Ahipara had a population of 1,230 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 198 people since the 2013 census, and an increase of 135 people since the 2006 census. There were 390 households. There were 597 males and 636 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.94 males per female. Of the total population, 270 people were aged up to 15 years, 204 were 15 to 29, 564 were 30 to 64, and 195 were 65 or older. Figures may not add up to the total due to rounding. Ethnicities were 60.7% European/Pākehā, 61.2% Māori, 5.9% Pacific peoples, 2.0% Asian, and 2.2% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity. The percentage of people born overseas was 12.0, compared with 27.1% nationally. Although some people objected to giving their religion, 40.7% had no religion, 45.9% were Christian, and 8.3% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 156 people had a bachelor or higher degree, and 180 people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $23,600. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 381 people were employed full-time, 147 were part-time, and 78 were unemployed.
Iwi, Marae & Hapū
Ahipara is located within the rohe of Te Rarawa, and has strong affiliations to the iwi. Ahipara hosts three marae affiliated with Te Rarawa hapū:
Wainui Marae: Also called Ngāti Moetonga Marae, is affiliated with two hapū: Ngāti Moetonga and Te Rokeka. The whare tūpuna is also named Ngāti Moetonga.
History
Pre-European settlement
The name comes from the Māori language words ahi, meaning fire, and para, a large fern, and can be translated as "a fire at which para was cooked". Prior to the late 18th century, the area was called Wharo, which means "stretched out". That name originated when the chief Tohe ordered a slave to measure the distance the tide had receded, by counting the number of arm-spans from the high water level.
European settlement
The area was popular with kauri gum-diggers during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Ahipara Gumfields Historic Reserve is to the south of the town. Shipwreck Bay, at the southern point of Ahipara Bay, contains a number of wrecks visible at low tide. Ahipara Bay was once well known for its toheroa shellfish, but gathering these is restricted due to their near-extinction.
Ahipara School is a coeducational full primary school with a decile rating of 3 and a roll of 227. It was founded in 1872 as a mission school, and moved to its present site in 1901. Ahipara Sandhoppers Early Childhood Centre has been operating on the grounds of the Ahipara School for over 20 years. Ahipara Sandhoppers has received recognition for their environmental initiatives.
Environment
Ahipara has a number of coastal care groups, including the Ahipara Komiti Takutaimoana and Ahipara Community CoastCare.
