View source for Wainuiomata

{{Short description|Town in Lower Hutt, New Zealand}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2021}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=June 2021}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                    = Wainuiomata
| native_name             =
| native_name_lang        = <!-- ISO 639-2 code e.g. "fr" for French. If more than one, use {{lang}} instead -->
| settlement_type         =
| image_skyline           = Wainuiview.jpg
| image_alt               =
| image_caption           = A view of Wainuiomata as seen from above Sunny Grove looking North.
| nickname                = Nappy Valley (historic)<ref name="Te Ara" />
| image_map               = {{infobox mapframe|coord={{coord|41|15|41|S|174|57|3|E}}|zoom=10}}
| coordinates             = {{coord|41|15|41|S|174|57|3|E|region:NZ-WGN|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type        = Country
| subdivision_name        = [[New Zealand]]
| subdivision_type1       = [[Regions of New Zealand|Region]]
| subdivision_name1       = [[Wellington Region|Wellington]]
| subdivision_type2       = [[Territorial authorities of New Zealand|Territorial authority]]
| subdivision_name2       = [[Lower Hutt|Lower Hutt City]]
| subdivision_type3       = Ward
| subdivision_name3       = Wainuiomata
| subdivision_type4       = [[Community boards in New Zealand|Community board]]
| subdivision_name4       = Wainuiomata Community Board<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Hutt City Council |title=Community Boards |url=https://www.huttcity.govt.nz/council/meet-your-council/community-boards |website=www.huttcity.govt.nz |access-date=24 May 2022 |language=en |date=25 November 2021 |archive-date=5 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705195502/https://www.huttcity.govt.nz/council/meet-your-council/community-boards |url-status=live }}</ref>
| seat_type               = [[New Zealand electorates|Electorates]]
| seat                    = {{ubl|[[Hutt South]]|[[Ikaroa-Rāwhiti]] ([[Māori electorates|Māori]])}}
| government_footnotes    =
| leader_title            = Territorial Authority
| leader_name             = [[Hutt City Council]]
| leader_title1           = Regional council
| leader_name1            = [[Greater Wellington Regional Council]]
| leader_title2           = [[Mayor of Hutt City]]
| leader_name2            = {{NZ officeholder data|Hutt City Mayor|y}}
| leader_title3           = [[Hutt South|Hutt South MP]]
| leader_name3            = {{NZ officeholder data|Hutt South MP|y}}
| leader_title4           = [[Ikaroa-Rāwhiti|Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MP]]
| leader_name4            = {{NZ officeholder data|Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MP|y}}
| elevation_m             = 86
| area_total_km2          = 12.76
| area_footnotes          = <ref name="Area"/>
| population_footnotes    = {{NZ population data 2023 SA2||||y}}
| population_total        = {{Decimals|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Arakura|y}}|R}}+{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Wainuiomata West|y}}|R}}+{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Glendale|y}}|R}}+{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Wainuiomata Central|y}}|R}}+{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Homedale East|y}}|R}}+{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Homedale West|y}}|R}}|0}}
| population_as_of        = {{NZ population data 2023 SA2|||y}}
| population_density_km2  = auto
| postal_code_type        = Postcode
| postal_code             = 5014
| website                 = {{URL|http://www.wainuiomata.co.nz}}
}}
[[Image:Wainui3dmap.jpg|thumb|An aerial view of the Wainuiomata Valley. The [[Hutt Valley]] and [[Wellington Harbour]] appear on the left, with Moores Valley to the right.]]

'''Wainuiomata''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|w|aɪ|n|uː|i|ˈ|ɔː|m|ɑː|t|ə}}) is a large [[Commuter town|dormitory suburb]] of [[Lower Hutt]], in the [[Wellington#Wellington metropolitan area|Wellington metropolitan area]] in New Zealand. Its population was estimated as being {{Decimals|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Arakura|y}}|R}}+{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Wainuiomata West|y}}|R}}+{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Glendale|y}}|R}}+{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Wainuiomata Central|y}}|R}}+{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Homedale East|y}}|R}}+{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Homedale West|y}}|R}}|0}} as of {{NZ population data 2023 SA2|||y|y||,}} with a density of 1,600 people per km<sup>2</sup>. European settlement of Wainuiomata began in the 1850s with timber-felling and farming and began to grow in the 1920s. After World War 2 there was rapid population expansion, with Wainuiomata earning the nickname 'Nappy Valley' because of the large number of families with young children. From the late 1980s the economy slowed and the population decreased, but since about 2020 there has been a housing boom and corresponding increase in population. Wainuiomata is noted for being the origin of New Zealand's [[kōhanga reo]] (Māori-language immersion preschool) movement.

==Origin of name==
The word 'Wainui-o-mata' is a [[Māori language|Māori]] name made up of the words Wai = water, Nui = big, O = of, and Mata – which could refer to a woman's name. The origins of the word are disputed, but one commonly accepted translation refers to the women who came over the Wainuiomata Hill to evade marauding tribes from the north, and who sat wailing by the stream after the slaughter of their menfolk. From this we have 'faces streaming with water' or 'tears' although it could equally refer to the large pools of water which lay over the swampy surface (face) of the northern end of the Valley, or the river itself which is known to flood the Wainui (Coast Road) valley.

The town is often abbreviated to Wainui by locals.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/3310091/Story-of-a-suburb-Where-people-are-proud-to-be-Wainuiomartians |title=Wainuiomartians – news – dominion-post &#124; Stuff.co.nz |date=10 February 2010 |access-date=4 October 2013 |archive-date=5 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005013811/http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/3310091/Story-of-a-suburb-Where-people-are-proud-to-be-Wainuiomartians |url-status=live }}</ref>

==History==
Wainuiomata occupies a basin at the headwaters of the [[Wainuiomata River]], between the eastern [[Hutt Valley|Hutt]] hills and the Orongorongo Range. There are conflicting reports about the evidence of [[Māori people|Māori]] occupation of the basin prior to European settlement. One source says there is evidence Māori were in Wainuiomata from the moa-hunting period and the iwi [[Rangitāne|Rangitane]], Ngāti Ira and [[Ngāti Kahungunu|Kahungunu]] were all settled there.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.takirimai.org.nz/pdfs/Final-WDP-version-February-2021.pdf |title=Wainuiomata Marae Development Plan |publisher=Wainuiomata Marae Committee Trust |date=Feb 2021 |access-date=30 August 2022 |archive-date=25 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125182745/https://www.takirimai.org.nz/pdfs/Final-WDP-version-February-2021.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Maclean |first=Chris |date=2007 |title=Wellington places – Eastern ranges |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/wellington-places/page-12 |access-date=2022-08-30 |website=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |publisher=New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu Taonga |language=en |archive-date=30 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220830224548/https://teara.govt.nz/en/wellington-places/page-12 |url-status=live }}</ref>  The earliest European settlements grew up around the river, where timber mills supplied the [[Wellington]] region when the demand was great in the 1850s and '60s. Today this area is known as "The Village" or [[Homedale, New Zealand|"Homedale"]]. The isolated location of  Wainuiomata proved a problem for early settlers. Narrow hill-routes into the settlement were the only access during the 1850s and 1860s.   By the end of the 19th century there were two roads in the valley: Main Road and Fitzherbert Road (known locally as "Swamp Road").<ref name="Carey. Page 107">Carey. p. 107.</ref>

The town's economy in these early days largely depended on timber milling from the forests around the Wainuiomata River. In the 1850s [[William Fitzherbert (New Zealand politician)|Sir William Fitzherbert]] started a flax-milling business in the north of the valley,<ref>Carey. Page 110.</ref> but this proved economically unviable.

In 1866 the Methodist Wainuiomata Coast Road Church was built on land donated by settler Richard Prouse. The oldest Methodist church and the third-oldest church in the Wellington region, it was used for regular services until the congregation outgrew it and moved to the new St Stephens Church in 1957.

With the clearing of the forests, sheep- and dairy-farming became an important part of the local economy. The settlement started to grow in the 1920s.

In 1928 Wainui-o-Mata Development Limited formed for the purpose of developing the Wainuiomata Valley through the acquisition of 1,600 hectares (4,000 acres) of land, its subdivision and its sale as residential lots.<ref name="Carey. Page 107"/> An important part of the project involved the construction of the [[Wainuiomata Tunnel]] linking the Hutt Valley and Wainuiomata Valley for improving access to the new settlement.<ref>{{cite news |title= Abandoned project: Scrub Engulfs 'Dream' Tunnel |newspaper= Dominion |location= Wellington |date= 18 May 1966 }}</ref> Construction of the tunnel commenced in 1932, but the Depression brought a halt to construction, with many investors in the company losing money. The tunnel was never completed.

After [[World War II]] ended in 1945, major growth occurred due to affordable housing developments attracting many young couples, which transformed Wainuiomata into a working-class community. This influx of young families earned the community the nickname of "Nappy Valley" in the 1950s.<ref name="Te Ara">{{cite web
 | first= Chris
 | last= Maclean
 | title= Wellington places – Eastern ranges
 | publisher= Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand
 | date= 13 July 2012
 | url= http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/wellington-places/page-12
 | access-date= 8 January 2015
 | archive-date= 8 January 2015
 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150108112347/http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/wellington-places/page-12
 | url-status= live
 }}</ref>

New Zealand's first [[Māori language revival|kōhanga reo]] opened in Wainuiomata in 1982.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Te Kōhanga Reo {{!}} NZHistory, New Zealand history online|url=https://nzhistory.govt.nz/women-together/te-kohanga-reo|access-date=2021-08-08|website=nzhistory.govt.nz|archive-date=20 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020003137/https://nzhistory.govt.nz/women-together/te-kohanga-reo|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Gary McCormick]]'s 1994 documentary series ''Heartland'' featured an episode about Wainuiomata.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Screen|first=NZ On|title=Heartland – Wainuiomata {{!}} Television {{!}} NZ On Screen|url=https://www.nzonscreen.com/title/heartland-wainuiomata-1994|access-date=2021-08-08|website=www.nzonscreen.com|language=en|archive-date=8 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808183727/https://www.nzonscreen.com/title/heartland-wainuiomata-1994|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last1=Longhurst|first1=Robyn|url=https://hdl.handle.net/10289/3522|chapter=Heartland Wainuiomata: Rurality to suburbs, black singlets to naughty lingerie|last2=Wilson|first2=Carla|title=New Zealand Television: A reader|editor-first1=J.|editor-last1=Farnsworth|editor-first2=I.|editor-last2=Hutchison|publisher=Dunmore Press|year=2002|location=Palmerston North, New Zealand|pages=50–61|hdl=10289/3522|access-date=8 August 2021|archive-date=9 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409000213/https://researchcommons.waikato.ac.nz/handle/10289/3522|url-status=live}}</ref> The programme angered many local people because it focussed on negative aspects and ignored many positive things going on in the valley.<ref>{{Cite news|date=25 Sep 2001|title=Pulled TV doco riles McCormick|edition=2nd|page=16|work=[[Waikato Times]] }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Mallard and 3 Others and Television New Zealand Ltd – 1994-127–1994-130|url=https://www.bsa.govt.nz/decisions/all-decisions/decision-number-1994-127/|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Broadcasting Standards Authority|date=12 December 1994 |language=en-US|archive-date=8 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808183729/https://www.bsa.govt.nz/decisions/all-decisions/decision-number-1994-127/|url-status=live}}</ref> One resident featured on the programme was Chloe Reeves, who for a time became known as 'Chloe of Wainuiomata'.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chloe of Wainuiomata: My life of regret|url=https://www.nowtolove.co.nz/news/real-life/chloe-of-wainuiomata-my-life-of-regret-5849|access-date=2021-08-08|website=Now To Love|date=30 June 2010 |language=en|archive-date=8 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808183728/https://www.nowtolove.co.nz/news/real-life/chloe-of-wainuiomata-my-life-of-regret-5849|url-status=live}}</ref>

In April 2009 a [[Palmerston North]] hotelier banned all Wainuiomata residents after a series of misdemeanours by visitors from there.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/2344215/Whole-town-banned-for-arrogance|title=Whole town banned for 'arrogance'|publisher=[[Manawatu Standard]]|date=18 April 2009|access-date=21 April 2009|archive-date=21 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421084919/http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/2344215/Whole-town-banned-for-arrogance|url-status=live}}</ref>

The first series of the television production ''[[Seven Periods with Mr Gormsby]]'' was shot in the old Wainuiomata College with many local residents as cast members.<ref>http://www.listener.co.nz/printable,3904.sm {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928013226/http://www.listener.co.nz/printable,3904.sm |date=28 September 2007 }} listener.co.nz</ref>

In 2022, a study commissioned by [[Wellington Regional Council]] and conducted by [[Jim Lynch (conservationist)|Jim Lynch]], the founder of [[Zealandia (wildlife sanctuary)|Zealandia]], found that establishing a wildlife sanctuary in the [[Wainuiomata Water Collection Area]] was "technically and practically feasible". The name given to the proposed sanctuary is [[Puketahā (wildlife sanctuary)|Puketahā]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vance |first=Andrea |date=28 March 2022 |title=Proposed eco-sanctuary could boost the population of up to 30 native species |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/128117192/proposed-ecosanctuary-could-boost-the-population-of-up-to-30-native-species?rm=a |access-date=7 April 2022 |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331080532/https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/128117192/proposed-ecosanctuary-could-boost-the-population-of-up-to-30-native-species?rm=a |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Geography==
Wainuiomata is situated in a [[Drainage basin|basin]] surrounded by hills. The topography reduces local wind-flow, resulting in lower minimum temperatures in winter and higher maximum temperatures in summer than in most other parts of Wellington and the Hutt Valley. The valley floor is 86 m above sea level, and the highest point of the Wainuiomata Hill Road is 195 m above sea level.

[[Wainuiomata River]] flows through the southern part of Wainuiomata, draining to the sea at [[Baring Head]] to the south. Two major tributaries join Wainuiomata River in the Homedale area: Wainuiomata Stream from Moore's Valley, and Black Creek, from north Wainuiomata.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Zealand Topographic Map |url=https://www.topomap.co.nz/NZTopoMap?v=2&ll=-41.279,174.965687&z=14 |access-date=2024-02-04 |website=NZ Topo Map |language=en}}</ref> Water is piped from Wainuiomata to supply Wellington City with fresh water.

The [[Orongorongo Valley]], accessed via the Wainuiomata Valley, features bush walks and native-forest scenery.

{{Wide image|File:Panorama of LowerHutt and Wainuiomata.jpg|1000|A 360 degree panorama taken 400 feet above the Wanuiomata hills.  Wellington Harbour can be seen on the far left, with Petone and the Hutt Valley towards the middle of the image.  The Wainuiomata Hill road can be seen curling around the bottom right of the image as it snakes into the suburb of Wainuiomata on the right hand side.|800}}

==Climate==

{{Weather box|width=auto
|metric first=y
|single line=y
|collapsed = Y
|location = Wainuiomata (1981–2010 normals, extremes 1970–1994)
| Jan record high C = 30.1
| Feb record high C = 30
| Mar record high C = 28.9
| Apr record high C = 25.2
| May record high C = 22.4
| Jun record high C = 19.7
| Jul record high C = 16.1
| Aug record high C = 18
| Sep record high C = 21.1
| Oct record high C = 21.8
| Nov record high C = 26.1
| Dec record high C = 28
| year record high C = 30.1
|Jan high C =  21.0
|Feb high C =  21.3
|Mar high C =  19.6
|Apr high C =  17.0
|May high C =  14.7
|Jun high C =  12.5
|Jul high C =  11.7
|Aug high C =  12.4
|Sep high C =  14.1
|Oct high C =  15.3
|Nov high C =  17.1
|Dec high C =  19.1
| year high C = 
|Jan mean C =  16.8
|Feb mean C =  16.8
|Mar mean C =  15.4
|Apr mean C =  12.9
|May mean C =  10.8
|Jun mean C =  9.1
|Jul mean C =  8.0
|Aug mean C =  8.7
|Sep mean C =  10.4
|Oct mean C =  11.6
|Nov mean C =  13.2
|Dec mean C =  15.3
| year mean C = 
|Jan low C =  12.5
|Feb low C =  12.4
|Mar low C =  11.1
|Apr low C =  8.7
|May low C =  7.0
|Jun low C =  5.6
|Jul low C =  4.4
|Aug low C =  4.9
|Sep low C =  6.7
|Oct low C =  7.9
|Nov low C =  9.4
|Dec low C =  11.6
| year low C = 
|Jan record low C  = 2.6
|Feb record low C  = 2.5
|Mar record low C  = 1.4
|Apr record low C  = 0.2
|May record low C  =  -3.5
|Jun record low C  = -3.2
|Jul record low C  = -4.5
|Aug record low C  = -3
|Sep record low C  = -1.3
|Oct record low C  = -0.6
|Nov record low C  = 0.3
|Dec record low C  = 2
|year record low C = -4.5
|rain colour = green
|Jan rain mm =  69.4
|Feb rain mm =  72.5
|Mar rain mm =  132.7
|Apr rain mm =  106.4
|May rain mm =  172.1
|Jun rain mm =  186.9
|Jul rain mm =  184.6
|Aug rain mm =  140.6
|Sep rain mm =  131.0
|Oct rain mm =  139.5
|Nov rain mm =  128.1
|Dec rain mm =  105.4
|year rain mm = 
|source 1 = NIWA<ref name= NIWA>
{{cite web
|url = http://cliflo.niwa.co.nz
|title = CliFlo – National Climate Database : Wainuiomata Coast Rd
|publisher = NIWA
|access-date = 20 May 2024}}</ref><ref name="niwa 3424">{{cite web
|url = https://cliflo.niwa.co.nz/
|title = CliFlo – The National Climate Database (Agent number: 3424)
|publisher = NIWA
|access-date = 16 Jul 2024}}</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
===Wainuiomata Central===
Wainuiomata Central statistical area covers {{Convert|1.26|km2||abbr=on}}.<ref name="Area"/> It had an estimated population of {{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Wainuiomata Central|y}} as of {{NZ population data 2023 SA2|||y|y||,}} with a population density of {{Decimals|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Wainuiomata Central|y}}|R}}/1.26|0}} people per km<sup>2</sup>.

{{Historical populations|2006|1,635|2013|1,680|2018|1,803|percentages=pagr|align=left|title=Historical population for Wainuiomata Central|source=<ref name="Census 2018"/>}}
Wainuiomata Central had a population of 1,803 at the [[2018 New Zealand census]], an increase of 123 people (7.3%) since the [[2013 New Zealand census|2013 census]], and an increase of 168 people (10.3%) since the [[2006 New Zealand census|2006 census]]. There were 609 households, comprising 858 males and 942 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.91 males per female. The median age was 36.7 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 390 people (21.6%) aged under 15 years, 351 (19.5%) aged 15 to 29, 801 (44.4%) aged 30 to 64, and 264 (14.6%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 67.2% European/[[Pākehā]], 28.0% [[Māori people|Māori]], 14.6% [[Pasifika New Zealanders|Pasifika]], 10.3% [[Asian New Zealanders|Asian]], and 1.8% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

The percentage of people born overseas was 19.3, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 43.4% had no religion, 40.4% were [[Christianity in New Zealand|Christian]], 1.3% had [[Religion of Māori people|Māori religious beliefs]], 3.3% were [[Hinduism in New Zealand|Hindu]], 0.3% were [[Islam in New Zealand|Muslim]], 1.0% were [[Buddhism in New Zealand|Buddhist]] and 2.3% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 165 (11.7%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 363 (25.7%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $29,400, compared with $31,800 nationally. 153 people (10.8%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 717 (50.7%) people were employed full-time, 168 (11.9%) were part-time, and 87 (6.2%) were unemployed.<ref name="Census 2018">{{NZ census 2018|Wainuiomata Central (247100)|wainuiomata-central|Wainuiomata Central}}</ref>

===Greater Wainuiomata===
The full suburb of Wainuiomata, comprising the statistical areas of Arakura, Wainuiomata West, Glendale, Wainuiomata Central, Homedale East and Homedale West, covers {{Convert|12.76|km2||abbr=on}}.<ref name="Area">{{Cite web|title=ArcGIS Web Application|url=https://statsnz.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6f49867abe464f86ac7526552fe19787|access-date=15 June 2021|website=statsnz.maps.arcgis.com|archive-date=14 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214063818/https://statsnz.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6f49867abe464f86ac7526552fe19787|url-status=live}}</ref> It had an estimated population of {{Decimals|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Arakura|y}}|R}}+{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Wainuiomata West|y}}|R}}+{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Glendale|y}}|R}}+{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Wainuiomata Central|y}}|R}}+{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Homedale East|y}}|R}}+{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Homedale West|y}}|R}}|0}} as of {{NZ population data 2023 SA2|||y|y||,}} with a population density of {{Decimals|({{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Arakura|y}}|R}}+{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Wainuiomata West|y}}|R}}+{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Glendale|y}}|R}}+{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Wainuiomata Central|y}}|R}}+{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Homedale East|y}}|R}}+{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2023 SA2|Homedale West|y}}|R}})/12.76|0}} people per km<sup>2</sup>.
{{Historical populations|2006|16,644|2013|16,707|2018|17,910|percentages=pagr|align=left|title=Historical population for Greater Wainuiomata|source=<ref name="Census 2018 GW"/>}}
Wainuiomata had a population of 17,910 at the [[2018 New Zealand census]], an increase of 1,203 people (7.2%) since the [[2013 New Zealand census|2013 census]], and an increase of 1,266 people (7.6%) since the [[2006 New Zealand census|2006 census]]. There were 5,880 households, comprising 8,811 males and 9,093 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.97 males per female, with 4,059 people (22.7%) aged under 15 years, 3,915 (21.9%) aged 15 to 29, 7,932 (44.3%) aged 30 to 64, and 2,001 (11.2%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 66.6% European/[[Pākehā]], 30.4% [[Māori people|Māori]], 15.9% [[Pasifika New Zealanders|Pasifika]], 8.5% [[Asian New Zealanders|Asian]], and 2.2% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

The percentage of people born overseas was 17.8, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 48.5% had no religion, 37.1% were [[Christianity in New Zealand|Christian]], 1.8% had [[Religion of Māori people|Māori religious beliefs]], 2.3% were [[Hinduism in New Zealand|Hindu]], 0.4% were [[Islam in New Zealand|Muslim]], 0.7% were [[Buddhism in New Zealand|Buddhist]] and 1.7% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 1,611 (11.6%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 3,195 (23.1%) people had no formal qualifications. 1,545 people (11.2%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 7,458 (53.8%) people were employed full-time, 1,695 (12.2%) were part-time, and 774 (5.6%) were unemployed.<ref name="Census 2018 GW">{{NZ census 2018|Arakura (246600), Wainuiomata West (246900), Glendale (247000), Wainuiomata Central (247100), Homedale East (247300) and Homedale West (247400)}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+Individual statistical areas
|-
!Name !! Area<br />(km<sup>2</sup>) !! Population !! Density<br />(per km<sup>2</sup>) || Households !! Median age !! Median<br />income
|-
| [[Arakura]] || style="text-align:right;"|1.96 || style="text-align:right;"|2,793 || style="text-align:right;"|1,425 || style="text-align:right;"|891 || 31.8 years || $29,700<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|arakura|Arakura}}</ref>
|-
| [[Parkway, New Zealand|Wainuiomata West]] || style="text-align:right;"|2.11 || style="text-align:right;"|3,570 || style="text-align:right;"|1,692 || style="text-align:right;"|1,200 || 34.8 years || $33,600<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|wainuiomata-west|Wainuiomata West}}</ref>
|-
| [[Glendale, New Zealand|Glendale]] || style="text-align:right;"|3.21 || style="text-align:right;"|4,050 || style="text-align:right;"|1,262 || style="text-align:right;"|1,233 || 31.7 years || $32,200<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|glendale|Glendale}}</ref>
|-
| [[#Wainuiomata Central|Wainuiomata Central]] || style="text-align:right;"|1.26 || style="text-align:right;"|1,803 || style="text-align:right;"|1,431 || style="text-align:right;"|609 || 36.7 years || $29,400<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|wainuiomata-central|Wainuiomata Central}}</ref>
|-
| [[Homedale, New Zealand|Homedale]] East || style="text-align:right;"|1.31 || style="text-align:right;"|3,063 || style="text-align:right;"|2,338 || style="text-align:right;"|1,035 || 33.9 years || $33,000<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|homedale-east|Homedale East}}</ref>
|-
| Homedale West || style="text-align:right;"|2.91 || style="text-align:right;"|2,631 || style="text-align:right;"|904 || style="text-align:right;"|912 || 34.5 years || $31,000<ref>{{NZ census place summary 2018|homedale-west|Homedale West}}</ref>
|-
! New Zealand !! !! !! !! !! 37.4 years !! style="text-align:left;"| $31,800
|}

==Government==
Since the [[1989 New Zealand local government reforms]], Wainuiomata (together with Petone, Eastbourne and Lower Hutt) has been governed by [[Hutt City Council]]. The Wainuiomata ward covers the suburb and the surrounding rural area, electing one councillor to the Hutt City Council. Since the [[2019 Wellington City Council election|2019 local elections]], the ward has been represented by Keri Brown.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.huttcity.govt.nz/council/elections/past-elections |title= Past Elections {{!}} 2019 Local Government Elections |publisher= [[Hutt City Council]] |access-date= 4 September 2022 |archive-date= 4 September 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220904082215/https://www.huttcity.govt.nz/council/elections/past-elections |url-status= live }}</ref>

At the national level, Wainuiomata falls in the [[Hutt South]] general electorate and the [[Ikaroa-Rāwhiti]] Māori electorate. Since [[2023 New Zealand general election|2023]], Lower Hutt resident and [[New Zealand National Party|National Party]] MP [[Chris Bishop]] represents Hutt South.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hutt South – Official Result |url=https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/electorate-details-14.html |publisher=[[Electoral Commission (New Zealand)|Electoral Commission]] |date=7 November 2023 |access-date=1 January 2024 |archive-date=8 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108030943/https://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2023/electorate-details-14.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Economy==
Wainuiomata has traditionally been a [[dormitory suburb]]: most residents work outside the valley. Several factories that operated in Wainuiomata during the second half of the twentieth century closed down in the late 1980s and 1990s after changes in government regulation of imported goods.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bedford |first=Dean |date=21 December 1996 |title=Jobs gone forever: Chamber head |work=Evening Post |id={{ProQuest|314463604}}}}</ref> Wainuiomata entered a long period of economic stagnation and population decline, but since around 2020 the suburb has seen new development, including a revamped town centre, a new retirement village and a building boom as new areas are opened up for housing and older bungalows are demolished to make way for medium density townhouses.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boyack |first=Nicholas |date=28 January 2018 |title=Wainuiomata finally ready to rise up out of the economic doldrums |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/property/100810548/wainuiomata-finally-ready-to-rise-up-out-of-the-economic-doldrums |access-date=2024-02-02 |website=www.stuff.co.nz |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404230143/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/property/100810548/wainuiomata-finally-ready-to-rise-up-out-of-the-economic-doldrums |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tso |first=Matthew |date=5 August 2021 |title=Wainuiomata's booming housing market linked to high prices and rush by developers |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/wellington-top-stories/125903559/wainuiomatas-booming-housing-market-linked-to-high-prices-and-rush-by-developers |access-date=2024-02-02 |website=www.stuff.co.nz |archive-date=4 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004101945/https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/wellington-top-stories/125903559/wainuiomatas-booming-housing-market-linked-to-high-prices-and-rush-by-developers |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Wainuiomata Retirement Village |url=https://mirohomeswellington.co.nz/projects/video-test-page/ |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=Miro Homes & Subdividing |language=en-US |archive-date=25 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125074048/https://mirohomeswellington.co.nz/projects/video-test-page/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Wainuiomata Mall===

Wainuiomata Mall was established in 1970.<ref name="RiseOfMalls">{{cite web |last1=Laurenson |first1=Helen |title=The rise of shopping malls |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/department-stores-and-shopping-malls/page-4 |website=[[Te Ara: Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |publisher=[[Ministry for Culture and Heritage]] |access-date=1 November 2020 |archive-date=27 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227184803/https://teara.govt.nz/en/department-stores-and-shopping-malls/page-4 |url-status=live }}</ref> After struggling for several years the mall was demolished in 2020, to be made into a smaller shopping centre with a new [[Countdown (supermarket)|Countdown supermarket]].<ref name="WainuiomataHeart">{{cite news |title=Wainuiomata Mall one step closer to construction |url=http://heart.huttcity.govt.nz/business/wainuiomata-mall-one-step-closer-to-construction/ |agency=Hutt at Heart |publisher=[[Lower Hutt City Council]] |date=12 August 2019 |access-date=1 November 2020 |archive-date=20 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920020629/http://heart.huttcity.govt.nz/business/wainuiomata-mall-one-step-closer-to-construction/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-24|title=A new and improved Countdown has opened in Wainuiomata|url=https://theregister.co.nz/2021/05/24/a-new-and-improved-countdown-has-opened-in-wainuiomata/|access-date=2022-01-21|website=The Register|language=en-US|archive-date=21 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121193457/https://theregister.co.nz/2021/05/24/a-new-and-improved-countdown-has-opened-in-wainuiomata/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-08-16|title=Consent granted for redevelopment of dilapidated Wainuiomata shopping centre|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/business/commercial-property/115046428/consent-granted-for-redevelopment-of-dilapidated-wainuiomata-shopping-centre|access-date=2022-01-21|website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |language=en|archive-date=21 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121193450/https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/business/commercial-property/115046428/consent-granted-for-redevelopment-of-dilapidated-wainuiomata-shopping-centre|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Brugger Industries===
[[Frank Brugger]] began business in Petone and his company Brugger Industries established a factory in Wainuiomata in 1970, employing hundreds of local people.<ref>{{Cite news|date=28 Feb 2000|title=Wainui entrepreneur Frank Brugger dies|edition=2nd|page=3|work=Dominion}}</ref>  The company made car seats and other components for the domestic car assembly industry, and also manufactured a highly-efficient pyroclastic stove.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Mabbett|first=H.|date=1979-01-01|title=Most efficient stove in the world|url=https://www.osti.gov/etdeweb/biblio/6074362|journal=N.Z. J. Agric.; (New Zealand)|language=English|volume=140|issue=1 |access-date=8 August 2021|archive-date=8 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808002006/https://www.osti.gov/etdeweb/biblio/6074362|url-status=live}}</ref> Brugger retired in 1986 and the factory changed ownership, before closing in 1998.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Schouten|first=Hank|date=2 Mar 2000|title=Car seat maker with grit, honesty|edition=3rd|page=7|work=Evening Post}}</ref>

=== Bata Shoe Company ===
Bata opened a factory in Wainuiomata in 1967, producing [[Wellington boot|gumboots]], sandals and Bata bullets (a popular canvas sneaker).<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=22 November 1988 |title=Bata Company (N.Z.), Ltd focuses expertise on areas of traditional strength, success |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19881122.2.152 |work=Press |via=Papers Past |access-date=2 February 2024 |archive-date=2 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202193056/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19881122.2.152 |url-status=live }}</ref> The company faced challenges in the 1980s after the government changed its regulation of imported footwear, and the Wainuiomata factory closed in 1992.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 May 1986 |title=Bata to lay off 20 staff |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19860508.2.135 |work=Press |via=Papers Past |access-date=2 February 2024 |archive-date=2 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202193057/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19860508.2.135 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=19 July 2012 |title=PM to commission new gumboot-making machine at Bata factory in Owhiro Bay |url=https://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=46589 |access-date=2022-09-03 |website=Scoop |language=en |archive-date=3 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903051249/https://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=46589 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Tatra Leather Goods ===
Tatra, founded by [[Frederick Turnovsky]], produced leather accessories such as belts and wallets at a factory in Wainuiomata which operated between the 1960s and 1980s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tatra Leather Goods Ltd |url=https://natlib.govt.nz/records/22450637 |access-date=2022-09-03 |website=natlib.govt.nz |archive-date=3 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903051244/https://natlib.govt.nz/records/22450637 |url-status=live }}</ref> By 1976, the factory had 200 workers and was said to be the largest employer in Wainuiomata.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 December 1976 |title=Aust. blocks N.Z. wallets |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19761201.2.23 |work=Press |via=Papers Past |access-date=2 February 2024 |archive-date=2 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202193057/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19761201.2.23 |url-status=live }}</ref> Tatra went into receivership in 1988, after a downturn in business due to competition from cheap imported leather goods.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 April 1984 |title=Fifteen redundant |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19840416.2.18 |work=Press |via=Papers Past |access-date=2 February 2024 |archive-date=2 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202193053/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19840416.2.18 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=16 April 1988 |title=Redundancy cheques bounce |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19880416.2.54 |work=Press |via=Papers Past |access-date=2 February 2024 |archive-date=2 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202193052/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19880416.2.54 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Feltex Carpets ===
[[Feltex Carpets|Feltex]] opened a textile mill in Wainuiomata in 1974.<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 August 1974 |title=Feltex Carpets —The friendly place where most things are better [Advertisement] |url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19740803.2.223.4 |via=Papers Past |access-date=2 February 2024 |archive-date=2 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202193055/https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19740803.2.223.4 |url-status=live }}</ref> The factory was bought by Alliance Textiles in December 1996 and closed shortly after, with the loss of about 70 jobs.<ref>{{Cite news|date=21 December 1996|title=Bad tidings for Wainui|work=Evening Post|id={{ProQuest|314452741}}}}</ref> The building later housed a church,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schouten |first=Hank |date=13 October 2001 |title=The other side of the hill |page=24 |work=Evening Post }}</ref> and in 2013 Big Save Furniture set up a distribution centre in the former factory.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-08-10|title=Big new tenants for former Feltex factory|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/editors-picks/9026100/Big-new-tenants-for-former-Feltex-factory|access-date=2022-01-21|website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |language=en|archive-date=21 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121193452/https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/editors-picks/9026100/Big-new-tenants-for-former-Feltex-factory|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Tom & Luke ===
Tom & Luke is a snack food manufacturer based in Wainuiomata that sells its products in New Zealand and exports to Australia, Asia and the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tom and Luke {{!}} Insights & tools |url=https://www.kiwibank.co.nz/business-banking/insights-tools-support/business-success-stories/tom-and-luke/ |access-date=2022-10-23 |website=Kiwibank |language=en |archive-date=23 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023042016/https://www.kiwibank.co.nz/business-banking/insights-tools-support/business-success-stories/tom-and-luke/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It was founded by Tom Dorman and Luke Cooper in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Slade |first=Maria |date=2018-10-19 |title=Feeding the world, blissfully |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/business/19-10-2018/feeding-the-world-blissfully |access-date=2022-10-23 |website=[[The Spinoff]] |archive-date=23 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023042013/https://thespinoff.co.nz/business/19-10-2018/feeding-the-world-blissfully |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Devlin |first=Collette |date=2015-03-29 |title=Healthy sales and the sweet taste of success |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/small-business/67543944/healthy-sales-and-the-sweet-taste-of-success |access-date=2022-10-23 |website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |language=en |archive-date=23 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023042013/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/small-business/67543944/healthy-sales-and-the-sweet-taste-of-success |url-status=live }}</ref> The company employs around 45 people, mostly locals. In 2022 Tom & Luke won the Wellington School of Business and Government Judge's Choice Award at the ExportNZ ASB Wellington Export Awards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Goodnature Crowned Wellington Exporter Of The Year |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU2208/S00089/goodnature-crowned-wellington-exporter-of-the-year.htm |access-date=2022-10-23 |website=Scoop |archive-date=23 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023042014/https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU2208/S00089/goodnature-crowned-wellington-exporter-of-the-year.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Culture ==

=== Venues ===
Wainuiomata has a marae, officially opened in 1988,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Archived copy |url=https://www.takirimai.org.nz/pdfs/Wainuiomata-Marae-Development-Plan-DRAFT-Nov-2020-V1.0-(1).pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307121858/https://www.takirimai.org.nz/pdfs/Wainuiomata-Marae-Development-Plan-DRAFT-Nov-2020-V1.0-(1).pdf |archive-date=7 March 2021 |access-date=3 February 2024}}</ref> and various churches. The Coast Road Church was built in 1866 and in use until 1958. It is listed by Heritage New Zealand as a Category 2 historic place, and can be hired for weddings or other functions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coast Road Church Wainuiomata |url=https://www.coastroadchurch.nz/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031080933/https://www.coastroadchurch.nz/ |archive-date=31 October 2023 |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=www.coastroadchurch.nz}}</ref>

=== Arts ===
Wainuiomata hosts the annual Wellington Folk Festival over Labour Weekend in October.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wellington Folk Festival, Labour Weekend, New Zealand |url=http://wellingtonfolkfestival.org.nz |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128230844/http://wellingtonfolkfestival.org.nz/ |archive-date=28 January 2019 |access-date=28 September 2018 |work=Wellingtonfolkfestival.org.nz}}</ref> The community theatre society is called Wainuiomata Little Theatre and has been operating since 1956. [[Bruce Mason]] was the patron when it started.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home |url=http://www.wlt.org.nz/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024042439/http://www.wlt.org.nz/ |archive-date=24 October 2022 |access-date=2022-10-24 |website=www.wlt.org.nz}}</ref>

== Recreation and sport ==
Wainuiomata has a large outdoor swimming pool complex. It was completely funded by the community, through raffles, fundraising and an annual Christmas parade, and opened in 1967.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clark |date=2017-11-20 |title=50th Anniversary – Wainuiomata Swimming Baths |url=https://heritage.huttcitylibraries.co.nz/2017/11/20/50th-anniversary-wainuiomata-swimming-baths/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129191421/https://heritage.huttcitylibraries.co.nz/2017/11/20/50th-anniversary-wainuiomata-swimming-baths/ |archive-date=29 November 2023 |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=Heritage at Hutt City Libraries |language=en-US}}</ref> The main pool was extended to Olympic length in the early 1970s, and after more community fundraising, an 80 metre hydroslide was added in 1984.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Neil |first1=Andrea |date=29 October 2014 |title=Wainui hydroslide popular 30 years on |work=Dominion Post |id={{ProQuest|1617391964}}}}</ref>

[[Wainuiomata Regional Park]] adjoins [[Remutaka Forest Park]], a protected forest park south of Wainuiomata. The park contains swimming spots, walking and cycling trails, as well as access to a disused dam which used to be part of the system supplying Wainuiomata and Wellington City with water.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wainuiomata Regional Park |url=https://www.gw.govt.nz/parks/wainuiomata-regional-park/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128045107/https://www.gw.govt.nz/parks/wainuiomata-regional-park/ |archive-date=28 January 2024 |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=Greater Wellington |language=en-US}}</ref> The [[Wainuiomata Water Collection Area]] is a restricted-access water catchment reserve to the south-east of the suburb.

Wainuiomata has a popular mountain biking venue at Waiu Park in the hills in the north-west of the suburb. The Wainuiomata Trail Park was developed as a joint initiative by a volunteer group and the Hutt City Council. The park allows for mixed use by runners, walkers and mountain bikers. As of 2024, it includes 57 trails of varying difficulty with a total trail length of {{Convert|55|km|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wainuiomata Trail Park |url=https://www.trailforks.com/region/wainuiomata-trail-park-wtp/ |access-date=3 February 2024 |website=Trailforks}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Wainuiomata Trail Project – Mountain Biking Trails |url=https://www.wtp.org.nz/ |access-date=3 February 2024 |website=Wainuiomata Trail Project |language=en}}</ref>

There is a golf course on the Coast Road to the south of Wainuiomata, opened at its current location in 1970.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About – Wainuiomata Golf Club |url=https://www.wainuigolf.co.nz/about?ComeFromCat=1278 |access-date=2024-02-04 |website=www.wainuigolf.co.nz}}</ref>

Wainuiomata has clubs for [[Wainuiomata Rugby Football Club|rugby union]], rugby league and [[Wainuiomata AFC|football]]. Rugby league was particularly prominent in the 1980s and 1990s, with the [[Wainuiomata Lions]] team winning a national title three times, but its popularity has waned since then.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 April 2018 |title=Randwick's default tip of the iceberg for Wellington rugby league |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/102778032/randwicks-default-tip-of-the-iceberg-for-wellington-rugby-league |access-date=2024-02-04 |website=www.stuff.co.nz}}</ref>

== Infrastructure ==

=== Transport ===
The Wainuiomata Hill Road is the only road into and out of Wainuiomata, connecting the suburb with [[Gracefield, New Zealand|Gracefield]] and [[Waiwhetu]]. Four lanes wide (two in each direction), it is one of the steepest roads in the Wellington region; on the Lower Hutt side, the road climbs 195&nbsp;metres in 1.9&nbsp;km, resulting in an average [[grade (slope)|grade]] of 10.3%.<ref>{{cite news |first= Kris |last= Shannon |date= 15 September 2011 |title= Two-wheel torture tailored to order |url= http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/the-wellingtonian/sport/5627456/Two-wheel-torture-tailored-to-order |publisher= The Wellingtonian (via Stuff.co.nz) |access-date= 8 January 2015 |archive-date= 8 January 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150108112518/http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/the-wellingtonian/sport/5627456/Two-wheel-torture-tailored-to-order |url-status= live }}</ref>

In 2019 a four-metre wide shared walking and cycling path over the Wainuiomata Hill Road was completed. The path, called Te Hikoi Arawera ('Pathway to the horizon') cost $12.9 million and was funded by Hutt City Council and the New Zealand Transport Agency. On the Wainuiomata side, the path goes up the valley side of the road. At the top of the hill the Pukeatua pedestrian bridge, completed in 2015, crosses over the road and then the path continues down the harbour side of the road to Gracefield. The path also links to mountain bike trails in the surrounding hills.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-28 |title=Te Hikoi Ararewa (Wainuiomata Hill Shared Path) Opening Welcomed by Community|work=Hutt City Council News |url=http://heart.huttcity.govt.nz/health-leisure/te-hikoi-ararewa-wainuiomata-hill-shared-path-opening-welcomed-by-community/ |access-date=2024-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128025102/http://heart.huttcity.govt.nz/health-leisure/te-hikoi-ararewa-wainuiomata-hill-shared-path-opening-welcomed-by-community/ |archive-date=28 January 2023 }}</ref>

Two regular bus routes serve Wainuiomata: 160 ''Wainuiomata North'' and 170 ''Wainuiomata South''. Both bus routes travel to Lower Hutt Queensgate via [[Waterloo Interchange (Hutt Central) Railway Station|Waterloo Interchange]], where they connect with [[Hutt Valley Line]] train services to Wellington. Route 160 serves the northern neighbourhoods of Parkway, Arakura and Glendale, while route 170 serves the southern neighbourhoods of Fernlea and Homedale; both routes serve the shopping centre. Previously, two peak-hour services, 80N and 80S, followed routes 160 and 170 within Wainuiomata respectively, but travelled via Gracefield and Petone express to central Wellington however these were cancelled in 2022 and there are currently no direct bus services between Wainuiomata and Wellington City.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/hutt-news/130771752/mps-councillors-urge-return-of-direct-bus-for-wainuiomata | title=MPS, councillors urge return of direct bus for Wainuiomata | date=15 December 2022 | access-date=30 May 2023 | archive-date=30 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530022715/https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/hutt-news/130771752/mps-councillors-urge-return-of-direct-bus-for-wainuiomata | url-status=live }}</ref>

A branch commuter railway line (see [[Wainuiomata railway proposals]]) was proposed at times in the 20th century, but never proceeded. In 2021 a Christchurch-based property development company erroneously advertised new townhouses in Wainuiomata as: ''"In close proximity to Wainuiomata Train Station with trains departing to Lower Hutt and Wellington regularly makes for an effortless daily commute"''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Tso |first=Matthew |date=29 January 2021 |title=Non-existent train station big selling point for development company's Lower Hutt townhouses |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/124077594/nonexistent-train-station-big-selling-point-for-development-companys-lower-hutt-townhouses |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |location=Wellington |access-date=29 January 2021 |archive-date=28 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128165326/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/124077594/nonexistent-train-station-big-selling-point-for-development-companys-lower-hutt-townhouses |url-status=live }}</ref>

For many years, debates have centred on whether or not a second access road into Wainuiomata should be built. It would connect north Wainuiomata to Naenae and would be valuable if the Wainuiomata Hill Road was unusable for any reason, as well as providing impetus for new housing on the flat land around upper Fitzherbert Road.<ref>{{cite news | last1 = Schouten | first1=Hank |date= 28 July 2001 | title= Costs high, benefits few in Wainui tunnel – study | work= Evening Post |id={{ProQuest|314797777}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hyslop |first=Liam |date=23 April 2013 |title=Resident feels 'bulldozed' by Wainui housing plan |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/hutt-news/8583552/Resident-feels-bulldozed-by-Wainui-housing-plan |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=George |first=Damien |date=16 April 2021 |title=National MP Chris Bishop calls for second access road to Wainuiomata |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/124862767/national-mp-chris-bishop-calls-for-second-access-road-to-wainuiomata |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] }}</ref>

=== Shopping precinct ===
Queen Street is Wainuiomata's main shopping area, and there is also a public library and community centre with a large hall. The Queen Street area was revamped in 2022–2023 in the 'Wainuiomata Town Centre' project, which involved landscaping around the community centre.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hutt City Council |date=21 April 2023 |title=Wainuiomata Town Centre Framework and Streetscape Plan |url=https://www.huttcity.govt.nz/council/our-projects/wainuiomata-town-centre-framework-and-streetscape-plan |access-date=2024-02-03 |website=www.huttcity.govt.nz |language=en}}</ref> A new road has also been constructed to provide access to a new supermarket which was built after the mall was demolished.

=== Fire brigade ===
Wainuiomata has a [[volunteer fire brigade]], established in 1944 following a major house-fire in 1943. The siren blasts twice in an emergency and can be heard clearly throughout the valley.  The first superintendent was Mr J.S. Dunn.  The first station was built in 1945 on land opposite Wainuiomata Primary School.  The Wainuiomata Development Company donated land and timber to the brigade, with other brigades and companies donating hose, standpipes and ladders.  The [[Stokes Valley]] brigade supplied a [[Gwynnes Limited|Gwynne]] Trailer pump.

In the early days any available vehicle would tow the pump and trailer to calls.  Often this was a 30-seater bus, as one of the foundation members, Mr Artie Kilmister, was the local bus driver.  In 1946 the brigade took delivery of its first "real" fire engine, a Ford V8 [[Marmon-Herrington]] 4-wheel-drive.<ref>{{cite web |last=Spoelstra |first=Hanno |title=Trucks converted with Marmon-Herrington All-Wheel Drive Conversion Kits |url=http://www.marmon-herrington.webs.com/truck.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110820171712/http://marmon-herrington.webs.com/truck.html |archive-date=20 August 2011 |access-date=9 June 2011 |work=Marmon-Herrington Military Vehicles}}</ref> This truck, an ex Air Force tender, remained in service until 1965. It had no flashing lights, only a siren, and on occasions this failed: it was not unusual for members to yell from the truck "get out of the way", or words to that effect.

The Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade joined the United Fire Brigades Association of New Zealand (UFBA) in 1944.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wainuiomata Volunteer Fire Brigade |url=http://www.wainuifire.org.nz/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100605001736/http://www.wainuifire.org.nz/ |archive-date=5 June 2010 |access-date=17 August 2010}}</ref>

==Education==
Between 2001 and 2005, six Wainuiomata schools closed due to falling rolls.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://img.scoop.co.nz/media/pdfs/0703/PQ01717a.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2 February 2024 |archive-date=8 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308062703/https://img.scoop.co.nz/media/pdfs/0703/PQ01717a.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Between 2008 and 2021 the population increased but there was a further drop of 818 students enrolled at Wainuiomata schools, with many parents choosing to send their children to schools outside the valley. In 2021, only 50% of local secondary students attended Wainuiomata schools, with the remainder educated outside the valley.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://assets.education.govt.nz/public/ENP/Wlg-Wainuiomata.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2 February 2024 |archive-date=12 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212090417/https://assets.education.govt.nz/public/ENP/Wlg-Wainuiomata.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

As of 2024, Wainuiomata has eight schools: six primary schools, an intermediate school and a secondary school.
* Arakura School is a state contributing primary (Year 1–6) school in Arakura, and has {{NZ school roll data|2802|y}} students as of {{NZ school roll data|||y|y||.}}
* Fernlea School is a state contributing primary (Year 1–6) school in Wainuiomata Central, and has {{NZ school roll data|2842|y}} students as of {{NZ school roll data|||y|y||.}}
* Konini Primary School is a state contributing primary (Year 1–6) school in Parkway, and has {{NZ school roll data|1647|y}} students as of {{NZ school roll data|||y|y||.}} It was established in 2002 following the merger of Parkway School and Sun Valley School.
* Wainuiomata Primary School is a state contributing primary (Year 1–6) school in Homedale, and has {{NZ school roll data|3059|y}} students as of {{NZ school roll data|||y|y||.}} It was established in 1857<ref>{{cite web |title=Wainuiomata Primary School |url=https://sites.google.com/a/wainuiomata.school.nz/wainuiomata-primary-school/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011041127/https://sites.google.com/a/wainuiomata.school.nz/wainuiomata-primary-school/ |archive-date=11 October 2016 |access-date=31 August 2016}}</ref> and merged with Wood Hatton School in 2002.
* Pukeatua Primary School is a state full primary (Year 1–8) school in Glendale, and has {{NZ school roll data|2846|y}} students as of {{NZ school roll data|||y|y||.}} It was established in 2002 following the merger of Glendale School and Pencarrow School.
* St Claudine Thevenet School is a [[state-integrated school|state-integrated]] Catholic full primary (Year 1–8) school, and has {{NZ school roll data|3018|y}} students as of {{NZ school roll data|||y|y||.}} It was established in 2005 following the merger of St Matthew's School and St Patrick's School.
* Wainuiomata Intermediate School is a state intermediate (Year 7–8) school in Parkway, and has {{NZ school roll data|1646|y}} students as of {{NZ school roll data|||y|y||.}} It was established in 2002 following the merger of Parkway Intermediate School and Wainuiomata Intermediate School.
* [[Wainuiomata High School]] is a state secondary (Year 9–13) school in Parkway, and has {{NZ school roll data|478|y}} students as of {{NZ school roll data|||y|y||.}} It was established in 2002 following the merger of Parkway College and Wainuiomata College.

=== Kōhanga reo ===
{{See also|Māori language revival}}

The first kōhanga reo or [[language nest]] in New Zealand opened in Wainuiomata in April 1982 at Pukeatua Kōhanga Reo.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Thompson  |first=Rebecca  |date=2015-11-13 |title=Celebrating New Zealand's first kohanga reo – 150 Years of News |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/hutt-valley/73945639/celebrating-new-zealands-first-kohanga-reo---150-years-of-news |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |language=en |archive-date=23 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123042926/https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/hutt-valley/73945639/celebrating-new-zealands-first-kohanga-reo---150-years-of-news |url-status=live }}</ref> It was a pilot programme in response to less than 5% of Māori schoolchildren speaking [[Māori language|te reo Māori]] (the Māori language) fluently. Kōhanga reo is immersion early childhood education taught by fluent speakers.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |last2= |first2= |date=1 Sep 2015 |title=The first kōhanga reo |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/41086/the-first-kohanga-reo |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |language=en |archive-date=21 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221121151315/https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/41086/the-first-kohanga-reo |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kohanga Reo |url=https://www.kiwifamilies.co.nz/articles/kohanga-reo/ |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=Kiwi Families |date=6 August 2022 |language=en-US |archive-date=11 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811151033/https://www.kiwifamilies.co.nz/articles/kohanga-reo/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By 1994, not only had kura kaupapa (Māori-immersion primary and secondary schools) also been set up but there were there were 800 kōhanga reo nationwide.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last1=Williams |first1=Katarina |last2=Metekingi |first2=Bronte |date=2022-09-14 |title=Kōhanga reo at 40: The pioneering 'language nest' that helped te reo thrive |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/pou-tiaki/129783151/khanga-reo-at-40-the-pioneering-language-nest-that-helped-te-reo-thrive |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |language=en |archive-date=21 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221121151318/https://www.stuff.co.nz/pou-tiaki/129783151/khanga-reo-at-40-the-pioneering-language-nest-that-helped-te-reo-thrive |url-status=live }}</ref>  [[Iritana Tāwhiwhirangi|Iritana Te Rangi Tāwhiwhirangi]] {{post-nominals|country=NZL|DNZM|MBE}} and Wainuiomata resident [[Jean Puketapu]] started Pukeatua Kōhanga Reo together.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taonga |first=New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu |title=Dr Iritana Tāwhiwhirangi |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/te-tai/te-mana-o-te-reo-maori-Iritana-Tawhiwhirangi |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |language=en |archive-date=23 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123042929/https://teara.govt.nz/en/te-tai/te-mana-o-te-reo-maori-Iritana-Tawhiwhirangi |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Donoghue  |first=Tim |date=2013-02-02 |title=Pioneer helped te reo survival |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/obituaries/7459524/Pioneer-helped-te-reo-survival |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |language=en |archive-date=23 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123043953/https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/obituaries/7459524/Pioneer-helped-te-reo-survival |url-status=live }}</ref> The kōhanga reo model has been taken up by other communities around the world.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Language Nests |url=https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/view/document/obo-9780199772810/obo-9780199772810-0293.xml |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=obo |language=en |archive-date=23 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123042929/https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/view/document/obo-9780199772810/obo-9780199772810-0293.xml |url-status=live }}</ref> By the 40th anniversary in 2022 Pukeatua Kōhanga Reo had moved to a bigger premises and was led by Kuini Garthwaite (Ngāti Porou).<ref name=":1" />

==Notable people==
{{Div col|colwidth=40em}}
* [[Margie Abbott]], wife of former Australian prime minister [[Tony Abbott]], grew up in Wainuiomata
* [[Leo Auva'a]], Leinster rugby player
* [[Frank Brugger]], OBE, businessman
* [[Murray Chandler]], Chess Grandmaster
* [[David Collins (judge)]] Court of Appeal Judge and former Solicitor-General
* [[Heath Davis]], former Black Cap
* [[Stephen Kós]] Supreme Court Judge and former President of the Court of Appeal
* [[Ken Laban]], rugby league player and local body politician
* [[Winnie Laban]], politician
* [[Beth Mallard]], Black Fern and daughter of Trevor  Mallard
* [[Trevor Mallard]], MP and Speaker of the House
* [[Ihakara Puketapu]], former Secretary for Maori Affairs
* [[Jean Puketapu]], founder of [[Māori language revival|kōhanga reo]]
* [[Neemia Tialata]], All Black rugby player <ref name="allblacks">{{cite web |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/local/hutt-news/3362631/Wall-gets-makeover |title=Wall gets makeover |work=The Dominion-Post |first=Nicholas |last=Boyack |date=23 February 2010 |access-date=10 March 2010 |archive-date=9 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409000147/http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/hutt-news/3362631/Wall-gets-makeover |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Tana Umaga]], All Black rugby player <ref name="allblacks" />
* [[Piri Weepu]], All Black rugby player <ref name="allblacks" />
* [[Jonathan Winter]]{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}} (born 1971) backstroke swimmer
{{Div col end}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Bibliography==
* {{cite book | last =  Alexander | first =  Vicky  | title = Tales from the Swamp | publisher = Wainuiomata Historical Museum Society | year = 2000 | location = Wainuiomata | type = Paperback | isbn = 978-0-958-3678-13}}
* {{cite book | last =  Carey | first =  Alison  | title = Valleys & Bays – Origins of Street Names in Lower Hutt, including Eastbourne, Petone and Wainuiomata | publisher = Lower Hutt Historical Society | year = 2008 | location = Lower Hutt | type = Paperback | isbn = 978-0-473-13604-8}}

==External links==
{{commons category-inline|Wainuiomata}}
* [https://wainuiomata.net/ Wainuiomata.Net]

{{Lower Hutt|state=collapsed}}
<!-- {{coord|41|16|S|174|57|E|region:NZ_type:city|display=title}} --->

[[Category:Suburbs of Lower Hutt]]
[[Category:Populated places in the Wellington Region]]