Here in Rānui, midday isn’t just a time. It’s a name. Rānui means midday in the Māori language. This suburb of Porirua City lies about 21 kilometers north of Wellington.
Rānui is more than just a name. It is a community. Let’s delve into some interesting details about Rānui. The suburb covers an area of 3.56 square kilometers. As of June 2024, Rānui had an estimated population of 3,710 residents. That works out to a population density of 1,042 people per square kilometer.
In the 2018 New Zealand census, Rānui recorded a population of 3,561. This was an increase of 3.3% since 2013. It also marked a 2.4% increase since the 2006 census. The census counted 1,146 households. These households comprised 1,743 males and 1,821 females.
The ethnic makeup of Rānui is diverse. In 2018, 47.7% identified as European. 28.6% identified as Māori. 37.7% identified as Pasifika. 11.3% identified as Asian. 2.3% identified with other ethnicities. It’s worth noting that people could identify with more than one ethnicity.
Interestingly, 22.4% of Rānui residents were born overseas. This is compared to a national figure of 27.1%. Religious affiliations also varied. 39.5% reported having no religion. 46.7% identified as Christian. Smaller percentages followed Māori religious beliefs Hindu Muslim Buddhist and other religions.
Educationally, 15.3% of residents aged 15 or older held a bachelor’s degree or higher. However, 22.2% had no formal qualifications. Economically, 10.6% earned over $70,000 annually. This is compared to a national average of 17.2%. In terms of employment, 51.1% worked full-time. Another 12.5% worked part-time. The unemployment rate stood at 6.4%.
Rānui is further divided into smaller statistical areas. These include Porirua East and Rānui Heights. Porirua East has a smaller area but a higher population density. Rānui Heights is larger but less densely populated.
For younger residents, Porirua East School provides primary education. It is a co-educational state school for Year 1 to 6 students. As of November 2024, the school had a roll of 143 students. The school has been serving the community since it opened in 1954.
So, as you explore Rānui remember that its name signifies midday. It is a vibrant suburb with a rich mix of cultures. This unique place continues to evolve and contribute to the wider Porirua community.