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{{Short description|Town in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=November 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2017}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                    = Waipukurau
| native_name             = 
| native_name_lang        = <!-- ISO 639-2 code e.g. "fr" for French. If more than one, use {{lang}} instead -->
| settlement_type         = [[Urban areas of New Zealand|Minor urban area]]
| image_skyline           = 
| image_alt               = 
| image_caption           = 
| etymology               = 
| nickname                = 
| pushpin_map             = 
| pushpin_map_caption     = 
| image_map            =  {{Infobox mapframe|coord={{coord|39|59.5|S|176|33.5|E}}|zoom=9}}
| coordinates             = {{coord|39|59.5|S|176|33.5|E|region:NZ-HKB|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type        = Country
| subdivision_name        = [[New Zealand]]
| subdivision_type1       = [[Regions of New Zealand|Region]]
| subdivision_name1       = [[Hawke's Bay Region|Hawke's Bay]]
| subdivision_type2       = [[Territorial authorities of New Zealand|Territorial authority]]
| subdivision_name2       = [[Central Hawke's Bay District]]
| subdivision_type3       = Ward
| subdivision_name3       = Ruataniwha
| seat_type               = [[New Zealand electorates|Electorates]]
| seat                    = {{ubl|[[Wairarapa (New Zealand electorate)|Wairarapa]]|[[Ikaroa-Rāwhiti]] ([[Māori electorates|Māori]])}}
| leader_title            = Territorial Authority
| leader_name             = [[Central Hawke's Bay District Council]]
| leader_title1           = Regional council
| leader_name1            = [[Hawke's Bay Regional Council]]
| leader_title2           = [[Mayor of Central Hawke's Bay]]
| leader_name2            = {{NZ officeholder data|Central Hawke's Bay District Mayor|y}}
| leader_title3           = [[Wairarapa (New Zealand electorate)|Wairarapa MP]]
| leader_name3            = {{NZ officeholder data|Wairarapa MP|y}}
| leader_title4           = [[Ikaroa-Rāwhiti|Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MP]]
| leader_name4            = {{NZ officeholder data|Ikaroa-Rāwhiti MP|y}}
| area_footnotes          = <ref name="Area"/>
| area_total_km2          = 8.70
| population_as_of        = {{NZ population data 2018|||y}}
| population_footnotes    = {{NZ population data 2018||||y}}
| population_total        = {{NZ population data 2018|Waipukurau|y}}
| population_density_km2  = auto
| postal_code_type        = [[Postcodes in New Zealand|Postcode(s)]]
| postal_code             = 4200
| website                 = <!-- {{URL|example.com}} -->

}}
'''Waipukurau''' is the largest town in the [[Central Hawke's Bay District]] on the east coast of the [[North Island]] of [[New Zealand]]. It is located on the banks of the [[Tukituki River]], 7 kilometres south of [[Waipawa]] and 50 kilometres southwest of [[Hastings, New Zealand|Hastings]].

==History and culture==

===Māori===
Central Hawkes Bay, where the town is located was settled by Te Aitanga a Whatonga, the descendants of Whatonga, grandson of Toi Kairakau. These were the Ngati Tara and [[Rangitāne]] peoples. In the mid 1500s the [[Ngāti Kahungunu]] invaded the area from the north and in the subsequent fighting drove the Rangitāne south into the Tahoraiti area ([[Dannevirke]]). Warfare continued through the 1600s until the time of Te Rangikoianake. His first child Te Kikiri was adopted by the Ngai Toroiwaho to be their chief - he had mana over the Waipukurau district.<ref name="Aramoana2">Aramoana Beach, Historical and Archaeological Report, Patrick Parsons, Central Hawkes Bay District Council, January 2001 - Waipukurau Library copy</ref>

Fighting broke out again in the 1800s at Mangatoetoe between Ngai Te Upokoiri and [[Ngāti Te Rangikoianake]] of [[Lake Poukawa|
Poukawa]]. Several of Te Rangikoianake's grand children were killed in this fight. Pareihe, a Ngati Rangikoianake Chief, avenged the defeat in a battle at Pukekaihau, Waipukurau after which a peace accord was made between the two tribes.<ref name="Aramoana2"/>
[[File:Martin William, Judge.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Chief Justice William Martin]]
The accord was short lived with the death of Te Wanikau's brother-in-law (Chief of Ngai Te Upokoiri) prompting further conflict over the erection of [[Rāhui|rahui]] poles on [[Lake Poukawa]], Ngati Rangikoianake's eel fishing area. The conflict, starting around 1819 and lasting till 1824 ended with the Ngati Rangikoianake and other local tribes evacuating the area and settling at [[Mahia]]. In the latter part of the 1820s Pareihe attacked the Ngai Te Upokoiri and regained the lands they had lost, with the Ngai Te Upokoiri taking refuge in the [[Manawatū-Whanganui|Manawatū]]. A peace accord was made between Pareihe and the [[Ngāti Tūwharetoa]] in the late 1830s. The Ngati Tuwharetoa had been allied with the Ngai Te Upokoiri.<ref name="Aramoana2"/>

Within the current township is Pukekaihau hill, now in Paul Hunter Memorial Park,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Agenda of Strategy and Wellbeing Committee Meeting - Thursday, 27 August 2020|url=http://centralhawkesbay.infocouncil.biz/Open/2020/08/SWC_20200827_AGN_2236_AT.PDF|url-status=|website=Central Hawkes Bay District Council}}</ref> the site of the [[Māori people|Māori]] [[Pā]], from which it gets its name. Waipukurau is said to mean the water of pukerau, ''wai'' being water and ''pukerau'' being either a type of giant puffball [[fungus]], ''[[Calvatia gigantea]]'',<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sisson |first=Liv |url=https://www.worldcat.org/title/on1372569849 |title=Fungi of Aotearoa: a curious forager's field guide |last2=Vigus |first2=Paula |date=2023 |publisher=Penguin Books |isbn=978-1-76104-787-9 |location=Auckland, New Zealand |pages=116 |oclc=on1372569849}}</ref> or the immature fruiting bodies of ''[[Ileodictyon cibarium]]'' (white basket fungus).<ref name="ForgottenForest">{{cite q|Q135894239|pp=19-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/rarely-sighted-maori-delicacy-found-growing-on-banks-of-tukituki-river/LOSVCU7ZOD7OAPQYZOT7S2XFII/ |title=Rarely-sighted Māori delicacy found growing on banks of Tukituki River |first=Clinton |last=Llewellyn |website=[[Hawke's Bay Today]] |publisher=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=21 June 2018 |access-date=18 August 2025}}</ref> The pa was near the old Māori trail from the [[Manawatū Gorge]] and Hawkes Bay. The first Europeans who are known to have passed through the area were [[George Selwyn (bishop of Lichfield)|Bishop George Selwyn]] and [[William Martin (judge)|Chief Justice Sir William Martin]] in November 1842 en route to Napier.<ref>[http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/1966/waipukurau Waipukurau], An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, 1966, AW Reed and Co</ref>

===European===
[[File:Waipukurau_township_(21690342175).jpg|right|thumb|250x250px|Township about 1910]]
In December 1850 Donald McLean and his party of Land Commissioners met with the Central Hawkes Bay tribes to discuss purchasing a large block of land for European settlement. Negotiations proceeded through till 4 November 1851 when an area of land called the Waipukurau Block, some 279,000 acres, including the land the town is situated on was acquired from local Māori, led by ''Te Hapuku'' for £4,800.<ref name="Aramoana2"/><ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBH18620916.2.7&srpos=823&e=--1860-----10--821-byDA---0waipukurau-- "Parliamentary Papers. Correspondence relative to land purchases, District of Napier"], ''Hawke's Bay Herald'', Volume 5, Issue 316, 16 September 1862, Page 2 retrieved 18 December 2015</ref> [[Henry Russell (politician)|Henry Russell]] acquired the land surrounding Waipukurau, calling it Mount Herbert station.<ref name="NZHist2">{{cite web |url=https://nzhistory.govt.nz/keyword/waipukurau |title=Waipukurau &#124; NZHistory, New Zealand history online |website=nzhistory.govt.nz |access-date=30 July 2018}}</ref>
[[File:Tavistock_Hotel_and_Town_Hall,_Waipukurau.jpg|thumb|Tavistock Hotel and Town Hall, Waipukurau, probably about 1900]]
In 1857 there was an accommodation house run by a Mr Aveson.<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBH18571121.2.12&srpos=17&e=-------10--11-byDA---0waipukurau-- Open column], ''Hawke's Bay Herald'', Volume I, Issue 9, 21 November 1857, Page 3 retrieved 17 December 2015</ref> This was sold in October 1858 to George Lloyd and renamed Lloyds Hotel.<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBH18581030.2.8.1&srpos=116&e=-------10--111-byDA---0waipukurau-- Page 2 Advertisements Column 1], ''Hawke's Bay Herald'', Volume 2, Issue 58, 30 October 1858, Page 2 retrieved 17 December 2015</ref> The Hotel was transferred again in 1861 becoming Moss's Inn or the Tavistock Hotel.<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBH18601006.2.2.4&srpos=375&e=-------10--371-byDA---0waipukurau-- Page 1 Advertisements Column 4], ''Hawke's Bay Herald'', Volume 4, Issue 159, 6 October 1860, Page 1 retrieved 17 December 2015</ref><ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBH18601124.2.9&srpos=5&e=-------10--1-byDA---2tavistock+hotel-- "Local Intelligence"], ''Hawke's Bay Herald'', Volume 4, Issue 166, 24 November 1860, Page 5 retrieved 17 December 2015</ref> It was moved to its present site nearer the railway in 1916<ref>{{Cite web|date=15 Feb 1916|title=THE TAVISTOCK. WAIPAWA MAIL|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIPM19160215.2.4|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-25|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> and has been empty since 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-05-20|title=Landmark hotel, now vacant, back for sale|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/business/commercial-property/8697316/Landmark-hotel-now-vacant-back-for-sale|access-date=2021-08-25|website=Stuff|language=en}}</ref> A Town Hall was built nearby in 1877.<ref>{{Cite web|date=29 Jan 1877|title=HAWKE'S BAY HERALD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HBH18770129.2.9|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-25|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> It burnt down on 18 November 1922.<ref>{{Cite web|last=J G Wilson|date=1962|title=Road to Porangahau|url=http://ketechb.peoplesnetworknz.info/documents/0000/0000/0059/Road_to_Porangahau.pdf|url-status=}}</ref>

Horse racing started in 1859 with the first recorded meeting on 2 February.<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBH18590219.2.11&srpos=169&e=-------10--161-byDA---0waipukurau-- "Waipukurau reces, 1859"], ''Hawke's Bay Herald'', Volume 2, Issue 74, 19 February 1859, Page 3 retrieved 17 December 2015</ref> The provincial council approved construction of roading from Waipukurau to [[Pōrangahau]], a goal, and the appointment of a Constable at Waipukurau in 1859.<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBH18590521.2.7&srpos=198&e=-------10--191-byDA---0waipukurau-- "Thursday, May 12"], ''Hawke's Bay Herald'', Volume 2, Issue 87, 21 May 1859, Page 3 retrieved 17 December 2015</ref> Roading to [[Tararua District#"Forty-Mile Bush"|Forty-mile bush]] was not commenced until late 1867.<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBH18671026.2.8&srpos=177&e=29-12-1863-----10--171-byDA---0waipukurau-ARTICLE%2cILLUSTRATION- "Provincial Council"], ''Hawke's Bay Herald'', Volume 12, Issue 887, 26 October 1867, Page 2 retrieved 21 December 2015</ref>

By at least 1858 Waipukurau was used as a hub for mail delivery to the district, a sale yard for stock, and a court venue.<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBH18580710.2.5&srpos=78&e=-------10--71-byDA---0waipukurau-- "Local Intelligence"], ''Hawke's Bay Herald'', Volume 1, Issue 42, 10 July 1858, Page 2 retrieved 17 December 2015</ref><ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=DSC18581029.2.6&srpos=115&e=-------10--111-byDA---0waipukurau-- Port Napier], Daily Southern Cross, Volume XV, Issue 1183, 29 October 1858, Page 2 retrieved 17 December 2015</ref>  In 1863 land was offered to the Agricultural Society for a [[Agricultural show|show]].<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBH18630325.2.5&srpos=1120&e=--1860-----10--1111-byDA---0waipukurau-- Editorial], ''Hawke's Bay Herald'', Volume 6, Issue 371, 25 March 1863, Page 2 retrieved 18 December 2015</ref> By 1864 the [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterians]] were looking to set up a church in Waipukurau.<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBH18641108.2.6&srpos=199&e=29-12-1863-----10--191-byDA---0waipukurau-- "General assembly of the Presbyterian Church"], ''Hawke's Bay Herald'', Volume 7, Issue 544, 8 November 1864, Page 3</ref> There was a school in town by 1866 but this was closed when the building it used was destroyed by fire that year.<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBH18670119.2.19&srpos=119&e=29-12-1863-----10--111-byDA---0waipukurau-ARTICLE%2cILLUSTRATION- "Education"], ''Hawke's Bay Herald'', Volume 11, Issue 819, 19 January 1867, Page 4 retrieved 21 December 2015</ref> The school was replaced in August 1867 by new building which was to serve as both a church and a school.<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBH18670820.2.8&srpos=155&e=29-12-1863-----10--151-byDA---0waipukurau-ARTICLE%2cILLUSTRATION- "Waipukurau"], ''Hawke's Bay Herald'', Volume 11, Issue 868, 20 August 1867, Page 2</ref> The school had 9 pupils.<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBH18680418.2.19&srpos=220&e=29-12-1863-----10--211-byDA---0waipukurau-ARTICLE%2cILLUSTRATION- "Report on education"], ''Hawke's Bay Herald'', Volume 12, Issue 935, 18 April 1868, Page 3 retrieved 21 December 2015</ref>
[[File:Waipukurau_traffic_bridge_(21452484748).jpg|right|thumb|250x250px|The Waipukurau road bridge across the Tukituki River circa 1910. It was rebuilt in 1923<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 Jan 1923|title=WAIPUKURAU BRIDGE. WAIPAWA MAIL|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIPM19230112.2.4|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-24|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> and replaced in 1935 by a concrete bridge {{Convert|900|ft|abbr=on}} long<ref>{{Cite web|date=26 Jun 1935|title=TRAFFIC BRIDGE OPENING. WAIPAWA MAIL|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIPM19350626.2.19|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-24|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref>]]
In 1867 Russell acquired the Pa Flat native reserve and founded Waipukurau on it as a [[model village]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/2r32/russell-henry-robert |title=Russell, Henry Robert |website=teara.govt.nz |access-date=30 July 2018}}</ref> Russel chose the residents and approved the house plans.<ref>http://www.dnzb.govt.nz/dnzb/default.asp?Find_Quick.asp?PersonEssay=2R32 H.R.Russell retrieved 17 December 2015</ref>

[[Cobb & Co. (New Zealand)|Cobb and Co]] commenced the first coach service to the town in October 1867.<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBH18671005.2.8&srpos=162&e=29-12-1863-----10--161-byDA---0waipukurau-ARTICLE%2cILLUSTRATION- Untitled], ''Hawke's Bay Herald'', Volume 12, Issue 881, 5 October 1867, Page 2 retrieved 21 December 2015</ref> A coach road to the south reached [[Norsewood]] in December 1873 and the [[Manawatū Gorge]] in February 1874.<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=WAIST18740128.2.5&srpos=708&e=-06-1868-----10--701-byDA---0waipukurau-ARTICLE%2cILLUSTRATION- Editorial], Wairarapa Standard, Volume 2, Issue 145, 28 January 1874, Page 2 retrieved 22 December 2015</ref> Tenders for a coach service from Waipukurau to Palmerston North were called for in March.<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=WI18740320.2.17&srpos=721&e=-06-1868-----10--721-byDA---0waipukurau-ARTICLE%2cILLUSTRATION- Wairarapa], Wellington Independent, Volume XXIX, Issue 4058, 20 March 1874, Page 3</ref> The contract was awarded to Andrew Young, whose coach operated from [[Foxton, New Zealand|Foxton]]. On his first journey from Foxton to Waipukurau his coach was intercepted by Alexander MacDonald as he was attempting to cross the [[Oroua River]] on former [[Ngāti Kauwhata]] land near Schultz's Hotel at Awahuri. MacDonald shot one of the lead horses preventing Young from continuing his journey.<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=EP18740501.2.5&srpos=750&e=-06-1868-----10--741-byDA---0waipukurau-ARTICLE%2cILLUSTRATION- Attack on the Napier coach], ''Evening Post'', Volume X, Issue 62, 1 May 1874, Page 2 retrieved 22 December 2015</ref> MacDonald was a staunch supporter of the Ngāti Kauwhata and had been seeking redress for the dispossession of the tribe from its land on 15 December 1866. MacDonald was imprisoned for three months because of this action, but his action did result in the tribe regaining some 6,200 acres of its land.<ref>"Cultural impact assessment of the Feilding sewage treatment plant discharges upon the cultural values of Ngāti Kauwhata", Rauhuia Environmental Services, Te Maru o Ruahine Trust and Ngā Kaitiaki o Ngāti Kawhata, 9 November 2012, p. 24.</ref>

In October 1867 a dispute broke out between the residents of Waipukurau and the neighbouring township of [[Waipawa]] over the location of a telegraph station.<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBH18671022.2.9&srpos=175&e=29-12-1863-----10--171-byDA---0waipukurau-ARTICLE%2cILLUSTRATION- "Letters to the Editor"], ''Hawke's Bay Herald'', Volume 12, Issue 886, 22 October 1867, Page 3</ref> The Provincial Council favoured Waipawa as the location.<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBWT18671028.2.8&srpos=179&e=29-12-1863-----10--171-byDA---0waipukurau-ARTICLE%2cILLUSTRATION- "Provincial Council Wednesday, 15th October"], ''Hawke's Bay Weekly Times'', Volume I, Issue 44, 28 October 1867, Page 266</ref> However, the Government's Telegraph Department preferred Waipukurau due its slightly more central location.<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBH18680211.2.8&srpos=208&e=29-12-1863-----10--201-byDA---0waipukurau-ARTICLE%2cILLUSTRATION- "Waipawa"], ''Hawke's Bay Herald'', Volume 12, Issue 916, 11 February 1868, Page 2 retrieved 21 December 2015</ref> The office was opened on 9 June 1868.<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBH18680609.2.12&srpos=244&e=29-12-1863-----10--241-byDA---0waipukurau-ARTICLE%2cILLUSTRATION- Untitled], ''Hawke's Bay Herald'', Volume 12, Issue 950, 9 June 1868, Page 2 retrieved 21 December 2015</ref> Several weeks later on 22 June Frederick Christian Schäfer, passed through the town. Schäfer was a global traveller from Carlhafen in [[Hesse-Cassel]] who had walked through most of Europe, Palestine, two thirds of the way across the United States, Australia, Japan, China, Batavia, and Sumatra. He walked from Wellington to Waipukurau in 18 days.<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBH18680627.2.11&srpos=265&e=29-12-1863-----10--261-byDA---0waipukurau-ARTICLE%2cILLUSTRATION- Waipukurau], ''Hawke's Bay Herald'', Volume 12, Issue 955, 27 June 1868, Page 3 retrieved 21 December 2015</ref><ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=EP18680527.2.8&srpos=2&e=-------10--1----2Frederick+Schafer-- Mr Christian Frederick Schafer, ''Evening Post'', Volume IV, Issue 88, 27 May 1868, p. 2.]</ref>

One of the first sheep shearing competitions in New Zealand took place at Waipukurau in January 1868. Its purpose was to improve the quality of shearing,<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBH18680118.2.8&srpos=202&e=29-12-1863-----10--201-byDA---0waipukurau-ARTICLE%2cILLUSTRATION- Untitled], ''Hawke's Bay Herald'', Volume 12, Issue 910, 18 January 1868, Page 2 retrieved 21 December 2015.</ref> As a local response to [[Te Kooti]]'s escape and [[Te Kooti's War|conflict on the East Coast]], a [[stockade]] was erected in late 1869,<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBH18691008.2.10&srpos=196&e=-06-1868-----10--191-byDA---0waipukurau-ARTICLE%2cILLUSTRATION- Untitled], ''Hawke's Bay Herald'', Volume 13, Issue 1090, 8 October 1869, Page 2</ref> in what is now Hunter Memorial Park.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 2016|title=Fortifications of the New Zealand Wars|url=https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/science-and-technical/sap261entire.pdf|url-status=|website=DoC}}</ref>

In November 1869 a [[Methodism|Methodist Church]] was formed in the town.<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBH18691116.2.14&srpos=201&e=-06-1868-----10--201-byDA---0waipukurau-ARTICLE%2cILLUSTRATION- Untitled], ''Hawke's Bay Herald'', Volume 13, Issue 1101, 16 November 1869, Page 3 retrieved 22 December 2015</ref> A [[Boiling down|boiling down works]] was constructed in March 1870, the same time a [[brewery]] was proposed and a [[flax mill]] opened.<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBH18700301.2.28&srpos=238&e=-06-1868-----10--231-byDA---0waipukurau-ARTICLE%2cILLUSTRATION- Untitled], ''Hawke's Bay Herald'', Volume 14, Issue 1131, 1 March 1870, Page 5</ref>

==== Railway station ====
[[File:Waipukurau_railway_station_in_1909.jpg|thumb|Waipukurau railway station in 1909. The railway plantation of 1877 is in the background.<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 May 1877|title=HAWKE'S BAY HERALD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HBH18770510.2.9|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-24|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> Plantations of oak, larch, chestnut and ash were established near many railway stations

<ref>{{Cite web|title=Beautifying on the Railways — Activities Of The Railway Department. — Trees and Gardens. — Co-operation of Local Bodies and Clubs|url=http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Gov12_03Rail-t1-body-d12.html|url-status=|access-date=2021-04-20|website=nzetc.victoria.ac.nz}}</ref>]]
Construction of a [[Palmerston North–Gisborne Line#Palmerston North – Napier section|railway from Napier to Waipukurau]] commenced in 1872. The target was to complete the line by September 1873.<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=NZH18721021.2.23&srpos=567&e=-06-1868-----10--561-byDA---0waipukurau-ARTICLE%2cILLUSTRATION- Parliamentary], New Zealand Herald, Volume IX, Issue 2724, 21 October 1872, Page 3</ref> This was not achieved and the extension to Waipukurau was opened just three days after Waipawa on 1 September 1876. A holiday was declared and two trains ran from Napier to celebrate the opening on Friday 8 September.<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 Sep 1876|title=NOTES FROM NAPIER [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DSC18760913.2.18.3|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-25|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> The link to [[Palmerston North]] was not completed until 9 March 1891 due in part to the more difficult country and the impact of the [[Long Depression]].<ref name=":1">John Yonge (editor), ''New Zealand Railway and Tramway Atlas'', 4th edition (Exeter: Quail Map Company, 1993), 13.</ref> The {{Convert|4|mi|62.93|ch|abbr=on}} extension to Waipukurau was built by the international contractor, [[John Brogden and Sons#Work in New Zealand|Brogdens]], for £9,469 7s 9d.<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 Jan 1874|title=WELLINGTON INDEPENDENT|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WI18740109.2.10|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-18|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref>

In 1874 [[Edmund Allen (politician)|Edmund G Allen]] won a £14,100 contract for the {{Convert|14|mi|abbr=on}} extension south to [[Takapau]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=21 Apr 1874|title=Telegraphic Intelligence. HAWKE'S BAY TIMES|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HBT18740421.2.9|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-24|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> Waipukurau had been the terminus of the line for just over 6 months, when it opened on 12 March 1877.<ref>{{Cite web|date=8 Mar 1877|title=HAWKE'S BAY HERALD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HBH18770308.2.11.2|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-24|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> There were then two trains a day from Napier, one of which continued to Takapau.<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 Mar 1877|title=HAWKE'S BAY HERALD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HBH18770312.2.2.7|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-24|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref>

In 1875 a station and stationmaster's house were built and a single track engine shed was added in 1877, just north of the station. Sixty years later the shed was leased to Belwood Bitumen Products Ltd. [[Railways Department's Housing Scheme|Railway houses]] were built in 1876, 1883, 1905, 1926 (5), 1931 (2), 1933 (2), 1955 and 1956.<ref name=":233" /> [[Railway refreshment room#New Zealand|Refreshment rooms]] were built in 1887,<ref>{{Cite web|date=1 Nov 1887|title=WAIPAWA MAIL|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIPM18871101.2.7|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-24|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> or 1888.<ref>{{Cite web|date=13 Nov 1888|title=WAIPAWA MAIL|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIPM18881113.2.6|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-24|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> Trains were then allowed a stop of up to 10 minutes at the station. By then Waipukurau had 3 trains a day from Napier, taking two to three hours to cover the {{Convert|43|mi|34|ch|abbr=on}}.<ref name="DAILY TELEGRAPH">{{Cite web|date=7 Dec 1889|title=DAILY TELEGRAPH|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DTN18891207.2.29.6.1|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-24|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> By 1896 Waipukurau had a [[George Troup (architect)#Standard station designs|3rd class station]], luggage room, platform, cart approach,  {{Convert|60|ft|abbr=on}} x {{Convert|30|ft|abbr=on}} goods shed (moved from [[Pakipaki#Railway station|Pakipaki]] in 1875), loading bank, cattle yards, water, coal shed, turntable ({{Convert|50|ft|abbr=on}}, extended in 1921 for the [[NZR AB class|A<sup>B</sup> class]], in 1934 that turntable went to [[Tāneatua Branch|Tāneatua]] and a {{Convert|70|ft|abbr=on}} turntable came from Paekakariki in 1936. During the 1979 bridge works that turntable was sent to [[Masterton railway station|Masterton]]), engine shed, stationmaster's house, urinals and a passing loop for 49 wagons. In 1909 electric [[Tyer's Electric Train Tablet#Tyer's tablet working in New Zealand|tablet]] signalling began between [[Western Hutt railway station|Lower Hutt]] and Waipukurau. On 24 March 1922 there was a refreshment room fire<ref name=":233" /> and the railways took over direct running of them from 1923.<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 Apr 1923|title=LOCAL AND GENERAL. WAIPAWA MAIL|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIPM19230406.2.10|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-24|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> On 22 November 1929 the station [[Safe-cracking|safe was blown open]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=23 Nov 1929|title=SAFE BLOWN OPEN. NEW ZEALAND HERALD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19291123.2.54|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-24|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> By that year, over 30 people were employed at the station,<ref>{{Cite web|date=26 Sep 1929|title=MANAWATU HERALD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MH19290926.2.19|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-24|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> where they sold 20,816 tickets (4th busiest station on the line, after [[Napier railway station, New Zealand|Napier]], [[Hastings railway station, New Zealand|Hastings]] and [[Dannevirke]]) and handled 13,062 sheep and pigs.<ref>{{Cite web|title=STATEMENT No. 18 Statement of Traffic and Revenue for each Station for the Year ended 31st March, 1929|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/parliamentary/appendix-to-the-journals-of-the-house-of-representatives/1929/I/2091?large_image=true|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-24|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref>

In 1881<ref>{{Cite web|date=4 Feb 1881|title=WAIPUKURAU. DAILY TELEGRAPH|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DTN18810204.2.12|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-28|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> Wilding & Bull had a siding<ref name=":233">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Station Archive|url=http://railheritage.org.nz/assets/Station_Archive_4web.xls|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208074340/http://railheritage.org.nz/assets/Station_Archive_4web.xls|archive-date=8 February 2013|access-date=10 August 2020|website=NZR Rolling Stock Lists|language=en}}</ref> and built a large sawmill beside the station. Much of the timber came from [[Seventy Mile Bush]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 Jan 1885|title=LOCAL INDUSTRIES. WAIPAWA MAIL|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIPM18850120.2.14|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-24|newspaper=Waipawa Mail|page=4 }}</ref> There were also sidings for a grain store, [[Shell Australia#History|British Imperial Oil]] and [[Vacuum Oil Company|Vacuum Oil Co]].<ref name=":233" />

On 7 October 2001 the station closed to passengers.<ref name=":0">''Names & Opening & Closing Dates of Railway Stations in New Zealand'' by Juliet Scoble (2012)</ref> The platform, station and passing loop remain.<ref>{{Cite web|title=7 Bogle Brothers Esplanade|url=https://www.google.com/maps/@-39.9941035,176.5527556,3a,37.5y,352.02h,89.08t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s1RbQJEZUAKSMcdzHFLAM8Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?ucbcb=1|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-23|website=Google Maps|language=en}}</ref>

===== Tukituki railway bridge =====
Harry Monteith built a 22-span Waipukurau bridge.<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 Jul 1938|title=PERSONAL. MANAWATU STANDARD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/MS19380705.2.132.2|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-24|newspaper=Manawatu Standard|page=10 }}</ref> A footbridge was added in 1883<ref>{{Cite web|date=3 Jul 1883|title=HAWKE'S BAY HERALD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HBH18830703.2.10|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-24|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> and it was repaired in 1897.<ref>{{Cite web|date=17 Jun 1896|title=SUNDAY LABOR. DAILY TELEGRAPH|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DTN18960617.2.41.1|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-24|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> It was replaced in 1978, at which time the stockyards were closed to improve the alignment of the track to the new bridge.<ref name=":233" /> Tuki Tuki River bridge 171 is {{Convert|288|m|abbr=on}} long.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 December 2020 |title=KiwiRail Bridges |url=https://data-kiwirail.opendata.arcgis.com/datasets/kiwirail::kiwirail-bridges |access-date=2023-04-16 |website=data-kiwirail.opendata.arcgis.com |language=en-nz}}</ref>

===== Tarewa and Tapairu railway stations =====
A mile to the north of Waipukurau,<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 Mar 1882|title=HAWKE'S BAY HERALD|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HBH18820320.2.2.3|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-24|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> there was a [[flag station]] below Mount Vernon from 1877 to 1884.<ref name=":0" /> Its closure was announced several times,<ref>{{Cite web|date=15 Jun 1881|title=WAIPAWA MAIL|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIPM18810615.2.4|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-24|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=12 Nov 1884|title=DAILY TELEGRAPH|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DTN18841112.2.6|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-24|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> including in 1886,<ref>{{Cite web|date=8 Jun 1886|title=DAILY TELEGRAPH|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DTN18860608.2.2.6|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-24|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> when the building was moved from Tarewa,<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 Jun 1886|title=Waipawa. DAILY TELEGRAPH|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/DTN18860622.2.10|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-24|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> to Tapairu, a mile south of Waipawa, which seems to have been open until 1889,<ref name="DAILY TELEGRAPH"/> or 1890.<ref name=":1" /> In 2009 the nearby [[State Highway 2 (New Zealand)|SH2]] road overbridge, which had replaced a level crossing in 1937,<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 Aug 1937|title=LOCAL & GENERAL. WAIPAWA MAIL|url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAIPM19370806.2.12|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-24|website=paperspast.natlib.govt.nz}}</ref> was replaced by a larger culvert to straighten the road.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2009|title=CSP Pacific - Projects : CSP Pacific's Multi-plate™ eliminates road and rail closures at Waipukurau Overpass project|url=https://www.csppacific.co.nz/project/csp-pacifics-multiplate-eliminates-road-and-rail-closures-at-waipukurau-overpass-project|url-status=|access-date=2021-08-24|website=www.csppacific.co.nz}}</ref>

{{s-start|noclear=yes}}
{{s-note|text=Former adjoining stations}}
{{Rail line|previous=[[Hatuma#Railway station|Hatuma]]<br /><small>Line open, station closed<br />{{convert|7.26|km|abbr=on}}</small>|next=[[Waipawa#Waipawa railway station|Waipawa]]<br /><small>Line open, station closed<br />{{convert|7.52|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=[[Palmerston North–Gisborne Line]]|col={{BR(E) colour}}}}
{{s-end}}

===Marae===

The local Waipukurau Marae is affiliated with the [[Ngāti Kahungunu]] [[hapū]] of [[Ngāti Whatuiāpiti]] and [[Ngāti Tamatea]].<ref name="tkmentry">{{cite web|title=Te Kāhui Māngai directory|url= http://www.tkm.govt.nz/ |website=tkm.govt.nz|publisher=[[Te Puni Kōkiri]]}}</ref><ref name="maorimaps">{{cite web |title=Māori Maps |url=https://maorimaps.com/map |website=maorimaps.com |publisher=Te Potiki National Trust}}</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Waipukurau.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Waipukurau - View from Pukeora]]
Stats NZ describes Waipukurau as a small urban area, which covers {{Convert|8.70|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=19 September 2025}}</ref> It had an estimated population of {{NZ population data 2018|Waipukurau|y}} as of {{NZ population data 2018|||y|y||,}} with a population density of {{Decimals|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Waipukurau|y}}|R}}/8.70|0}} people per km<sup>2</sup>.

{{Historical populations|2006|4,161|2013|3,918|2018|4,416|2023|4,698|percentages=pagr|align=left|source=<ref name="Census 2023"/><ref name="Census 2018">{{NZ census 2018|Waipukurau West (215800) and Waipukurau East (216000)}}</ref>|footnote=The 2006 population is for a smaller area of 8.04 km<sup>2</sup>.}}
Waipukurau had a population of 4,698 in the [[2023 New Zealand census]], an increase of 282 people (6.4%) since the [[2018 New Zealand census|2018 census]], and an increase of 780 people (19.9%) since the [[2013 New Zealand census|2013 census]]. There were 2,190 males, 2,493 females, and 15 people of [[non-binary gender|other genders]] in 1,920 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%2Bdo1.1302%2B215801%2B216000.2023&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 45.0 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 879 people (18.7%) aged under 15 years, 744 (15.8%) aged 15 to 29, 1,863 (39.7%) aged 30 to 64, and 1,209 (25.7%) aged 65 or older.<ref name="Census 2023"/>

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 80.1% [[European New Zealanders|European]] ([[Pākehā]]); 30.3% [[Māori people|Māori]]; 3.4% [[Pasifika New Zealanders|Pasifika]]; 3.7% [[Asian New Zealanders|Asian]]; 0.4% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.2% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 97.4%, Māori by 6.6%, Samoan by 0.2%, and other languages by 4.5%. No language could be spoken by 1.9% (e.g. too young to talk). [[New Zealand Sign Language]] was known by 0.4%. The percentage of people born overseas was 11.6, compared with 28.8% nationally.<ref name="Census 2023"/>

Religious affiliations were 33.2% [[Christianity in New Zealand|Christian]], 0.4% [[Hinduism in New Zealand|Hindu]], 0.3% [[Islam in New Zealand|Islam]], 3.4% [[Māori religious beliefs]], 0.4% [[Buddhism in New Zealand|Buddhist]], 0.5% [[New Age]], and 1.3% other religions. People who answered that they had [[Irreligion in New Zealand|no religion]] were 54.0%, and 7.2% of people did not answer the census question.<ref name="Census 2023"/>

Of those at least 15 years old, 450 (11.8%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 2,286 (59.9%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 1,083 (28.4%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $36,800, compared with $41,500 nationally. 150 people (3.9%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 1,794 (47.0%) full-time, 453 (11.9%) part-time, and 108 (2.8%) 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.1302.2013%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=Waipukurau (1302)}}</ref>

{{table alignment}}
{| class="wikitable defaultright col1left"
|+Individual statistical areas
|-
!Name !! Area<br/>(km<sup>2</sup>) !! Population !! Density<br/>(per km<sup>2</sup>) || Dwellings !! Median age !! Median<br/>income
|-
| Waipukurau West || 6.44 || 2,736 || 425 || 1,146 || 44.8 years || $35,800<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_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.215801.2013%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=Waipukurau West}}</ref>
|-
| Waipukurau East || 2.26 || 1,962 || 868 || 774 || 45.3 years || $38,500<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_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.216000.2013%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=Waipukurau East}}</ref>
|-
! New Zealand !! !! !! !! !! style="text-align:right;"|38.1 years !! style="text-align:right;"| $41,500
|}

In December 1858 Waipukurau census area had 243 males and 73 females - a total population of 316. 1,441 acres of land were fenced or cultivated with 95 horses, 364 cattle, and 20,365 sheep. There were also 4 goats and 61 pigs.<ref>[http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=HBH18590205.2.7&srpos=159&e=-------10--151-byDA---0waipukurau-- Untitled], ''Hawke's Bay Herald'', Volume 2, Issue 72, 5 February 1859, Page 2 retrieved 17 December 2015</ref>

The [[40th parallel south]] passes through Waipukurau township.

=== Climate ===

{{Weather box|width=auto
|metric first=y
|single line=y 
|collapsed = Y
|location = Waipukurau Aero (1981–2010 normals, extremes 1945–1994)
| Jan record high C = 34.5
| Feb record high C = 35.1
| Mar record high C = 32.5
| Apr record high C = 27.9
| May record high C = 26.1
| Jun record high C = 24.1
| Jul record high C = 21.2
| Aug record high C = 21.0
| Sep record high C = 25.2
| Oct record high C = 27.2
| Nov record high C = 29.4
| Dec record high C = 32.3
| year record high C = 
|Jan record low C  = 0.9
|Feb record low C  = 1.5
|Mar record low C  = -1.2
|Apr record low C  = -2.9
|May record low C  =  -4.3
|Jun record low C  = -5.9
|Jul record low C  = -7.2
|Aug record low C  = -4.7
|Sep record low C  = -3.3
|Oct record low C  = -3.1
|Nov record low C  = -0.8
|Dec record low C  = 0.2
|year record low C = 
|Jan high C = 	24.5
|Feb high C = 	23.8
|Mar high C = 	21.6
|Apr high C = 	18.6
|May high C = 	15.7
|Jun high C = 	13.1
|Jul high C = 	12.4
|Aug high C = 	13.3
|Sep high C = 	15.3
|Oct high C = 	17.6
|Nov high C = 	19.7
|Dec high C = 	22.3
| year high C = 	
|Jan mean C = 	18.2
|Feb mean C = 	17.9
|Mar mean C = 	16.0
|Apr mean C = 	12.9
|May mean C = 	10.5
|Jun mean C = 	8.2
|Jul mean C = 	7.7
|Aug mean C = 	8.5
|Sep mean C = 	10.3
|Oct mean C = 	12.2
|Nov mean C = 	14.2
|Dec mean C = 	16.6
| year mean C = 	
|Jan low C = 	11.9
|Feb low C = 	12.0
|Mar low C = 	10.4
|Apr low C = 	7.3
|May low C = 	5.3
|Jun low C = 	3.2
|Jul low C = 	3.0
|Aug low C = 	3.8
|Sep low C = 	5.3
|Oct low C = 	6.8
|Nov low C = 	8.6
|Dec low C = 	10.9
| year low C = 	
|rain colour = green	
|Jan rain mm = 	37.9
|Feb rain mm = 	67.4
|Mar rain mm = 	82.7
|Apr rain mm = 	67.6
|May rain mm = 	65.2
|Jun rain mm = 	78.5
|Jul rain mm = 	84.3
|Aug rain mm = 	74.0
|Sep rain mm = 	74.4
|Oct rain mm = 	61.9
|Nov rain mm = 	59.5
|Dec rain mm = 	82.0
|year rain mm = 	
|source 1 = NIWA<ref name= NIWA>
{{cite web
|url = http://cliflo.niwa.co.nz
|title = CliFlo – National Climate Database : Waipukurau Aero
|publisher = NIWA
|access-date = 14 Sep 2024}}</ref>
}}

==Education==

Waipukurau has three long-running primary schools, with relatively stable roll numbers:
* Waipukurau School is a Year 1-8 state primary school<ref name="official">{{cite web |title=Official School Website |url=http://www.waipukurau.school.nz |website=waipukurau.school.nz}}</ref><ref name="moe">{{cite web |title=Ministry of Education School Profile |url=https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/find-school/school/profile?district=28&region=5&school=2725 |website=educationcounts.govt.nz |publisher=[[Ministry of Education (New Zealand)|Ministry of Education]]}}</ref> established in 1867.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://natlib.govt.nz/records/22229908|title=Waipukurau School centennial celebrations, October, 1967|year=1967|publisher=Waipukurau Primary School|first1=Alastair Edward B|last1=Jones|first2=Eva|last2=Ebbett|first3=Margaret|last3=Bishop}}</ref> It has a roll of {{NZ school roll data|2725|y}}.<ref name="ero">{{cite web |title=Education Review Office Report |url=https://ero.govt.nz/institution/2725/waipukurau-school |website=ero.govt.nz |publisher=[[Education Review Office]]}}</ref>
* The Terrace School is a Year 1-8 state primary school<ref name="moe2">{{cite web |title=Ministry of Education School Profile |url=https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/find-school/school/profile?district=28&region=5&school=2702 |website=educationcounts.govt.nz |publisher=[[Ministry of Education (New Zealand)|Ministry of Education]]}}</ref> estaablished in 1956.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://natlib.govt.nz/records/21445339|title=50th jubilee Terrace School, Waipukurau, 1956-2006|year=2006|publisher=Jubilee Committee|first=Vivienne|last=Haldane}}</ref> It has a roll of {{NZ school roll data|2702|y}}.<ref name="ero2">{{cite web |title=Education Review Office Report |url=https://ero.govt.nz/institution/2702/the-terrace-school-waipukurau |website=ero.govt.nz |publisher=[[Education Review Office]]}}</ref>
* St Joseph's School is a Year 1–8 state integrated Catholic primary school<ref name="moe3">{{cite web |title=Ministry of Education School Profile |url=https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/find-school/school/profile?district=28&region=5&school=2678 |website=educationcounts.govt.nz |publisher=[[Ministry of Education (New Zealand)|Ministry of Education]]}}</ref> established in 1926.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stjosephschb.school.nz/our-school/|title=Our School|publisher=St Joseph's School|accessdate=19 September 2025}}</ref> It has a roll of {{NZ school roll data|2678|y}}.<ref name="ero3">{{cite web |title=Education Review Office Report |url=https://ero.govt.nz/institution/2678/st-josephs-school-waipukurau |website=ero.govt.nz |publisher=[[Education Review Office]]}}</ref>

Central Hawke's Bay College is a Year 9-13 state secondary school.<ref name="official4">{{cite web |title=Official School Website |url=http://www.chbc.school.nz |website=chbc.school.nz}}</ref><ref name="moe4">{{cite web |title=Ministry of Education School Profile |url=https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/find-school/school/profile?district=28&region=5&school=233 |website=educationcounts.govt.nz |publisher=[[Ministry of Education (New Zealand)|Ministry of Education]]}}</ref> It has a roll of {{NZ school roll data|233|y}}.<ref name="ero4">{{cite web |title=Education Review Office Report |url=https://ero.govt.nz/institution/233/central-hawkes-bay-college |website=ero.govt.nz |publisher=[[Education Review Office]]}}</ref> Waipukerau District High School started in 1920,<ref name="CHBC">{{cite web|url=https://natlib.govt.nz/records/22160063|title=Waipawa DHS : onward : 1908-1958 ; Waipukurau DHS : I will yet go forward, 1920-1958 ; Central Hawke's Bay College, Waipukurau, 1958-1983|year=1983|publisher=Central Hawke's Bay College 25th Jubilee Committee}}</ref> but with origins from 1866.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://natlib.govt.nz/records/21923456|title=Waipukurau District High School, 1866-1956 : jubilee souvenir|year=1956|publisher=Waipukurau District High School Jubilee Committee|first=A. O.|last=Stanley}}</ref> It merged with Waipawa District High School (established in 1908)<ref name="CHBC"/> in 1958 to form Central Hawke's Bay College from 1959.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chbc.school.nz/OUR-SCHOOL-1/Our-Story-1|title=Our Story|publisher=Central Hawke's Bay College|accessdate=19 September 2025}}</ref> Some young people also leave Waipukurau at a young age to study in nearby cities of Hastings and Napier.

All these schools are co-educational. Rolls are as of {{NZ school roll data|||y|y||.}}

Waipukurau also has branches of five youth organisations: [[Scouts New Zealand]], [[GirlGuiding New Zealand]], [[New Zealand Cadet Forces]], [[St John Youth]] and Epic Ministries. Each organisation ranges from 20 to 100 members.

==Hospital==
{{unsourced section|date=September 2025}}
In 1876 the Government donated 5 acres of land for a Hospital which was to be half paid for by the local community. It was completed in 1879 and consisted of two wings – the male and female wards, as well as four other rooms to house staff. It also had a dispensary, committee room, dining room, and kitchen. The hospital was the Waipawa County Hospital until 1907. In 1909 a further ward built. In 1919, as a result of the [[Spanish flu|influenza pandemic]], an infectious disease annex. This building became the geriatric unit in 1962. A nurses’ home was built in 1926 and extended in 1942.

An administration block was erected in 1927, with the former administration area became a children's ward. In 1935 further alterations were carried out which added a medical administration and outpatients’ wing and an operating theatre . From 1942 to 1964 two new wards, clinics for x-ray and physiotherapy, a laboratory, an administration block, a mortuary, and an operating theatre were added. Finally in 1966 additions were made to the maternity annexe. The hospital was closed in 1999.

== Employment ==
{{unsourced section|date=September 2025}}
The town is a farming based community and provides dairy, fruit, vegetable and meat exports. Most employment is seasonal related, dependent on surrounding local agricultural and horticultural industries.

Through the 1940s-1970s one of the town's main businesses was Denne Bros/Peter Pan Frozen Foods, well known throughout the country for their ice cream brand. The two factories were considered local landmarks. The company was the main employer of Waipukurau, as well the nearby township Waipawa in the 1950s and 1960s.

== Notable residents ==
* [[Joh Bjelke-Petersen|Johannes "Joh" Bjelke-Petersen]], {{post-nominals|country=AUS|KCMG}} (1911–2005), [[Premier of Queensland]] 1968–1987, lived in Waipukurau as a very young child
* [[Hinewehi Mohi]], {{post-nominals|country=NZL|MNZM}}, musician and television producer
* [[Errol Brathwaite]] - author
* [[Matt Berquist]] - professional rugby player
* [[John Dew (bishop)|John Atcherly ''Cardinal'' Dew, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Wellington]] (2005–present)<ref name="one">[http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/wellington-archbishop-humbled-and-surprised-cardinal-appointment-6214548 "Wellington Archbishop 'humbled' and surprised by cardinal appointment," ''ONE News'', 5 January 2015 (see video)] (Retrieved 6 January 2015)</ref> 
* [[Campbell Johnstone]] - professional rugby player
* [[Andrew Williams (New Zealand politician)|Andrew Williams]] - former North Shore mayor

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Waipukurau}}
*[https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=waipukurau+new+zealand&ie=UTF8&om=1&z=14&ll=-40.000465,176.554499&spn=0.029982,0.086002&iwloc=addr/ Map of Waipukurau]
*[http://www.chbdc.govt.nz/ Central Hawkes Bay District Council]
*[http://www.teara.govt.nz/1966/W/Waipukurau/Waipukurau/en/ 1966 New Zealand Encyclopedia Page]
*[http://www.lambcountry.co.nz/ Central Hawkes Bay Tourism Site]
*[https://collection.mtghawkesbay.com/objects/81935/railway-bridge-waipukurau Photo of railway bridge about 1920]
*[https://shield.kiwirail.co.nz/content/latest/Takapau-Waipukurau.pdf 2013 railway track and signalling plan]

{{Authority control}}
{{Central Hawke's Bay District}}
[[Category:Central Hawke's Bay District]]
[[Category:Populated places in Hawke's Bay]]