Koitiata

Koitiata is a settlement located in the southwestern part of Rangitikei District of the Manawatū-Whanganui region of New Zealand's North Island. At the time of the 2018 census, Koitiata had a population of 126. Marton is located 24 km to the east and Whanganui is located 29 km to the northwest. Nearby Koitiata is Lake Koitiata.

Local government
As part of the Rangitikei District, the current Mayor of Rangitikei since 2013 is Andy Watson.

Koitiata forms part of the Turakina ward of the Rangitikei District Council, which elects one of the eleven district councillors. The one representative of the ward is Soraya Peke-Mason. The mayor and councillors are all due for re-election in October 2016.

National government
Koitiata, like the rest of the Rangitikei District, is located in the general electorate of Rangitīkei and in the Māori electorate of Te Tai Hauāuru. Rangitīkei is a safe National Party seat since the 1938 election with the exception of 1978–1984 when it was held by Bruce Beetham of the Social Credit Party. Since 2011 it is held by Ian McKelvie.

Te Tai Hauāuru is a more volatile seat, having been held by three different parties since 1996, i.e. New Zealand First, the Māori Party and the Labour Party. Since 2014 it is held by Adrian Rurawhe of the Labour Party.

Education
The nearest primary school is Turakina School in Turakina and the nearest secondary schools are in Whanganui and Marton.

Demographics
Koitiata is defined by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement. It covers 0.21 km2 and had an estimated population of as of  with a population density of  people per km2. It is part of the larger Turakina statistical area.



Koitiata had a population of 126 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 18 people (16.7%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 33 people (35.5%) since the 2006 census. There were 57 households, comprising 75 males and 54 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.39 males per female. The median age was 56.2 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 12 people (9.5%) aged under 15 years, 9 (7.1%) aged 15 to 29, 69 (54.8%) aged 30 to 64, and 42 (33.3%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 95.2% European/Pākehā, and 7.1% Māori. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 52.4% had no religion, 40.5% were Christian, 2.4% had Māori religious beliefs and 2.4% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 15 (13.2%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 33 (28.9%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $26,400, compared with $31,800 nationally. 12 people (10.5%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 48 (42.1%) people were employed full-time, 12 (10.5%) were part-time, and 6 (5.3%) were unemployed.

Transport
State Highway 3 is located 8 km to the northeast of Koitiata. This national state highway connects Woodville (25 km east of Palmerston North) and Hamilton via New Plymouth.

The nearest airport is Whanganui Airport, located 30 km to the northwest of the town.

Fusilier shipwreck
About 8 km south of Koitiata the 404 ton, iron barque, Fusilier, was blown onto the coast on 16 January 1884. She was 24 years old and had been sailing in ballast from Wellington to Adelaide. Attempts to refloat her were abandoned The Fusilier is now in the sand dunes, about 200 yd from the highest tides.