Takamatua
In this article, we will thoroughly explore the topic of Takamatua and analyze its different aspects from a critical and objective perspective. Takamatua is a topic that has generated great interest and debate in modern society, and it is important to examine it thoroughly to understand its impact on our daily lives. Throughout this article, we will address different points of view and opinions on Takamatua, and offer a comprehensive and balanced view that allows the reader to form their own opinion on the matter. From its origins to its future implications, we will delve into all the nuances of Takamatua to provide a complete overview of this topic that is so relevant today.
Takamatua | |
|---|---|
 Takamatua Bay | |
 Interactive map of Takamatua | |
| Coordinates: 43°47′0″S 172°58′15″E / 43.78333°S 172.97083°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Canterbury Region |
| District | Christchurch City |
| Ward | Banks Peninsula |
| Community | Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula |
| Electorates |
|
| Government | |
| • Territorial Authority | Christchurch City Council |
| • Regional council | Environment Canterbury |
| • Mayor of Christchurch | Phil Mauger[1] |
| • Banks Peninsula MP | Vanessa Weenink |
| • Te Tai Tonga MP | Tākuta Ferris |
| Area | |
• Total | 6.30 km2 (2.43 sq mi) |
| Population (June 2025)[3] | |
• Total | 110 |
| • Density | 17/km2 (45/sq mi) |
| Postcode | 7581 |
Takamatua, formerly known as German Bay, is a small town situated in Akaroa Harbour on Banks Peninsula in New Zealand. The main road to Akaroa (State Highway 75) passes through this locality. It is 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) north of Akaroa township.[4]
History
At the time of French settlement in August 1840 in Akaroa, a small number of German families settled in this bay.[5] Five German men, four of them single, chose to have land in Takamatua rather than Akaroa. The men were Breitmeyer, Hahn, Hettich, Waeckerle, Walther and Woll. [6] The bay was named German Bay up until 1916 when the residents called on the Minister for Internal Affairs, George Warren Russell, to change the name to Takamatua, as a patriotic reaction to World War I.[7] The German Bay Dairy Co-operative Factory was established in 1893.[8] The Factory's cheese won first prize at the Dunedin Agricultural Show in 1901 and 1902.[8][9]
Demographics
Takamatua is described by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement, and covers 6.30 km2 (2.43 sq mi).[2] It had an estimated population of 110 as of June 2025,[3] with a population density of 17 people per km2. It is part of the statistical area of Akaroa Harbour.[10]
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 111 | — |
| 2013 | 135 | +2.84% |
| 2018 | 111 | −3.84% |
| Source: [11] | ||
Takamatua had a population of 111 at the 2018 New Zealand census, a decrease of 24 people (−17.8%) since the 2013 census, and unchanged since the 2006 census. There were 45 households, comprising 57 males and 54 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.06 males per female. The median age was 61.8 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 12 people (10.8%) aged under 15 years, 3 (2.7%) aged 15 to 29, 54 (48.6%) aged 30 to 64, and 42 (37.8%) aged 65 or older.
Ethnicities were 94.6% European/Pākehā, 10.8% Māori, 5.4% Asian, and 2.7% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.[citation needed]
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 43.2% had no religion, 37.8% were Christian, 5.4% had Māori religious beliefs, and 2.7% were Buddhist.
Of those at least 15 years old, 18 (18.2%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 18 (18.2%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $28,600, compared with $31,800 nationally. 9 people (9.1%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 36 (36.4%) people were employed full-time, and 24 (24.2%) were part-time.[11]
References
- ^ "2025 Triennial Elections Declaration of Result" (PDF). Electionz. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- ^ a b "ArcGIS Web Application". statsnz.maps.arcgis.com. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
- ^ a b "Subnational population estimates - Aotearoa Data Explorer". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
- ^ Reed New Zealand atlas (2004) Auckland: Reed Publishing. Map 83. ISBN 0 7900 0952 8
- ^ Reed, A. W. (1975). The Reed Dictionary of New Zealand Place Names. Auckland: Reed. p. 481. ISBN 0-7900-0761-4.
- ^ Tremewan, Peter (1990). French Akaroa. Christchurch: Canterbury University Press. p. 145. ISBN 978-1-877257-97-1.
- ^ "Deleted from map: German Bay, Akaroa". Evening Post. 5 January 1916. Retrieved 17 September 2018 – via Papers Past.
- ^ a b "German Bay". The Cyclopedia of New Zealand. Vol. 3 Canterbury Provincial District. 1903. Retrieved 17 September 2018 – via NZETC.
- ^ "Otago Winter Show". The Akaroa Mail. 1 July 1902. Retrieved 17 September 2018 – via Papers Past.
- ^ 2018 Census place summary: Akaroa Harbour
- ^ a b "Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census". Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. 7026659.
Further reading
- Dykes, G.A. A History of the German Bay / Takamatua School 1876 - 1936 Archived 14 October 2014 at the Wayback Machine (history of both the school and the wider Takamatua community)