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Reporoa is a rural community in Rotorua Lakes within the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island.

Key Information

It is located within the Reporoa Caldera,[6] a caldera in the Taupō Volcanic Zone containing the Deer Hill, Kairuru and Pukekahu rhyolitic lava domes and the active Reporoa geothermal field.[7][8] Several hydrothermal explosions have occurred in the area, with a large one being recorded in 1948, and another large one occurring in a cow paddock in April 2005.[9]

The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of "long swamp" for Reporoa.[10]

Demographics

[edit]

Reporoa locality covers 15.66 km2 (6.05 sq mi).[4] It is part of the Golden Springs statistical area.[11]

Historical population of Reporoa
YearPop.±% p.a.
2006330—    
2013279−2.37%
2018279+0.00%
2023321+2.84%
Source: [5][12]

Reporoa had a population of 321 in the 2023 New Zealand census, an increase of 42 people (15.1%) since the 2018 census, and an increase of 42 people (15.1%) since the 2013 census. There were 177 males, 147 females, and 3 people of other genders in 114 dwellings.[13] 1.9% of people identified as LGBTIQ+. There were 72 people (22.4%) aged under 15 years, 57 (17.8%) aged 15 to 29, 153 (47.7%) aged 30 to 64, and 39 (12.1%) aged 65 or older.[5]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 58.9% European (Pākehā); 46.7% Māori; 1.9% Pasifika; 7.5% Asian; 0.9% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.8% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 98.1%, Māori by 9.3%, and other languages by 3.7%. No language could be spoken by 1.9% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 1.9%. The percentage of people born overseas was 16.8, compared with 28.8% nationally.[5]

Religious affiliations were 28.0% Christian, 0.9% Hindu, 3.7% Māori religious beliefs, 0.9% New Age, and 2.8% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 54.2%, and 8.4% of people did not answer the census question.[5]

Of those at least 15 years old, 21 (8.4%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 156 (62.7%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 75 (30.1%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. 21 people (8.4%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 132 (53.0%) full-time, 39 (15.7%) part-time, and 15 (6.0%) unemployed.[5]

Golden Springs statistical area

[edit]

Golden Springs statistical area covers 498.92 km2 (192.63 sq mi)[14] and had an estimated population of 1,960 as of June 2025,[15] with a population density of 3.9 people per km2.

Historical population for Golden Springs
YearPop.±% p.a.
20061,764—    
20131,797+0.27%
20181,767−0.34%
20231,854+0.97%
Source: [16][17]

Golden Springs had a population of 1,854 in the 2023 New Zealand census, an increase of 87 people (4.9%) since the 2018 census, and an increase of 57 people (3.2%) since the 2013 census. There were 984 males, 864 females, and 6 people of other genders in 657 dwellings.[18] 2.3% of people identified as LGBTIQ+. The median age was 33.0 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 459 people (24.8%) aged under 15 years, 402 (21.7%) aged 15 to 29, 825 (44.5%) aged 30 to 64, and 171 (9.2%) aged 65 or older.[16]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 76.7% European (Pākehā); 31.1% Māori; 2.8% Pasifika; 7.3% Asian; 0.5% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 1.6% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 96.8%, Māori by 4.7%, Samoan by 0.3%, and other languages by 5.7%. No language could be spoken by 2.3% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.6%. The percentage of people born overseas was 13.8, compared with 28.8% nationally.[16]

Religious affiliations were 25.2% Christian, 0.5% Hindu, 0.2% Islam, 1.8% Māori religious beliefs, 0.6% Buddhist, 0.3% New Age, 0.2% Jewish, and 2.3% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 62.1%, and 7.3% of people did not answer the census question.[16]

Of those at least 15 years old, 159 (11.4%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 873 (62.6%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 360 (25.8%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $49,600, compared with $41,500 nationally. 153 people (11.0%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 813 (58.3%) full-time, 204 (14.6%) part-time, and 27 (1.9%) unemployed.[16]

Marae

[edit]

The Reporoa area has four Ngāti Tahu – Ngāti Whaoa marae:

Education

[edit]

Reporoa College is a co-educational state secondary school for Year 7 to 13 schools,[21][22] with a roll of 193 as of July 2025.[23] It opened in 1955 as Reporoa District High School.[24]

Reporoa also has two primary schools for Year 1 to 6 students: Reporoa School,[25] established in 1923,[26] with a roll of 78;[27] and Broadlands School,[28][29] established by 1937,[30] with a roll of 120.[31]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Reporoa

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from Grokipedia
Reporoa is a small rural community in the of New Zealand, located within the Reporoa Caldera in the , roughly halfway between and Taupō. It is administered by the Rotorua Lakes Council and is distinguished by its active geothermal field featuring , , , and ; a predominantly dairy farming economy; and strong cultural associations with the Ngāti Tahu – Ngāti Whaoa iwi through several marae in the area. The community's history is shaped by volcanic geology, including formation of the approximately 280,000 years ago and periodic such as explosions in 1948 and 2005. The Reporoa Caldera, a large structure measuring approximately 10 by 15 kilometres, formed from a massive explosive eruption that ejected around 100 km³ of known as the Kaingaroa Ignimbrite. Post-caldera activity has been primarily hydrothermal rather than , with geothermal systems like and Orakei Korako driving features such as colourful silica terraces, , and . The area remains dynamic, with ongoing geothermal tourism and monitoring for potential hazards including . Notable geothermal events include a significant on 19 April 2005 in a Department of Conservation scenic reserve, which created a 50-metre-wide main crater and a smaller 20-metre vent, ejecting an estimated 7,000 cubic metres of rocks and debris over 100 metres and destroying mature pine forest while covering vegetation in ash and mud. This was one of the largest in the region in decades, similar in scale to an event in the same area in 1948. Reporoa has a significant cultural presence through the Ngāti Tahu – Ngāti Whaoa iwi, whose traditional encompasses the area and includes marae such as Mataarae Marae, Waimahana (Marapounamu) Marae, Ohaaki Marae, and Te Toke Marae, all located in or near Reporoa. The iwi's rūnanga is based in Reporoa, reflecting the community's role in local (guardianship) and cultural governance within the broader . The area supports a rural economy centred on dairy farming amid scenic farmland and geothermal landscapes.

Geography

Location

Reporoa is a small rural community in New Zealand's , situated within the Reporoa Caldera in the . It lies in the , between the Paeroa Range to the west and the Kāingaroa Plateau to the east. The community is administered by the Rotorua Lakes Council at the territorial level and the Waikato Regional Council at the regional level, forming part of the Rotorua Rural General Ward and Rotorua Rural Community. Reporoa is located at approximately 38°26′10″S 176°20′27″E. The locality covers an area of 15.66 km², while the broader Golden Springs statistical area encompasses 498.92 km². The settlement is approximately 39 km south of and 43 km north of Taupō, with a typical driving time of about 30 minutes from , primarily accessible by private vehicle. The surrounding landscape reflects the volcanic setting of the , including geothermal influences that contribute to the local environment.

Geology and the Reporoa Caldera

The Reporoa Caldera is a major volcanic structure within the of New Zealand's , occupying the Taupō-Reporoa Basin. It measures approximately 10 by 15 km and is situated east of the Paeroa Fault and south of the Ngapouri-Rotomahana Fault. The formed approximately 281 ± 21 through collapse associated with a major that deposited around 100 km³ of as the Kaingaroa Ignimbrite. Following formation, post-collapse produced several , including Deer Hill dated to 264 ± 4 ka BP, Pukekahu at 263 ± 5 ka BP, and Kairuru at 247 ± 2 ka BP. The highest point within the reaches an elevation of 592 m.

Geothermal features

The Reporoa area features an active geothermal field within the , characterized by , , , and periodic hydrothermal activity as surface manifestations of underlying . Nearby geothermal systems include to the north, renowned for colorful silica terraces, Champagne Pool, and other dynamic features, while the Broadlands (Ohaaki) field lies to the south. Significant have occurred in the Reporoa area, including a major event in 1948. A similar large explosion on 19 April 2005 formed a primary crater approximately 50 meters wide (with a secondary vent about 20 meters wide) in a rural Department of Conservation reserve, ejecting an estimated 7,000 cubic meters of rocks, debris, and mud over 100 meters, felling mature trees, and blanketing surrounding pasture and vegetation with ash and mud up to 4 meters thick in places. Local farmers witnessed a massive steam plume rising over 100 meters, accompanied by ground rumbling and animal disturbances; the violent phase lasted only a minute or two, though steam persisted afterward. Geologist Ashley Cody noted the event exceeded a 2001 eruption in scale and followed the emergence of new , indicating heightened activity, though no magmatic involvement was evident. Ongoing monitoring of the area's geothermal systems supports hazard awareness amid the potential for sudden .

History

Geological history

The Reporoa Caldera formed approximately 281,000 ± 21,000 years ago during the eruption of the Kaingaroa Ignimbrite, a major rhyolitic ignimbrite with an estimated volume of around 100 km³ that triggered in the Taupō-Reporoa Basin. This event marked the primary volcanic episode in the Reporoa area, with lithic lag breccias and geophysical evidence confirming the caldera as the eruption source. Subsequent produced in the northern part of the basin, including Deer Hill (erupted at 264 ± 4 ka), Pukekahu (263 ± 5 ka), and Kairuru (at a comparable age around 263 ka). These domes represent minor following the main , with Deer Hill forming on the and the others within the . The Taupō-Reporoa Basin has experienced episodic infilling and temporary lake formation due to major deposits from eruptions at nearby . Following the around 25,600 years ago, thick ignimbrite accumulation in the basin altered drainage and contributed to transient lacustrine conditions, including flooding of parts of the Reporoa area. Similarly, the in 232 ± 10 CE blocked the with ignimbrite, forming temporary Lake Reporoa in the (reaching a maximum area of about 90 km² and volume of 2.5 km³), which persisted for 2–3 years before draining via a catastrophic dam breach that triggered massive flooding. These events reflect repeated interactions between volcanic deposition and basin hydrology, with later drainage and re-flooding episodes shaping the landscape.

Māori and marae history

The name Reporoa derives from terms meaning "long swamp" (repo = swamp, roa = long or wide), reflecting the area's original swampy terrain. Reporoa lies within the traditional of the Ngāti Tahu – Ngāti Whaoa , who maintain deep ancestral connections to the Reporoa Caldera and surrounding waterways, including the and its tributaries. Three of the iwi's four marae are situated along the Waikato River, with the fourth adjacent to the Mangahoanga Stream (a tributary of the Waiotapu Stream). These marae function as central places for cultural practices, gatherings, and (guardianship) of the land and resources. The four marae are:
  • Mataarae marae, affiliated with Ngāti Mataarae / Ngāti Whaoa, located 2 km west of Reporoa. Its whare tupuna is named Mataarae, and it ancestrally connects to Paeroa maunga and Mangahoanga awa. It serves as a key site for cultural transmission and community activities.
  • Ōhākī marae (Tahu Matua), affiliated with Ngāti Tahu, situated on the banks in Ohaaki/Reporoa. It is a historic geothermal kāinga, once home to a large ngāwhā (boiling hot pool) and sinter terraces used traditionally. The is Tahumatua, and the site remains culturally vital despite impacts from .
  • Te Toke marae, affiliated with Ngāti Te Rama / Ngāti Whaoa, located near the . Historically, it utilised local geothermal features such as steam-holes for cooking and pools for food preparation. The is named Te Rama, and it continues as a place for gatherings and cultural events.
  • Waimahana marae (also associated with Marapounamu), affiliated with Ngāti Rahurahu, positioned on the banks. Its is Rahurahu (a descendant of Ngāti Raukawa), and the wharekai is Whakarawa (associated with Ngāti Tahu). It supports ongoing cultural practices and connections to the river.
These marae embody the enduring history and identity in Reporoa, rooted in the 's relationship with the and waterways.

European settlement and modern era

in Reporoa accelerated in the early 20th century, as settlers arrived in the 1920s to a valley dominated by , swamp, and scrub, requiring extensive manual effort to clear land and establish farms. These pioneers laid the foundations for the area's transformation into a farming community, with the local farmers establishing Reporoa Primary School in 1923 to serve their families in a single classroom under rudimentary conditions. development brought notable growth, particularly with a significant influx of veterans settling in the district around 1951, which outstripped existing community facilities. This expansion prompted the construction of the Reporoa Memorial Hall in 1957, funded by a loan from the Rotorua County Council and officially opened by its chairman, serving as a dedicated memorial to those who served in the First and Second World Wars while functioning as a central hub for social events such as dances, movies, and community gatherings. The area's active geothermal field has influenced modern , with major occurring in 1948 and on 19 April 2005, the latter creating a 50-metre-wide crater in a scenic reserve and ejecting large volumes of debris and steam. These events have occasionally disrupted farmland and reserves, highlighting ongoing in the rural landscape. Economic development in the modern era has been supported by the , exemplified by the establishment of the Reporoa dairy factory in 1968 as a modern facility for processing and milk powder, which has grown significantly in capacity and importance to local farmers. Today, Reporoa operates as a rural community under the administration of the Rotorua Lakes Council, which succeeded earlier bodies such as the Rotorua County Council.

Demographics

The population of the Reporoa locality was 321 at the , reflecting an increase of 42 people (15.1%) from the 279 recorded in 2018. This growth occurred within a defined area of 15.66 km², resulting in a of 20.5 people per km². The recorded 177 males, 147 females, and 3 people of other genders in Reporoa, alongside 114 dwellings. The age structure showed 22.4% of residents under 15 years, 47.7% aged 30–64 years, and 12.1% aged 65 years and over, indicating a predominance of working-age adults within the community. Reporoa forms part of the broader Golden Springs statistical area, which had a population of 1,854 in 2023 and an estimated population of 1,960 as of 2025. This wider area reflects steadier overall growth patterns in the surrounding rural region compared to the more pronounced recent increase in the core Reporoa locality.

Ethnic and social composition

According to the , Reporoa exhibited a diverse ethnic composition, with multiple identifications permitted. The population identified as 58.9% European (), 46.7% , 7.5% , and 1.9% , with smaller proportions for Middle Eastern/Latin American/African (MELAA) and other groups. was the predominant language spoken, reported by 98.1% of residents, while Māori was spoken by 9.3%. In terms of religious affiliation, 54.2% of residents reported no religion, while 28.0% identified as Christian, with minor proportions adhering to , , and other faiths. Among residents aged 15 years and over, 8.4% held a or higher qualification. Employment status showed 53.0% in in this age group. Additionally, 1.9% of the population identified as .

Education

Primary schools

Reporoa is served by two state contributing primary schools, both catering to students in : Reporoa School and Broadlands School. These schools provide education for the local rural community and its surrounding areas. Reporoa School, located at 34 Massey Road, was founded in 1923 by the Reporoa farming community. It began as a single classroom serving 17 students of mixed ages, with one teacher commuting by horseback in a landscape dominated by , swamp, and scrub, without telephones or electricity. The school has since expanded to five classrooms and modern facilities. Recent sources indicate a roll of approximately 110-112 students (as of 2025). Broadlands School, situated at 2986 Broadlands Road, was established in 1935. It serves the rural Broadlands district and celebrated its 50th jubilee in 1985. Recent data indicate a roll of 121 students (as of October 2025, subject to updates). Students from both schools typically progress to Reporoa College for secondary education.

Reporoa College

Reporoa College is a co-educational state secondary school located in the rural community of Reporoa, New Zealand. It provides education for students in and serves as the main secondary school in the area. The school is situated in a scenic valley midway between and Taupō, emphasizing a supportive, small-school environment that fosters personal relationships and individual student pathways. The school was established in 1955 as Reporoa District High School before later becoming Reporoa College. As a small rural institution, it prioritizes one-on-one teacher-student interaction, a technology-rich curriculum, and community involvement, including partnerships for vocational pathways and cultural programs such as te reo Māori and . As of October 2025, Reporoa College had a student roll of 187.

Economy

Agriculture

Agriculture forms the primary economic base of Reporoa, with dominating the rural landscape. The area's fertile volcanic soils, developed from the 's geological history, support productive pasture growth for , following historical of low-lying swamplands into farmland. The dairy processing plant in Reporoa, operational since 1968, serves as a key anchor for local agriculture, collecting milk from local and processing up to several million litres per day during peak season (as of 2018), with much of the output focused on sodium caseinate and milk proteins for international markets. Representative in the area emphasize to balance profitability and , including lower stocking rates, high utilization of home-grown feed, and winter off-site grazing to reduce costs, improve , lower , and achieve strong . As a remote rural community, Reporoa faces challenges in labor retention, with farms relying on contractors for tasks like cultivation and , and processors adopting automation to reduce manual labor demands.

Tourism and geothermal resources

Reporoa's tourism centers on its active geothermal field and volcanic landscapes, which provide opportunities for visitors to experience natural thermal activity in a rural, less commercialized setting. The Reporoa geothermal field features bubbling and thermal ground, drawing nature enthusiasts interested in and scenic exploration. Historical have contributed to the area's unique terrain, adding intrigue for those seeking authentic geothermal encounters. Public reserves offer accessible geothermal attractions. Butcher's Pool Reserve, located on Broadlands Road 1.8 km south of Reporoa Village, provides a free with water piped directly from an adjacent spring. Facilities include changing rooms and toilets, though the site is unsupervised, with no overnight parking or camping permitted and safety warnings about the risk of from submerging the head. Visitors are encouraged to take rubbish away. This reserve supports informal bathing, primarily popular among domestic tourists. Golden Springs Reserve in Reporoa similarly enables free informal bathing in , contributing to the area's appeal for low-key thermal experiences. These sites form part of geothermal tourism offerings, where ranks as a top activity. The volcanic landscapes support recreational pursuits such as hiking trails and visits to , appealing to adventurers and those seeking off-the-beaten-path nature immersion. Tourism complements the dominant agricultural economy, generating employment in hospitality and services as part of the local visitor economy.

References

  1. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/reporoa-eruption-forms-50m-crater/TCAS743HITO3IF7ZHKIFYWYUK4/
  2. https://www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/
  3. https://volcanolive.com/reporoa.html
  4. https://www.tkm.govt.nz/iwi/ngati-tahu-ngati-whaoa/
  5. https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/6503/hydrothermal-eruption-at-reporoa-2005
  6. https://teara.govt.nz/en/volcanic-plateau-places/page-7
  7. https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/community/about-the-waikato-region/
  8. https://je.toponavi.com/32726
  9. https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Rotorua/Reporoa
  10. https://volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=241060
  11. https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/gsa/geosphere/article/10/1/185/132149/Evolution-of-the-intra-arc-Taupo-Reporoa-Basin
  12. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/ofr20201021
  13. https://www.usgs.gov/publications/reporoa-caldera-taupo-volcanic-zone-source-kaingaroa-ignimbrites
  14. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00302833
  15. https://nzhistory.govt.nz/culture/maori-language-week/1000-maori-place-names
  16. https://waikatoriver.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ngaati_tahu_ngaati_whaoa_iwi_emp.pdf
  17. https://maorimaps.com/marae/mataarae
  18. https://maorimaps.com/marae/%C5%8Dh%C4%81k%C4%AB-0
  19. https://maorimaps.com/marae/te-toke
  20. https://maorimaps.com/marae/waimahana-0
  21. https://www.rep.school.nz/18/easy_pages/14-history
  22. https://www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/repository/libraries/id:2e3idno3317q9sihrv36/hierarchy/our-city/community-development/communityfacilities/documents/HistoryoftheRuralCommunity.pdf
  23. https://volcano.si.edu/showreport.cfm?doi=10.5479/si.GVP.BGVN200505-241816
  24. https://www.fonterra.com/americas/en/our-stories/articles/celebration-50-years-of-reporoa.html
  25. https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/2023-census-population-counts-by-ethnic-group-age-and-maori-descent-and-dwelling-counts/
  26. https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/estimated-resident-population-2023-base-at-30-june-2023/
  27. https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs%5b0%5d=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df%5bds%5d=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df%5bid%5d=CEN23_TBT_012&df%5bag%5d=STATSNZ&df%5bvs%5d=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bib7%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.7015114%2B7015116.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to%5bTIME%5d=false&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly%5bcl%5d=CEN23_YEAR_001
  28. https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/find-school/school/profile?school=1923
  29. https://www.broadlands.school.nz/
  30. https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/find-school/school/profile?school=1698
  31. https://reporoa.school.nz/
  32. https://reporoa.school.nz/wp-content/uploads/sites/107/2024/11/2025-Prospectus_compressed.pdf
  33. https://teara.govt.nz/en/volcanic-plateau-region/page-10
  34. https://www.wai-kokopu.org.nz/double-the-returns/
  35. https://explorerotorua.nz/reporoa-suburb-rotorua/
  36. https://www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/parks-lakes-recreation/park-reserves/butchers-pool
  37. https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/environment/geothermal/geothermal-tourism/
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