually resident population of Matarangi is projected to grow by 152% to period, for New Zealand, the District, and each of the main settlements, is reach 627 people. Whitianga and Thames are also projected to experience illustrated on the graph below. fairly high increases in the usually resident population (53% and 34%

respectively). As can be seen from the following graph, the majority of this Percentage Change in the Usually Resident Population growth occurs in the first 20 years of the projection period. 1996-2006

NZ On the other hand, the usually resident populations of Tairua and TC District

Cooks Beach Whangamata are projected to decrease over the next 35 years – Tairua by Coromandel 5% to 1,277 people and Whangamata by 12% to 3,123 people. Matarangi

Pauanui

Tairua

Thames

Whangamata

Whitianga

-40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 % Change

It must be noted that although Matarangi decreased in population by a large percentage, it was from a small base population.

8 A ‘medium’ rate of population growth has been used to project future populations for each of the 7 Appendix A contains a table of population figures from 1996 to 2006. main settlements except Whitianga, where a ‘high’ rate of population growth is expected. 13 Projected Population of the Main Settlements Age 2006-2041 12,000

10,135 In 2006 the median age (half of the population is younger than this and half is 10,000 Coromandel Matarangi older) of the usual residents in each of the larger main settlements was 8,000 Pauanui Tairua considerably higher than for New Zealand. This reflects the general trend of Us ually Thames Resident 6,000 5,773 Population Whangamata the District of having an older population and is shown on the graph below. Whitianga 4,000 3,123 1,916 2,000 1,227 Median Age of the Usually Resident Population 2006 871 627 0 60 2006 2011 2016 2021 2026 2031 2036 2041 (actual) 51 Census Year 46 45 44 46 50

36 40 These projected percentage increases or decreases in the usually resident Age 30 population can be compared to the overall District projection of an increase of 20 19% and a national projection of an increase of 21% by the year 2041. 10

0

el s NZ e ga TCD and am ian m it o Th h or angamata W C h W

14 Housing Housing Occupancy

Between the 1996 and 2006 census periods, the number of dwellings in each As mentioned earlier, on the night of the 2006 Census, only 51% of houses on of the main settlements increased. In 2006, there were 4,182 dwellings in the Coromandel Peninsula were occupied or lived in permanently. However, Whangamata followed by Thames with 3,423 dwellings and Whitianga, with in Thames, 93% of dwellings were occupied by the usual residents. This was 2,811 dwellings. There were 2,175 dwellings in Pauanui, 1,473 in Tairua and comparable to 90% of dwellings occupied in New Zealand as a whole and 972 dwellings in Coromandel township. reflects the fact that Thames has a high permanent resident population. In the rest of the Thames-Coromandel District the percentage of occupied dwellings was far below the national level. Change in Number of Dwellings in the Main Settlements

1996-2006 4500 The occupancy rates of Coromandel (74%) and Whitianga (60%) reflected the 4,182 4000 3,423 more permanent status of these settlements compared to other main 3500 2,811 3000 settlements in the District. Cooks Beach, Matarangi, Pauanui, Tairua and 1996 2500 Num be r of 2,175 Whangamata had a greater percentage of dwellings unoccupied than 2001 Dwellings 2000 1,473 2006 occupied on census night, reflecting their status as popular holiday 1500 879 972 915 1000 destinations containing a large proportion of holiday homes and ‘baches’. 500 0

l i s a h e t ac ng nui ua a Occupancy Status of Dwellings by Percentage a a m Be mande tar Tair a o Pau Tham 2006 ks Ma ang Whitianga Cor h Coo W 100 Occupied 90 Unoccupied 80 70 60 % of 50 Dwellings 40 30 20 10 0 l i i e a Z rict ch nu N t a nd ng a ru mes nga is e a u a a D B ma tar a Tai h C s P T T ok Ma Whiti o Coro hangamata C W

15 Looking forward Employment and Labour Force

Dwelling projections presenting one possible scenario for housing In 2006, the main settlements had lower proportions of the usually resident development over the next 35 years have been produced, based on current population aged 15 years and over in the labour force when compared to New development trends. These trends suggest that the settlements likely to Zealand as a whole. However, the unemployment rate in each of the main experience the greatest percentage increase in dwelling numbers are settlements and the District was lower than for New Zealand. Matarangi (124%), Pauanui (115%) and Whitianga (87%). In terms of new dwelling numbers this equates to around 1,100 for Matarangi and around Employment Status for the Labour Force 2006 2,500 each for Pauanui and Whitianga over the next 35 years. The number of 100 dwellings in Tairua is projected to increase by 70% while Coromandel, Thames and Whangamata may all experience an increase in dwelling 80 numbers of around 50%. 60 % of Unemployed Labour Employed part time For ce 40 Dwelling Projections for the Main Settlements Employed full time 2006 - 2041 20 7,000

6,135 6,000 0

s a 5,259 strict ng aland i a 5,000 5,102 e D hame iti Coromandel C T h Z T angamata W 4,674 ew Coromandel h Matarangi N W Pauanui 4,000 Number of Tairua Dwellings Thames 3,000 Whangamata 2,507 Whitianga 2,000 2,052 1,483

1,000

0 2006 (actual) 2011 2016 2021 2026 2031 2036 2041 Census Year

16 CONCLUSION

Managing change and development has been identified as a key issue for the future planning of the Thames-Coromandel District. As part of addressing this, the Thames-Coromandel District Council needs to refer to demographic information, particularly population and dwelling statistics. Projections out to

2041 have been produced for the Council which give one possible scenario for growth over the next 35 years.

Current demographic information and population and dwelling projections will be used to help plan for infrastructure and community facility needs in the District.

17 APPENDICES

Appendix A: Usually Resident Population Figures Appendix B: Housing Figures

% Change % Change 1996 2001 2006 1996 2001 2006 1996-2006 1996-2006

NZ 3,618,303 3,737,277 4,027,947 11% NZ 1,407,828 1,524,663 1,651,542 17%

TCD 24,822 25,176 25,941 5% TCD 18,060 20,040 22,704 26%

Cooks Beach 258 327 318 23% Cooks Beach 672 741 879 31%

Coromandel 1,662 1,608 1,782 7% Coromandel 804 885 972 21%

Matarangi 408 396 249 -39% Matarangi 405 381 915 126%

Pauanui 627 678 723 15% Pauanui 1,458 1,962 2,175 49%

Tairua 1,470 1,515 1,296 -12% Tairua 1,203 1,371 1,473 22%

Thames 7,341 7,269 7,542 3% Thames 3,111 3,192 3,423 10%

Whangamata 3,708 3,855 3,567 -4% Whangamata 3,531 3,939 4,182 18%

Whitianga 2,994 3,078 3,768 26% Whitianga 2,037 2,259 2,811 38%

Usually Resident Population Figures for Main Settlements 1996-2006 Housing Figures for Main Settlements 1996-2006

18 Appendix C: Main Settlement Information Change in the Usually Resident Population of Cooks Beach 1991-2006

400 327 Cooks Beach 318 300 240 258 In 1769, Captain arrived at what is now known as Cooks Beach Usually and declared New Zealand for King George III. Today, the Cooks Beach and Resident 200 Population Ferry Landing areas are holiday destinations due to the popularity of Cooks 100 Beach’s golden sand beach, Shakespeare Cliff’s attractive scenic reserve and its close proximity to Whitianga township. 0 1991 1996 2001 2006 Census Year Population

At the time of the 2006 Census, Cooks Beach and Ferry Landing had a Peak Population combined usually resident population (all people who usually live in the area) The 2007/08 Peak Population Study produced by the Thames-Coromandel of 318 people. This was a decrease of 3% since 2001. District Council (TCDC) found that the population of Cooks Beach reached a peak of around 8,200 people during the Christmas and New Year holiday The following graph shows how the usually resident population of Cooks period. This was over 25 times the township’s usually resident population. Beach has fluctuated over the past 15 years. On average, on New Years Eve 2007, there were 8.56 people per house in Cooks Beach.

Age

Thames-Coromandel District residents are generally older than elsewhere in New Zealand. Compared to New Zealand as a whole, the District has a greater proportion of residents over the age of 60. This is likely due to the fact that the Coromandel Peninsula is an attractive place to retire.

19 In 2006, the median age (half the population is older than this and half is the status of the area as a holiday destination with many ‘baches’ and holiday younger) of usual residents in Cooks Beach was around 45 years which can homes and few permanent residential dwellings. 77% of dwellings in Cooks be compared to the national median age of around 36 years. Beach were unoccupied on census night compared to 48% of dwellings in the District as a whole. Development

Community Plan The Cooks Beach, Ferry Landing and Flaxmill Bay Community Plan places emphasis on development management planning that recognises the importance of retaining a small scale, family atmosphere and protecting the green backdrop to the area.

Trends In terms of development trends, Cooks Beach and Ferry Landing mainly consist of standard residential development in the coastal area. Development within the Cooks Beach settlement and surrounding area may cause the population to increase, particularly the peak population. In addition, the projected median age of New Zealanders and subsequent potential relocation of retirees may further increase the number of permanent residents in this area. The population of Ferry Landing is anticipated to remain relatively steady with a mixture of permanent and seasonal residents.

Dwellings In 2006, there were 879 dwellings in the Cooks Beach and Ferry Landing area. This was an increase of 138 dwellings or 19% since 2001.

Dwelling Occupancy On census night 2006, only 21% of dwellings in the Cooks Beach and Ferry Landing area were occupied by usual residents. This occupancy rate reflects

20 Coromandel Town Projected population Projections out to 2041 produced for the Thames-Coromandel District Council Originally a thriving milling and mining town, Coromandel township reached a (TCDC) in 2007 suggest that, based on current trends, the usually resident population of over 12,000 people in the early 1900s. Since the decline of the population of Coromandel Town may increase to around 1,900 people by milling and mining industries, the population is substantially smaller. 2041. Coromandel is today known as a heritage settlement nestled between the hills and the sea. Peak Population The 2007/08 Peak Population Study produced by TCDC found that the Population population of Coromandel township reached a peak of around 5,100 people during the Christmas and New Year holiday period. This was over three times In March 2006, the usually resident population of Coromandel Town (all the township’s usually resident population. people who usually live in Coromandel Town) was 1,617 people. This was an increase of 9 people or 0.6% since 2001. The following graph shows how the Age usually resident population of Coromandel Town has fluctuated over the past 15 years. Thames-Coromandel District residents are generally older than elsewhere in New Zealand. Compared to New Zealand as a whole, the District has a

Change in the Usually Resident Population of Coromandel Town greater proportion of residents over the age of 60. This is likely due to the fact 1991-2006 that the Coromandel Peninsula is an attractive place to retire. 2,000 1,662 1,608 1,617 1,488 In 2006, the median age (half the population is older than this and half is 1,600 younger) of usual residents in Coromandel Town was around 45 years which Usually 1,200 can be compared to the national median age of around 36 years. Resident Population 800

400

0 1991 1996 2001 2006 Census Year

21 The following graph shows the age distribution of usual residents of Subdivision Coromandel Town. Subdivision has been occurring at a moderate rate in Coromandel—on average 23 additional house lots have been created each year since 2001.

Age of the Usually Resident Population of Coromandel Most of these are in the form of ‘infill’ subdivision (subdividing a residential Town 2006 property into 2 or more sections).

Dwellings 25% 17% 0-14 years By 2006, Coromandel’s total dwelling numbers had increased by 2.3% per 13% 15-29 years 30-44 years year since 1996 to reach a total of 972. Coromandel’s dwellings 45-59 years predominantly consist of stand alone dwellings, rather than apartments. 60+ years 26% 19% Dwelling occupancy

On census night 2006, 74% of dwellings in Coromandel were occupied by

usual residents. This occupancy rate is higher than many of the settlements Employment on the east coast of the Peninsula, indicating that it has fewer ‘baches’ and

holiday homes and more permanent residential dwellings. 21% of dwellings 70% of the labour force of Coromandel Town is in full time employment, a in Coromandel were unoccupied on census night compared to 48% of further 25% is employed part time and 5% is unemployed. dwellings in the District as a whole.

Development Dwelling Projections Based on current development trends, a possible scenario for dwelling Community Plan increase in Coromandel Town suggests that the total number of dwellings The vision of Coromandel Town and the surrounding communities places may increase to nearly 1,500 by the year 2041. heavy emphasis on ensuring growth and development can continue but in an ecologically sound manner which retains the natural character and beauty of the region.

22 Matarangi Change in the Usually Resident Population of Matarangi 1991-2006

500 Matarangi was first developed as a comprehensive settlement in the 1970s. 408 396 Today Matarangi continues to reflect its original vision as a beach holiday 400 303 destination. It is anticipated that in the future Matarangi will continue as a 300 Usually 249 resort town, due to limited provision of the services and facilities required to Resident sustain a permanent population. Population 200

100 Matarangi is different from other settlements on the eastern side of the 0 Coromandel Peninsula in that it has a finite area for development. Residential 1991 1996 2001 2006 sprawl of Matarangi township is inhibited by an area to the east zoned Census Year conservation, in effect creating a clear town boundary. As dwelling capacity is met in Matarangi, pressure to develop the area south of Matarangi (around Mt Projected Population Koruakomako Murphy’s Hill) could increase. Projections out to 2041 produced for the Thames-Coromandel District Council

(TCDC) in 2007 suggest that the usually resident population of Matarangi may Population increase to 630 people by 2041.

In March 2006, the usually resident population of Matarangi (all people who Peak Population usually live in Matarangi) was 249 people. This was a decrease of 159 The 2007/08 Peak Population Study produced by TCDC found that the people or 39% since 1996. population of Matarangi township reached a peak of around 7,100 people during the Christmas and New Year summer holiday period. This was nearly The following graph shows how the usually resident population of Matarangi 27 times the township’s usually resident population. On average, on New has changed over the past 15 years. Years Eve 2007, there were just over 7 people per house in Matarangi.

Age

Thames-Coromandel District residents are generally older than elsewhere in New Zealand. Compared to New Zealand as a whole, the District has a

23 greater proportion of residents over the age of 60. This is likely due to the fact Dwelling Occupancy that the Coromandel Peninsula is an attractive place to retire. On census night 2006, only 14% of dwellings in Matarangi were occupied by usual residents. This reflects Matarangi’s primary role as a holiday resort In 2006, the median age (half the population is older than this and half is town. 83% of dwellings in Matarangi were unoccupied on census night, younger) of usual residents in the District was around 46 years which can be compared to 48% of dwellings unoccupied across the District as a whole. compared to the national median age of around 36 years. Dwelling Projections

Age of the Usually Resident Population of Matarangi Based on current development trends, a possible scenario for dwelling 2006 increase in Matarangi suggests that the total number of dwellings may increase to around 2,350 by the year 2041.

14% 25% 0-14 years 12% 15-29 years 30-44 years 45-59 years 29% 20% 60+ years

Development

Subdivision The nature of residential development in Matarangi is generally in the form of staged subdivision. This means that there is usually not a consistent trend in subdivision.

Dwellings By 2006, Matarangi’s total dwelling numbers had increased by 126% since 1996 to reach a total of 915. Matarangi’s dwellings are mainly holiday homes on single sites.

24 Pauanui Change in the Usually Resident Population of Pauanui 1991-2006 723 800 678 Pauanui township was first developed as a settlement in the 1960s. Today, 627 564 Pauanui continues to reflect its original vision as a beach holiday destination, 600 consisting of primarily residential activity with a small town centre. Usually Resident 400 Population Pauanui is a planned resort town, using unique design concepts to create a park-like seaside suburb for permanent and holiday residents. The population 200 of the town fluctuates throughout the year as visitors and holidaymakers come and go. With its attractive coastal environment and its accessibility to a large 0 1991 1996 2001 2006 part of the population, the continued and potentially increasing Census Year popularity of Pauanui as a destination is assured. The challenge is one of protecting and enhancing the character of Pauanui in a way that draws people Projected population to the area. Projections out to 2041 produced for the Thames-Coromandel District Council

(TCDC) in 2007 suggest that, based on current trends, the usually resident Population population of Pauanui may increase to around 870 people by 2041.

In March 2006, the usually resident population of Pauanui (all people who Peak population usually live in Pauanui) was 723 people. This was an increase of 96 people The 2007/08 Peak Population Study produced by TCDC found that the or 15% since 1996. population of Pauanui township reached a peak of approximately 12,500

people during the Christmas and New Year summer holiday period. This was The following graph shows how the usually resident population of Pauanui over 17 times the township’s usually resident population. has changed over the past 15 years.

Age

Thames-Coromandel District residents are generally older than elsewhere in New Zealand. Compared to New Zealand as a whole, the District has a

25 greater proportion of residents over the age of 60. This is likely due to the fact Subdivision that the Coromandel Peninsula is an attractive place to retire. Growth in Pauanui has been affected by a subdivision moratorium placed on In 2006, the median age (half the population is older than this and half is Pauanui and Tairua in 2000. This moratorium was lifted in August 2007 and younger) of usual residents in the District was around 46 years which can be there is expected to be an increase in new house lots as a result. compared to the national median age of around 36 years. Dwellings The graph below shows the age distribution of usual residents in Pauanui. By 2006, Pauanui’s total dwelling numbers had increased by 4.9% per year

since 1996 to reach a total of 2,175. Pauanui’s dwellings are mainly holiday Age of the Usually Resident Population of Pauanui homes on single sites, but some apartments and townhouses are emerging. 2006

Dwelling occupancy 12% 0-14 years On census night 2006, only 18% of dwellings in Pauanui were occupied by 8% 15-29 years 47% usual residents. This occupancy rate is lower than most of the other main 30-44 years settlements in the District and significantly below the national occupancy rate 14% 45-59 years of 90%. The low number of usual residents reflects Pauanui’s primary role as 19% 60+ years a holiday resort town.

Dwelling Projections Development Based on current development trends, a possible scenario for dwelling increase in Pauanui suggests that the total number of dwellings may increase to around 4,670 by the year 2041. Community Plan

The vision outlined in the Pauanui Community Plan is to protect and enhance the park-like seaside resort of Pauanui for present and future generations, while enhancing its economic viability and accommodating limited growth. The Pauanui community wishes development to be limited and the density of housing restricted to maintain the unique standards that were originally established such as open spaces, wide roads and an abundance of trees.

26 Tairua Change in the Usually Resident Population of Tairua 1991-2006

1,470 1,515 1,600 Originally a milling and farming community, Tairua is a popular holiday 1,296 destination on the East Coast of the Peninsula with its village atmosphere, 1,146 1,200 harbour, ocean beach and dramatic natural landscapes. The usually resident Usually population is steadily declining but there exists a strong sense of community. Resident 800 Population The community values its ‘village’ atmosphere and the natural character and 400 landscape. The Tairua Community Plan outlines the need to preserve the town’s special qualities while coping with growth pressures. 0 1991 1996 2001 2006 Census Year

Population Projected population In March 2006, the usually resident population of Tairua (all people who Projections out to 2041 produced for the Thames-Coromandel District Council usually live in Tairua) was 1,296 people. This was a decrease of 174 people (TCDC) in 2007 suggest that, based on current trends, the usually resident or 12% since 1996. The following graph shows how the usually resident population of Tairua may be around 1,230 people by 2041. population of Tairua has fluctuated over the past 15 years. Peak population The 2007/08 Peak Population Study produced by TCDC found that the population of Tairua reached a peak of around 8,800 people during the Christmas and New Year summer holiday period. This was over 6 times the township’s usually resident population.

Age

Thames-Coromandel District residents are generally older than elsewhere in New Zealand. Compared to New Zealand as a whole, the District has a

27 greater proportion of residents over the age of 60. This is likely due to the fact Subdivision that the Coromandel Peninsula is an attractive place to retire. Growth in Tairua has been affected by a subdivision moratorium placed on In 2006, the median age (half the population is older than this and half is Tairua and Pauanui in 2000. This moratorium was lifted in August 2007 and younger) of usual residents in the District was around 46 years which can be an increase in new house lots is expected as a result. compared to the national median age of around 36 years. Dwellings The graph below shows the age distribution of usual residents in Tairua. By 2006, Tairua’s total dwelling numbers had increased by 2.6% per year from 1996 to reach a total of 1,473. Tairua’s dwellings are a mix of baches

Age of the Usually Resident Population of Tairua and established houses, with some apartments and townhouses. 2006 Dwelling occupancy On census night in 2006, 42% of dwellings in Tairua were occupied by people 15% 0-14 years 37% 10% 15-29 years usually resident in the town. This is similar to other settlements on the 30-44 years eastern side of the Peninsula and reflects the town’s popularity as a holiday 45-59 years destination. Some 57% of dwellings in Tairua were unoccupied on census 17% 60+ years 21% night compared to 48% of dwellings in the District as a whole.

Dwelling Projections Development Based on current development trends, a possible scenario for dwelling increase in Tairua suggests that the total number of dwellings may increase to

around 2,500 by the year 2041. Community Plan

The vision detailed in the Tairua Community Plan is to retain Tairua as a preferred lifestyle choice with the best of both town and country. The intention is to avoid inappropriate development while enjoying some of the better aspects of larger communities and retaining the picturesque setting.

28 Thames Change in the Usually Resident Population of Thames 1991-2006

8,000 Towards the end of the 19th Century and during the gold mining boom, 7,542 Thames was the largest populated township in New Zealand with 18,000 7,341 7,269 7,500 residents and over 100 hotels. Since the decline of the gold industry the Usually 6,855 population stands at less than half that of the gold-mining era. Resident 7,000 Population

The essence of Thames and its people is the preservation of their culture and 6,500 heritage—to continue to grow, yet retain the small town feel. The magical 6,000 landscape of the Valley is a major attraction, together with the 1991 1996 2001 2006 abundant bird life, fishing and water sports on the Firth and the picturesque Census Year pohutukawa coastline.

Projected population Population Projections out to 2041 produced for the Thames-Coromandel District Council (TCDC) in 2007 suggest that, based on current trends, the usually resident In March 2006, the usually resident population of Thames (all people who population of Thames may increase to around 10,100 people by 2041. usually live in Thames) was 7,542 people. This was an increase of 201 people or 3% since 1996. Peak population The 2007/08 Peak Population Study produced by TCDC found that the The following graph shows how the usually resident population of Thames population of Thames reached a peak of around 12,300 people during the has changed over the past 15 years. Christmas and New Year summer holiday period. This was 1.6 times the township’s usually resident population.

Age

Thames-Coromandel District residents are generally older than elsewhere in New Zealand. Compared to New Zealand as a whole, the District has a

29 greater proportion of residents over the age of 60. This is likely due to the fact Development that the Coromandel Peninsula is an attractive place to retire.

Community Plan In 2006, the median age (half the population is older than this and half is The vision outlined in the Thames Community Plan is to plan for development younger) of usual residents in Thames was around 44 years which can be for all socio-economic groups for their living, working, educational, cultural and compared to the national median age of around 36 years. recreational needs.

The graph below shows the age distribution of usual residents in Thames. Subdivision

Subdivision has been occurring at a steady rate in Thames—on average 58 Age of the Usually Resident Population of Thames additional house lots have been created each year since 1996. Most 2006 additional house lots have been created through ‘infill’ subdivision (subdividing a residential property into two or more sections). 19% 29% 0-14 years 15-29 years Dwellings 30-44 years 14% By 2006, Thames’ total dwelling numbers had increased by 2% (or 58 45-59 years dwellings) per year since 1996 to reach a total of 3,423. Dwellings in Thames 21% 17% 60+ years are a mix of stand-alone houses, townhouses and retirement villages.

Dwelling occupancy Employment On census night 2006, 93% of dwellings in Thames were occupied (lived in) by usual residents. This is markedly different to other settlements in the In 2006, 71% of the Thames labour force was in full time employment, a District which often have a low occupancy rate, reflecting their role as holiday further 25% was employed part time and 4% was unemployed. Of the usual destinations. The Thames occupancy rate closely mirrors the national residents of Thames, 42% earned less than $20,000 and 11% earned more occupancy rate of 90%. than $50,000. Dwelling Projections Based on current development trends, a possible scenario for dwelling increase in Thames suggests that the total number of dwellings may increase to around 5,100 by the year 2041. 30 Whangamata Change in the Usually Resident Population of Whangamata 1991-2006 3,708 3,855 3,567 4,000 Originally a gum digging, gold mining and forestry community, Whangamata 3,096 has today become a popular holiday destination. Like other settlements on 3,000 the Coromandel Peninsula, its coastal location means that demand for Usually residential and holiday homes in the area continues. Resident 2,000 Population

Whangamata is famous for its spectacular ocean beach which provides some 1,000 of the best surfing breaks, yet safest swimming in New Zealand. Sea 0 conditions suitable for all are available along its 4km length or in the safe 1991 1996 2001 2006 harbours that lie to the north and south. These lead out to a section of the Census Year

Pacific Ocean popular for big game and recreational fishing.

Population Peak population The 2007/08 Peak Population Study produced by TCDC found that, of the In March 2006, the usually resident population of Whangamata (all people main settlements on the Peninsula, Whangamata had the highest peak who usually live in Whangamata) was 3,567 people. This was a decrease of population—an estimated 27,200 people on New Years Eve 2007. This was 141 people or 4% since 1996. over 7 times greater than the township’s usually resident population.

The following graph shows how the usually resident population of Age Whangamata has fluctuated over the past 15 years.

Thames-Coromandel District residents are generally older than elsewhere in Projected population New Zealand. Compared to New Zealand as a whole, the District has a Projections out to 2041 produced for the Thames-Coromandel District Council greater proportion of residents over the age of 60. This is likely due to the fact (TCDC) in 2007 suggest that, based on current trends, the usually resident that the Coromandel Peninsula is an attractive place to retire. population of Whangamata may be around 3,120 people by 2041.

In 2006, the median age (half the population is older than this and half is younger) of usual residents in Whangamata was around 51 years which can

31 be compared to the national median age of around 36 years. The graph Subdivision below shows the age distribution of usual residents in Whangamata. Subdivision has been occurring at a steady rate in Whangamata—on average 30 additional house lots have been created each year since 2001. Most of

Age of the Usually Resident Population of Whangamata these are in the form of ‘infill’ subdivision (subdividing a residential property 2006 into 2 or more sections).

14% Dwellings 0-14 years 37% 12% 15-29 years In 2006, Whangamata’s total dwelling numbers had increased by 1.5% per 30-44 years year since 1996 to reach a total of 4,182—more dwellings than any other 45-59 years settlement in the District. Whangamata’s dwellings are a mix of older baches, 15% 60+ years 22% new substantial-sized housing, townhouses and apartments.

Dwelling occupancy Employment On census night 2006, 39% of dwellings in Whangamata were occupied by

usual residents. This occupancy rate is similar to other settlements on the 67% of the Whangamata labour force was in full time employment in 2006. A eastern side of the Peninsula and reflects the town’s popularity as a holiday further 29% was employed part time and only 4% was unemployed. 46% of destination. 60% of dwellings in Whangamata were unoccupied, compared to the population of Whangamata aged over 15 years was not part of the labour 48% of dwellings unoccupied across the District as a whole. force.

Dwelling Projections Development Based on current development trends, a possible scenario for dwelling

increase in Whangamata suggests that the total number of dwellings may Community Plan increase to 6,100 by the year 2041. The Whangamata Community Plan contains a vision of restricting any development to the defined town limits to avoid urban sprawl. Furthermore, it is intended that the vistas of hills, harbour and beach will be protected to maintain the “beachy/bachy” spirit of Whangamata.

32 Whitianga Change in the Usually Resident Population of Whitianaga 1991-2006

3,768 4,000 Whitianga township is undergoing strong growth—in 2006, it was the fastest growing town in the District. Like other settlements on the Coromandel 2,994 3,078 3,000 Peninsula, its coastal location means that demand for residential and holiday 2,424 Usually homes in the area continues to increase. Resident 2,000 Population Whitianga is the main service centre for the northern east coast of the 1,000 Coromandel Peninsula. It is home to permanent residents as well as catering for marine based tourist activities and is a popular destination for 0 1991 1996 2001 2006 holidaymakers during the summer months. Census Year

Population Peak population The 2007/08 Peak Population Study produced by TCDC found that the In March 2006, the usually resident population of Whitianga (all people who population of Whitianga reached a peak of around 18,600 people during the usually live in Whitianga) was 3,768 people. This was an increase of 774 Christmas and New Year summer holiday period. This was over four times people or 26% since 1996. the township’s usually resident population.

The following graph shows how the usually resident population of Whitianga Age has grown over the past 15 years. Thames-Coromandel District residents are generally older than elsewhere in Projected population New Zealand. Compared to New Zealand as a whole, the District has a Projections out to 2041 produced for the Thames-Coromandel District Council greater proportion of residents over the age of 60. This is likely due to the fact (TCDC) in 2007 suggest that, based on current trends, the usually resident that the Coromandel Peninsula is an attractive place to retire. population of Whitianga may increase to around 5,770 people by 2041. In 2006, the median age (half the population is older than this and half is younger) of usual residents in Whitianga was around 46 years which can be compared to the national median age of around 36 years.

33 The graph below shows the age distribution of usual residents of Whitianga. Subdivision Subdivision has been occurring at a high rate in Whitianga—on average 78

Age of the Usually Resident Population of Whitianga additional house lots have been created each year since 1996. Most of these 2006 are in the form of ‘greenfield’ subdivision (subdivision of currently undeveloped land).

26% 17% 0-14 years Dwellings 14% 15-29 years 30-44 years In 2006, Whitianga’s total dwelling numbers had increased by 3.8% per year 45-59 years since 1996 to reach a total of 2,811. Whitianga’s dwellings are a mix of stand- 60+ years 25% 18% alone dwellings, townhouses and apartments.

Dwelling occupancy

On census night 2006, 60% of dwellings in Whitianga were occupied by usual Employment residents. This occupancy rate is higher than other settlements on the

eastern side of the Peninsula and reflects the town’s higher permanent 96% of the Whitianga labour force is employed either full or part time and 4% population as well as its popularity as a holiday destination. 37% of dwellings is unemployed. 35% of the population aged over 15 years is not part of the in Whitianga were unoccupied on census night, compared to 48% of dwellings work force. Of the usual residents of Whitianga, 38% earn less than $20,000 unoccupied across the District as a whole. and 9% earn more than $50,000.

Dwelling Projections Development Based on current development trends, a possible scenario for dwelling

increase in Whitianga suggests that the total number of dwellings may Community Plan increase to around 5,260 by the year 2041. The Whitianga Community Plan outlines a vision of a comprehensive structure plan that allows for all facets of future development while enhancing the preservation of the natural coastline and protecting Whitianga’s green backdrop.

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