Rotokauri is a semi-rural suburb split between western Hamilton and Waikato District in New Zealand. It is one of the future urban zones of Hamilton, along with Peacocke.[3] The northeastern parts of Rotokauri, within Hamilton, are sometimes called Burbush and Baverstock. Part of Rotokauri was taken into Hamilton with the 10th city extension in November 1989.[4] Until then it had been in the Waipa County Council area.[5]
The outskirts of Rotokauri have an impressive orchid farm, all under glass, exporting blooms across the world, and providing ample local employment.
Rotokauri covers 22.74 km2 (8.78 sq mi)[1] and had an estimated population of 2,130 as of June 2023,[2] with a population density of 94 people per km2.
Rotokauri had a population of 1,563 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 318 people (25.5%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 447 people (40.1%) since the 2006 census. There were 501 households, comprising 798 males and 771 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.04 males per female, with 321 people (20.5%) aged under 15 years, 300 (19.2%) aged 15 to 29, 747 (47.8%) aged 30 to 64, and 201 (12.9%) aged 65 or older.
Ethnicities were 84.8% European/Pākehā, 12.7% Māori, 1.3% Pacific peoples, 9.0% Asian, and 1.9% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.
The percentage of people born overseas was 18.2, compared with 27.1% nationally.
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 48.9% had no religion, 38.6% were Christian, 0.4% had Māori religious beliefs, 1.0% were Hindu, 1.3% were Muslim, 1.0% were Buddhist and 2.3% had other religions.
Of those at least 15 years old, 300 (24.2%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 180 (14.5%) people had no formal qualifications. 345 people (27.8%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 717 (57.7%) people were employed full-time, 189 (15.2%) were part-time, and 24 (1.9%) were unemployed.[8]
Rotokauri School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students[11][12] with a roll of 189 as of February 2024.[13] The school opened in 1911.[14]
Lakes
Waiwhakareke, or Horseshoe Lake (neither name is official)[15] is the second largest lake in Hamilton, covering 3 ha (7.4 acres). It is a peat lake in Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park, 60 ha (150 acres) bought by the City Council in 1975. Like most of Waikato it would have been inundated by a flood of water and ignimbrite debris from Lake Taupō about 22,000 years ago.[16] A peat bog formed in the hollow and restricted drainage. Work to restore the natural qualities of the park began in 2004. The lake drains north into a stream, which feeds Lake Rotokauri.[4]