View source for Tīrau

{{short description|Settlement in Waikato, New Zealand}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}

{{Use New Zealand English|date=July 2018}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                   = Tīrau
| image_skyline          = The dog and sheep buildings, Tirau, Waikato, New Zealand, 3 April 2008.jpg
| image_caption          = Tīrau's corrugated iron 'giant dog' and 'big sheep' buildings
| subdivision_type       = Country
| subdivision_name       = New Zealand
| subdivision_type1      = Region
| subdivision_name1      = [[Waikato Region]]
| subdivision_type2      = District
| subdivision_name2      = [[South Waikato District]]
| subdivision_type3      = Ward
| subdivision_name3      = Tirau Ward
| subdivision_type4      = Community
| subdivision_name4      = Tirau Community
| leader_title           = Territorial Authority
| leader_name            = [[South Waikato District Council]]
| leader_title1          = Regional council
| leader_name1           = [[Waikato Regional Council]]
| leader_title2          = [[Mayor of South Waikato]]
| leader_name2           = {{NZ officeholder data|South Waikato District Mayor|y}}
| leader_title3          = [[Taupō (New Zealand electorate)|Taupō MP]]
| leader_name3           = {{NZ officeholder data|Taupō MP|y}}
| leader_title4          = [[Te Tai Hauāuru|Te Tai Hauāuru MP]]
| leader_name4           = {{NZ officeholder data|Te Tai Hauāuru MP|y}}
| seat_type              = [[New Zealand electorates|Electorates]]
| seat                   = {{ubl|[[Taupō (New Zealand electorate)|Taupō]]|[[Te Tai Hauāuru]] ([[Māori electorates|Māori]])}}
| image_map              = {{Infobox mapframe|coord={{coord|37|59|S|175|45|E}}|zoom=9}}
| coordinates            = {{coord|37|59|S|175|45|E|region:NZ|display=inline,title}}
| area_footnotes         = <ref name="Area"/>
| area_total_km2         = 1.69
| population_footnotes   = {{NZ population data 2018||||y}}
| population_as_of       = {{NZ population data 2018|||y}}
| population_total       = {{NZ population data 2018|Tirau|y}}
| population_density_km2 = auto
| timezone               = [[Time in New Zealand|NZST]]
| utc_offset             = +12
| timezone_DST           = NZDT
| utc_offset_DST         = +13
| postal_code_type       = Postcode
| postal_code            = 3410
| area_code              = 07
}}

'''Tīrau''' is a small town in the [[Waikato]] region of the [[North Island]] of New Zealand, 50 kilometres southeast of [[Hamilton, New Zealand|Hamilton]]. The town has a population of 804 (2018 census).<ref name="Census 2018"/> In the [[Māori language]], "Tīrau" means "place of many [[Cabbage tree (Cordyline australis)|cabbage trees]]."

Tīrau is a major junction in the [[New Zealand state highway network]], sitting at the junctions of [[New Zealand State Highway 1|State Highway 1]], [[New Zealand State Highway 5|State Highway 5]], and [[New Zealand State Highway 27|State Highway 27]]. Tīrau is primarily a farming town but in recent years has begun to exploit the income that comes from being at a major road junction.

The small community of [[Okoroire]] (with hot springs) is located just north of Tīrau.<ref name="mapokoroire">{{cite web |title=1:50,000 map |url=http://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap/nz195/Okoroire/Waikato |website=topomap.co.nz |publisher=Topo Map |accessdate=17 November 2018 |archive-date=17 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117192954/http://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap/nz195/Okoroire/Waikato |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Okoroire#Railway station|Okoroire railway station]] was over {{Convert|4|km||abbr=on}} to the west of the springs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mapspast.org.nz/?zoom=14&x=1844325&y=5795643&layerid=NZMS1%201959|title=Current and historical topographic maps (topomaps) of New Zealand|last=|first=|date=1944|website=www.mapspast.org.nz|access-date=2018-05-13|archive-date=17 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117151514/http://www.mapspast.org.nz/?zoom=14&x=1844325&y=5795643&layerid=NZMS1%201959|url-status=live}}</ref>

==History and culture==
[[File:The Tirau pub.jpg|thumb|The Tīrau pub]]

===European settlement===
In the 19th century, Tīrau, then known as Oxford, was originally planned as a township.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=1881 Plan of the township of Oxford|url=https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/maps/id/1942|access-date=2018-05-13|website=www.aucklandcity.govt.nz|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429105003/https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/maps/id/1942|url-status=live}}</ref> However plans were changed after the entrepreneurial Rose family bought up large areas of land in the region, with the intention of making large returns when it came of high demand. Oxford later became a rural service town.

Oxford Royal Hotel opened on 15 April 1881.<ref>{{Cite web|date=21 Apr 1881|title=WAIKATO TIMES|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18810421.2.4|access-date=2021-04-29|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429105003/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18810421.2.4|url-status=live}}</ref> A store followed in June,<ref>{{Cite web|date=23 Jun 1881|title=WAIKATO TIMES|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18810623.2.27.1|access-date=2021-04-29|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429105002/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18810623.2.27.1|url-status=live}}</ref> but by September 1881 Oxford still only had the hotel and store.<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 Sep 1881|title=A TRIP TO OXFORD. WAIKATO TIMES|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18810922.2.27|access-date=2021-04-29|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> 94 lots in the township,<ref name=":0" /> which it had been planned to sell in 1891,<ref>{{Cite web|date=23 Apr 1881|title=TOWNSHIP OF OXFORD. Postponement of Sale. WAIKATO TIMES|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18810423.2.9|access-date=2021-04-29|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> were offered for sale in 1882.<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 Jan 1882|title=NEW ZEALAND HERALD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18820120.2.43.3|access-date=2021-04-29|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429105000/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18820120.2.43.3|url-status=live}}</ref> In the 1886 census, Oxford had a population of 48 in the 1896 census,<ref>{{Cite web|date=28 March 1886|title=RESULTS OF A CENSUS|url=https://www3.stats.govt.nz/Historic_Publications/1886-census/Results-of-Census-1886/1886-results-census.html|website=StatsNZ|access-date=29 April 2021|archive-date=14 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414223208/https://www3.stats.govt.nz/Historic_Publications/1886-census/Results-of-Census-1886/1886-results-census.html|url-status=live}}</ref> 27 in 1891<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 Apr 1891|title=RESULTS OF A CENSUS|url=https://www3.stats.govt.nz/historic_publications/1891-census/1891-results-census/1891-results-census.html|website=StatsNZ}}</ref> and 127 in 1911.<ref>{{Cite web|date=1911|title=Report on the results of a census|url=https://archive.org/details/reportonresultso00newz|website=University of California}}</ref>

In 1886, [[James Anthony Froude]] visited Oxford and described it as having a single inn, with the town surrounded by desert with little vegetation growth.<ref name="threerivers">{{cite book |last1=Vennell |first1=C. W. |last2=More |first2=David |title=Land of the Three Rivers: A Centennial History of Piako County |date=1976 |publisher=Wilson & Horton}}</ref>{{RP|265}}

=== Name ===
Oxford was a name given to the proposed township when it was sold by McLean & Co in 1881.<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 Jan 1881|title=AUCKLAND STAR|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS18810124.2.39.4|access-date=2021-04-29|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429105012/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS18810124.2.39.4|url-status=live}}</ref> It may have been to identify it as a sister town to [[Cambridge, New Zealand|Cambridge]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|title=Putaruru and Tīrau|url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/waikato-places/page-16|access-date=2021-04-29|website=teara.govt.nz|language=en|archive-date=7 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507132130/https://teara.govt.nz/en/waikato-places/page-16|url-status=live}}</ref>  To avoid confusion with [[Oxford, New Zealand|Oxford]] in Canterbury, the [[Piako County Council]] asked the name to be changed. The name ''Tirau'', suggested by two councillors, was chosen. Tirau is the name of the hill near the township.<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 Apr 1895|title=THAMES ADVERTISER|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/THA18950419.2.6|access-date=2021-04-28|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429105007/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/THA18950419.2.6|url-status=live}}</ref> Oxford changed its name to Tirau on 23 May 1896.<ref>{{Cite web|date=28 May 1895|title=GAZETTE NOTICES. NEW ZEALAND HERALD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18950528.2.33|access-date=2021-04-28|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429105004/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18950528.2.33|url-status=live}}</ref> The name was spelt without a macron until 2019, when the [[New Zealand Geographic Board]] made Tīrau the official name.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=21 June 2019 |title=NZGB notices – June 2019 |url=https://www.linz.govt.nz/regulatory/place-names/recent-place-name-notices-and-place-names-interest/nzgb-notices-%E2%80%93-june-2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701013836/https://www.linz.govt.nz/regulatory/place-names/recent-place-name-notices-and-place-names-interest/nzgb-notices-%E2%80%93-june-2019 |archive-date=1 July 2019 |access-date=21 April 2020 |website=Land Information New Zealand}}</ref>
[[File:Tīrau_in_1958.jpg|thumb|Tīrau in 1958]]

===Railway station===
Oxford railway station was at the site where the [[Kinleith Branch]] crossed Okoroire Rd<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=1944|title=Current and historical topographic maps (topomaps) of New Zealand|url=http://www.mapspast.org.nz/?zoom=13&x=1844096&y=5791238&layerid=NZMS1%201959|access-date=2018-05-14|website=www.mapspast.org.nz|archive-date=15 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515112228/http://www.mapspast.org.nz/?zoom=13&x=1844096&y=5791238&layerid=NZMS1%201959|url-status=live}}</ref> The Thames Valley & Rotorua Railway Co. opened it on Monday 8 March 1886.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1886-03-06|title=The New Railway Time-Table.|pages=2|work=Waikato Times|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18860306.2.8|access-date=2018-05-15|archive-date=16 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516171630/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18860306.2.8|url-status=live}}</ref> The first train left Oxford at 7.50am and arrived in Auckland at 4.35pm,<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 Mar 1886|title=NEW ZEALAND HERALD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18860309.2.16|access-date=2021-04-26|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> {{convert|133|mi|60|ch|abbr=on}} away.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1886-02-23|title=Railway Extension.|pages=5|work=New Zealand Herald|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18860223.2.16|access-date=2018-05-15|archive-date=16 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516171628/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18860223.2.16|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Morrinsville#Railway|Morrinsville]] is {{convert|30|mi|60|ch|abbr=on}} away. Oxford was the terminus for a few months until 21 June 1886, when the line was extended south to [[Putāruru#Railways|Putāruru]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives — 1894 Session I — D-01 Page 45|url=https://atojs.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/atojs?a=d&d=AJHR1894-I.1.1348|access-date=2018-05-14|website=atojs.natlib.govt.nz|language=en-NZ}}</ref> and [[Lichfield, New Zealand#Railway station|Lichfield]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=1886-06-15|title=Opening of Railway Line to Lichfield.|pages=4|work=New Zealand Herald|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18860615.2.24|access-date=2018-05-15|archive-date=16 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516014829/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18860615.2.24|url-status=live}}</ref> On 3 days a week, from the start of the train service, a coach ran to [[Ohinemutu]], at [[Rotorua]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=11 Mar 1886|title=NEW ZEALAND HERALD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18860311.2.7.1|access-date=2021-04-29|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429110502/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18860311.2.7.1|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[New Zealand Railways Department]] took over the line on 1 April 1886.<ref name=":222">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Stations|url=http://railheritage.org.nz/assets/Heritage_listings.pdf|access-date=2020-08-10|website=NZR Rolling Stock Lists|language=en|archive-date=8 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208074304/http://railheritage.org.nz/assets/Heritage_listings.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> By August there was a coal shed (23ft x 15ft, 50 tons capacity), 2 cottages, {{Convert|60|ft|abbr=on}} by {{Convert|30|ft|abbr=on}}  goods shed, [[Railway turntable|turntable]] and a stationmaster's house. In 1895 the stationmaster was moved to Putāruru and Tirau was downgraded to a [[flag station]]. However, by 1896 Tīrau also had a [[George Troup (architect)#Standard station designs|4th class station]], platform, cart approach, loading bank, cattle yards, 4-stall engine shed, urinals and a [[passing loop]] for 26 wagons (extended for 70 wagons in 1964). In 1898 it was recommended that the engine shed be moved to [[Thames Branch#Stations|Grahamstown]], though a double shed was then built there. By 1911 there were also sheep yards.<ref name=":222" />

563 passengers bought tickets in 1894,<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives — 1894 Session I — D-02 Page 17|url=https://atojs.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/atojs?a=d&d=AJHR1894-I.1.1388|access-date=2018-05-14|website=atojs.natlib.govt.nz|language=en-NZ|archive-date=15 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515183729/https://atojs.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/atojs?a=d&d=AJHR1894-I.1.1388|url-status=live}}</ref> 330 in 1895<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives — 1895 Session I — D-02 Page 25|url=https://atojs.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/atojs?a=d&d=AJHR1895-I.1.1586|access-date=2018-05-14|website=atojs.natlib.govt.nz|language=en-NZ|archive-date=14 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714080531/https://atojs.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/atojs?a=d&d=AJHR1895-I.1.1586|url-status=live}}</ref> and 308 in 1896, when the main import was coal and the main exports timber and sheep.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives — 1896 Session I — D-02 Page 11|url=https://atojs.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/atojs?a=d&d=AJHR1896-I.1.1624|access-date=2018-05-14|website=atojs.natlib.govt.nz|language=en-NZ|archive-date=15 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515183702/https://atojs.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/atojs?a=d&d=AJHR1896-I.1.1624|url-status=live}}</ref> It was renamed Tirau on 8 March 1886.

In 1963 a new station in dark [[Huntly, New Zealand#Bricks|Huntly brick]], with a storeroom, office, waiting room and platform for two railcars was built for about £4,800.<ref name=":222" /> Closure to passengers was on 12 November 1968 and to goods, except private siding traffic, on 29 March 1981.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|last=Scoble|first=Juliet|date=2010|title=Names & Opening & Closing Dates of Railway Stations|url=http://www.railheritage.org.nz/assets/dates_and_names.pdf|website=Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand|access-date=14 May 2018|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724032358/http://www.railheritage.org.nz/assets/dates_and_names.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1989 the station was derelict, but still had a low level platform.<ref name=":222" />

The main remnant of the station, alongside Prospect Avenue,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Prospect Ave|url=https://www.google.com/maps/@-37.9772504,175.7618319,3a,30y,45.47h,97.25t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sFvvrylcW-9377qCrSdrAvA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656|access-date=2021-04-29|website=Google Maps|language=en}}</ref> is an [[Heritage New Zealand#New Zealand Heritage List / R%C4%81rangi K%C5%8Drero|NZHPT Category II]] listed (on 5 September 1985, List Number 4230) brick [[Water crane#Water supply|water tower]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Water Tower|url=https://www.heritage.org.nz/the-list/details/4230|access-date=2021-04-29|website=www.heritage.org.nz|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429105002/https://www.heritage.org.nz/the-list/details/4230|url-status=live}}</ref> Opening of the station was delayed a week as the water supply wasn't complete. Like other Thames Valley & Rotorua stations, water was fed to a {{Convert|6000|impgal|m3|abbr=on}} brick tank, supplied from the Oraka Stream, about {{Convert|90|ch|km|abbr=on}} to the south, by a [[Hydraulic ram|Blake]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=John Blake - Graces Guide|url=https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/John_Blake|access-date=2021-04-27|website=www.gracesguide.co.uk}}</ref> [[hydraulic ram]].<ref name=":222" /> Similar towers remain at Lichfield and [[Rotorua Branch#Stations|Ngātira]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 2015|title=Operative District Plan|url=https://www.southwaikato.govt.nz/repository/libraries/id:24rtvarkd17q9s3wxfnn/hierarchy/our-council/strategies-plans-policies-bylaws/plans/district-plan/operativeeplan/pdf/Operative%20District%20Plan%20July%202015%20Volume%202.pdf|website=South Waikato District Council}}</ref> [[Fonterra]] still moves freight by rail from its Tīrau factory,<ref>{{Cite web|last=|last2=|first2=|last3=|first3=|date=November 2004|title=Fonterra and Toll Sign 20-year Rail Agreement|url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0411/S00168.htm|access-date=2021-04-29|website=www.scoop.co.nz}}</ref> which runs a very large [[Anaerobic digestion#Biogas|anaerobic digester]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-21|title=Biogas could help reduce New Zealand's emissions - study|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/climate-news/300187736/biogas-could-help-reduce-new-zealands-emissions--study|access-date=2021-04-29|website=Stuff|language=en|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429105000/https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/climate-news/300187736/biogas-could-help-reduce-new-zealands-emissions--study|url-status=live}}</ref>{{s-start|noclear=yes}}
{{s-note|text=Former adjoining stations}}
{{Rail line|previous=[[Okoroire#Railway station|Okoroire]]<br /><small>Line open, station closed<br>{{convert|3.7|km|abbr=on}}</small>|next=[[Putāruru#Taumangi railway station|Taumangi]]<br /><small>Line open, station closed<br>{{convert|5.79|km|abbr=on}}<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Yonge|first1=John Roger|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OsnRPgAACAAJ|title=New Zealand Railway and Tramway Atlas|date=1993|publisher=Quail Map Company|isbn=9780900609923|language=en}}</ref></small>|route=[[Kinleith Branch]]|col={{BR(E) colour}}}}
{{s-end}}
===Recent history===
In 1991, local business man Henry Clothier took advantage of the town's relatively cheap real estate and high traffic volume by opening an Antique shop in the former Rose Bros. grocery store building. Many other businesses followed suit off the back of his success throughout the 1990s until today. Tīrau built a reputation as a shopping destination for antiques, collectibles and other niche items, but the last antique store closed in 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/109413973/antiques-make-way-for-retro-in-trau|title=Antiques make way for retro in Tīrau|newspaper=[[Waikato Times]]|date=26 December 2018|first=Luke|last=Kirkeby}}</ref>

In 2005/06 the [[South Waikato District Council]] is working, on behalf of the Tīrau Ward, in conjunction with the community, to develop a concept plan for Tīrau's future.<ref name=councilhome>{{Cite web |url=http://www.southwaikato.govt.nz/council/website/home.asp |title=South Waikato District Council |access-date=2 April 2006 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070310135906/http://www.southwaikato.govt.nz/council/website/home.asp |archive-date=10 March 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Marae===

The local Paparāmu Marae and Te Apunga meeting house are affiliated with the [[Ngāti Raukawa]] [[hapū]] of [[Ngāti Mōtai]] and [[Ngāti Te Apunga]].<ref name="tkmentry">{{cite web|title=Te Kāhui Māngai directory|url=http://www.tkm.govt.nz/|website=tkm.govt.nz|publisher=[[Te Puni Kōkiri]]|access-date=24 February 2019|archive-date=18 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200118064630/http://www.tkm.govt.nz/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="maorimaps">{{cite web |title=Māori Maps |url=https://maorimaps.com/map |website=maorimaps.com |publisher=Te Potiki National Trust |access-date=24 February 2019 |archive-date=22 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122131749/https://maorimaps.com/map |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Demographics==
Statistics New Zealand describes Tīrau as a rural settlement, which covers {{Convert|1.69|km2||abbr=on}}.<ref name="Area">{{Cite web|title=Stats NZ Geographic Data Service|url=https://datafinder.stats.govt.nz/data/|at=Urban Rural 2023 (generalised)|access-date=1 May 2025}}</ref> It had an estimated population of {{NZ population data 2018|Tirau|y}} as of {{NZ population data 2018|||y|y||,}} with a population density of {{Decimals|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Tirau|y}}|R}}/1.69|0}} people per km<sup>2</sup>. The settlement is part of the larger Tīrau statistical area.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://statsnz.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=3a406ce8fbb14367ab5caae21c07ab8b|title=Geographic Boundary Viewer|publisher=Stats NZ|at=Urban Rural – 2023 and Statistical Area 2 – 2023}}</ref>

{{Historical populations|2006|741|2013|702|2018|804|2023|885|percentages=pagr|align=left|title=Historical population for the settlement|source=<ref name="Census 2023"/><ref name="Census 2018">{{NZ census 2018|7013048–7013052}}</ref>}}
Tīrau had a population of 885 in the [[2023 New Zealand census]], an increase of 81 people (10.1%) since the [[2018 New Zealand census|2018 census]], and an increase of 183 people (26.1%) since the [[2013 New Zealand census|2013 census]]. There were 435 males, 444 females, and 3 people of [[non-binary gender|other genders]] in 354 dwellings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_005&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=doTotal%2Bdo1.1195.2023&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_DWD_003|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for dwellings, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses}}</ref> 2.4% of people identified as [[LGBTQ|LGBTIQ+]]. The median age was 38.4 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 195 people (22.0%) aged under 15 years, 141 (15.9%) aged 15 to 29, 405 (45.8%) aged 30 to 64, and 150 (16.9%) aged 65 or older.<ref name="Census 2023"/>

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 82.7% [[European New Zealanders|European]] ([[Pākehā]]); 28.1% [[Māori people|Māori]]; 2.4% [[Pasifika New Zealanders|Pasifika]]; 3.1% [[Asian New Zealanders|Asian]]; 0.3% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.0% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 97.6%, Māori by 6.1%, Samoan by 1.0%, and other languages by 3.4%. No language could be spoken by 2.4% (e.g. too young to talk). [[New Zealand Sign Language]] was known by 0.7%. The percentage of people born overseas was 11.2, compared with 28.8% nationally.<ref name="Census 2023"/>

Religious affiliations were 22.0% [[Christianity in New Zealand|Christian]], 0.7% [[Māori religious beliefs]], 1.0% [[New Age]], and 1.7% other religions. People who answered that they had [[Irreligion in New Zealand|no religion]] were 63.1%, and 10.8% of people did not answer the census question.<ref name="Census 2023"/>

Of those at least 15 years old, 84 (12.2%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 405 (58.7%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 207 (30.0%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $40,700, compared with $41,500 nationally. 51 people (7.4%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 357 (51.7%) full-time, 99 (14.3%) part-time, and 15 (2.2%) unemployed.<ref name="Census 2023">{{Cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_008&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=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.1195.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to[TIME]=false&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly[cl]=CEN23_YEAR_001|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses|at=Tīrau (1195)}}</ref>

===Tīrau statistical area===
Tīrau statistical area covers {{Convert|293.10|km2||abbr=on}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=Stats NZ Geographic Data Service|url=https://datafinder.stats.govt.nz/data/|at=Statistical Area 2 2023 (generalised)|access-date=1 May 2025}}</ref> and had an estimated population of {{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Tirau|y}} as of {{NZ population data 2023 SA2|||y|y||,}} with a population density of {{Decimals|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Tirau|y}}|R}}/293.10|1}} people per km<sup>2</sup>.

{{Historical populations|2006|2,196|2013|2,106|2018|2,334|2023|2,535|percentages=pagr|align=left|title=Historical population for the statistical area|source=<ref name="Census 2023 T"/><ref name="Census 2018 T">{{NZ census 2018|Tīrau (185800)|tirau|Tīrau}}</ref>}}
Tīrau statistical area had a population of 2,535 in the [[2023 New Zealand census]], an increase of 201 people (8.6%) since the [[2018 New Zealand census|2018 census]], and an increase of 429 people (20.4%) since the [[2013 New Zealand census|2013 census]]. There were 1,266 males, 1,260 females, and 9 people of [[non-binary gender|other genders]] in 960 dwellings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_005&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=doTotal%2Bdo1.185800.2023&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_DWD_003|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for dwellings, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses}}</ref> 2.4% of people identified as [[LGBTQ|LGBTIQ+]]. The median age was 37.0 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 591 people (23.3%) aged under 15 years, 390 (15.4%) aged 15 to 29, 1,173 (46.3%) aged 30 to 64, and 381 (15.0%) aged 65 or older.<ref name="Census 2023 T"/>

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 86.3% [[European New Zealanders|European]] ([[Pākehā]]); 21.4% [[Māori people|Māori]]; 2.1% [[Pasifika New Zealanders|Pasifika]]; 3.8% [[Asian New Zealanders|Asian]]; 0.4% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.0% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 96.9%, Māori by 4.1%, Samoan by 0.6%, and other languages by 5.2%. No language could be spoken by 2.7% (e.g. too young to talk). [[New Zealand Sign Language]] was known by 0.7%. The percentage of people born overseas was 13.1, compared with 28.8% nationally.<ref name="Census 2023 T"/>

Religious affiliations were 27.3% [[Christianity in New Zealand|Christian]], 0.2% [[Hinduism in New Zealand|Hindu]], 0.2% [[Islam in New Zealand|Islam]], 0.5% [[Māori religious beliefs]], 0.2% [[Buddhism in New Zealand|Buddhist]], 0.6% [[New Age]], and 1.7% other religions. People who answered that they had [[Irreligion in New Zealand|no religion]] were 59.5%, and 9.7% of people did not answer the census question.<ref name="Census 2023 T"/>

Of those at least 15 years old, 315 (16.2%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 1,137 (58.5%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 486 (25.0%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $47,100, compared with $41,500 nationally. 243 people (12.5%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 1,098 (56.5%) full-time, 309 (15.9%) part-time, and 48 (2.5%) unemployed.<ref name="Census 2023 T">{{Cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_008&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=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.185800.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to[TIME]=false&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly[cl]=CEN23_YEAR_001|publisher=Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses|at=Tīrau (185800)}}</ref>

==Tourism==
[[File:The Tirau 'good shepherd'.jpg|thumb|The Tīrau 'good shepherd', outside the local church]]
The town is now a well known tourist stop-off, and is characterised by many art works created out of [[corrugated iron]]. The church and many of the shops feature corrugated iron sculptures by local artist Steven Clothier and two large buildings are completely made from this material; the information centre which is shaped like a giant dog,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tirauinfo.co.nz/tirau-i-site/|title=The i-SITE Visitor Centre|accessdate=26 April 2019|archive-date=25 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425212127/https://tirauinfo.co.nz/tirau-i-site/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the neighbouring sheep and ram building<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/85448102/Corrugated-iron-sheep-and-ram-buildings-in-Tirau-for-sale|title=Corrugated iron sheep and ram buildings in Tirau for sale|first=Kelsie|last=Wilkie|date=20 October 2016|publisher=Stuff}}</ref> - earning Tīrau the title of "Corrugated Capital of the World".

The Castle, a large toy museum on the town's southern limits which opened in 2000, can clearly be seen when heading towards the township from [[Rotorua]] or [[Taupō]]. The Tīrau dairy factory is New Zealand's only producer of [[lactalbumin]], a key ingredient in the production of sports supplements.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fonterra.com/global/en/about/our+locations/newzealand/tirau|title=Tirau|publisher=Fonterra|accessdate=27 March 2013}}</ref>

==Government==
Tīrau is governed locally by the [[South Waikato District|South Waikato District Council]]. Nationally, Tīrau is part of the {{NZ electorate link|Taupō}} general electorate and the {{NZ electorate link|Te Tai Hauāuru}} Māori electorate.<ref>{{cite web |title= Find my electorate |url= http://www.elections.org.nz/voters/find-my-electorate |publisher= Electoral Commission |accessdate= 19 December 2015 |archive-date= 7 January 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160107104824/http://www.elections.org.nz/voters/find-my-electorate |url-status= live }}</ref>

==Transport==
The Royal Hotel ran coaches twice a week from Cambridge from 1882.<ref>{{Cite web|date=27 Jul 1882|title=WAIKATO TIMES|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18820727.2.2.3|access-date=2021-04-29|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429105005/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18820727.2.2.3|url-status=live}}</ref> By 1924 AARD was running a regular bus between Hamilton and Rotorua, via Tīrau.<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 Apr 1924|title=WAIKATO TIMES|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19240422.2.22.2|access-date=2021-04-29|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429105001/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT19240422.2.22.2|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018 47% of those in the Tīrau statistical area said they drove to work, 30% worked from home, 4% walked and 0.5% cycled.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2018 Census place summaries|url=https://www.stats.govt.nz/tools/2018-census-place-summaries/tirau#transport|access-date=2021-04-29|website=www.stats.govt.nz|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429105002/https://www.stats.govt.nz/tools/2018-census-place-summaries/tirau#transport|url-status=live}}</ref> An Urban Connector bus runs twice a day between Tokoroa and Tīrau, via Putāruru and Lichfield.<ref>{{Cite web|title=District Circuit|url=https://www.southwaikato.govt.nz/our-services/urbanconnector/district-circuit|access-date=2021-04-29|website=www.southwaikato.govt.nz|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429105001/https://www.southwaikato.govt.nz/our-services/urbanconnector/district-circuit|url-status=live}}</ref> Tīrau is also served by [[InterCity (New Zealand)|InterCity]] buses to Auckland, Gisborne, Hastings and Wellington.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|title=Book Bus Tickets Online {{!}} InterCity|url=https://www.intercity.co.nz/book-a-trip|access-date=2021-04-29|website=www.intercity.co.nz|language=en-NZ|archive-date=16 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416160945/https://www.intercity.co.nz/book-a-trip|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Education==
Tīrau Primary School is the sole school in Tīrau. It is a contributing primary school (Years 1–6) and has {{NZ school roll data|2031|y}} students as of {{NZ school roll data|||y|y||.}}<ref>{{TKI|2031|Tirau Primary School}}</ref> The school opened in 1888.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MATREC19380707.2.16|title=Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Tirau School|newspaper=Matamata Record|date=7 July 1938}}</ref>

The nearest intermediate and secondary school is Putaruru College, {{convert|8|km||round=5}} south of Tīrau, in [[Putāruru]].

==See also==
*[[Okoroire]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.tirauinfo.co.nz/ Tīrau's official website]
*[https://natlib.govt.nz/records/32057115 1958 aerial photo]

{{South Waikato District}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Populated places in Waikato]]
[[Category:South Waikato District]]