Our District
Farming
The unique history of our farming industry began with the settlement of returned soldiers from the first and second world wars in the early 20th century. The main mode of transport was via steamboats that docked along the wharves of the Piako River ferrying settlers and equipment to develop the land into what is now one of New Zealand’s richest dairy farming regions.
In 1908, the Land Drainage Act provided for extensive land drainage work to be undertaken on the Hauraki Plains. In 1910, 6,600 hectares was made available in Hauraki for settlement and by 1930 around 17,400 hectares of Crown land had been opened up for farming. Today, over 1,000 kilometres of drains and canals, together with many kilometres of stopbanks and floodgates protect 64,700 hectares of farmland.
Dairy farming has traditionally been the principle type of agriculture within the Hauraki District. Due to the flat land and rich peat soil combined with a mild climate and moderate rainfall, it is likely to be for years to come.
There's gold in them thar hills
Mining in the Hauraki district spans three centuries. Gold was discovered in the 1800’s and mined underground in the first half of the 1900’s. Mining in the Karangahake Gorge was closed in 1939 after 57, 000 ounces (1.56 tonnes) of gold had been won. Now part of the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park, the history and natural beauty can be accessed through a variety of walks.
The last half of the 1900’s focused in exploration, development and mining of the Waihī Martha Mine open pit. In the 2000s the open pit continued to operate while the Favona underground mine was developed – at the end of 2004 – and the Trio underground mine began construction activities in 2010. Correnso underground mine began in 2014 and is still operating today.
The mines in Waihī are some of only a handful of mines in the developed world that operate within an established residential community. A big part of the mine’s success and on-going development is its relationship with the surrounding community and the Hauraki District Council.
According to Oceana Gold, their mines in Waihī produced around 19,775 ounces of gold in 2020 . These mines contribute significantly to the Hauraki District’s economy; the mining activity in Waihi contributes approximately 25% of Waihī’s GDP.
Stay and Explore
The Hauraki District is home to a diverse natural landscape and a hive of local activity. Containing acres of native forest, idyllic coastline, rolling rural hills and plains and the wide Waihou River.
The environment offers myriad opportunities to interact with the area; through hunting and gathering, discovering delicious locally grown produce or adventuring in the wilderness. Explore the area’s artistic, cultural and historical landscape by spending time getting to know the friendly locals and their diverse communities. There are so many ways to appreciate and enjoy the magical expanse of our district.
To help you get started there are several websites to help you follow your heart:
HDC Calendar of Events
Positive Paeroa
Positively Promoting the Plains
Go Waihī
Destination Coromandel
Department of Conservation
Population
The Hauraki District has an approximate total population of 20,022*. Distribution of the population within the three wards:
Waihī | 7,551 |
Paeroa | 6,114 |
Hauraki Plains | 6,354 |
* Statistics New Zealand 2018.
Education
Education is an important part of our wellbeing, and the Hauraki District provides a range of education facilities to meet your educational needs.
A range of early learning providers and organisations including Kōhanga Reo, Playcentre, Barnardos and other early childhood learning centres.
There are close to 20 primary schools located throughout the district from small rural schools to larger urban schools.
There are three secondary schools in the District which are located in Waihī, Paeroa and Ngātea.
- Waihī College
- Paeroa College
- Hauraki Plains College
Wintec provides tertiary level education for school leavers and adult learning, with campus and off campus options. International students are also welcome in the Hauraki District, with a range of opportunities available.
You can search for schools near you on the Ministry of Education website.
Sports Clubs
There are a range of sports clubs throughout the district providing sporting opportunities for young and old. Clubs include rugby, netball, soccer, cricket, touch rugby, golf and hockey.
Other specialist sports include rowing, athletics, tennis, waka ama, squash, croquet, martial arts and badminton and are available in some parts of the district. Check out the Sport Waikato website for a list of clubs in our district.