Was it the 1960s when Waitangirua emerged? It rose almost exclusively as a Government housing development. It was for New Zealand’s burgeoning working class immigrant population.
Waitangirua became a melting pot. Its ethnic demographic included Pacific Islanders, Scots, Indians, Irish, English, Chinese, and Māori. Many original families still call Waitangirua home today.
Imagine Waitangirua then. The hilly suburb was semi-rural until the late 90s. Farmland surrounded it. Whitby sat to the northeast. Pauatahanui Inlet and Estuary lay further north. The Belmont hills and Hutt Valley stretched to the east.
The diverse multi-racial nature of Waitangirua made for a colourful community. A vibrant and exuberant youth culture dominated.
Waitangirua’s statistical area covers 1.22 square kilometers. In June 2024, the estimated population was 4,560. This equates to a population density of 3,738 people per square kilometer.
The 2018 New Zealand census recorded 4,398 residents in Waitangirua. This was an increase of 378 people since 2013.
In 2018, Waitangirua had 1,044 households. These comprised 2,097 males and 2,301 females. The median age was 26.4 years.
Ethnically, Waitangirua in 2018 was diverse. 22.0% were European/Pākehā. 28.8% were Māori. A significant 66.0% were Pasifika. 8.3% identified as Asian and 1.9% as other ethnicities.
Nearly 30% of Waitangirua residents were born overseas. This is slightly higher than the national average.
Regarding religion, 23.7% reported no affiliation. 62.2% identified as Christian. Smaller percentages held Māori religious beliefs, Hindu, Muslim, or Buddhist faiths.
In education, 7.1% of Waitangirua residents over 15 held a bachelor’s degree or higher. The median income was $19,400, lower than the national figure.
Several scenes from Taika Waititi’s film “Eagle vs Shark” were filmed right here in Waitangirua.
Waitangirua Community Park on Warspite Avenue is a great spot. Sculptures and carvings adorn the area. Mosaic tiles add colour to the plinths.
In a move to preserve open space, the government purchased Waitangirua farm. This acquisition ensured the land remained a park for the people of the Wellington region. The farm forms the central core of Belmont Regional Park.
Waitangirua continues to evolve. It remains a testament to community spirit and cultural diversity.