About Rangitīkei
From the Tasman Sea in the south to the Central Plateau in the north, Rangitīkei stretches across some of the most diverse landscapes in the lower and central North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Covering 4,484 square kilometres, we're one of the North Island's largest districts by land area, but home to a population of approximately 16,000 people according to the 2023 Census. That makes Rangitīkei distinctly rural and relatively sparsely populated.
To put our size into perspective, neighbouring Manawatū District covers approximately 2,566 square kilometres but is home to around 34,000 people.
Our communities are spread across bustling rural towns, small settlements, productive farmland and remote hill country, giving Rangitīkei the space and character that make it such a distinctive place to live.
Population
According to the 2023 Census, Rangitīkei's population is approximately 16,000.
Our population by age is:
- Under 15: 3,033 (19.4%)
- 15–29: 2,655 (17.0%)
- 30–64: 6,816 (43.5%)
- 65 and over: 3,159 (20.2%)
Our median age is 41.1 years, compared with a national median of 38.1 years.
Our people
Rangitīkei is home to people from a range of cultures and backgrounds.
Based on 2023 Census ethnicity data:
| Ethnicity | Percentage of Rangitīkei population | National average |
| NZ Europen/Pakeha | 79.6% | 74% |
| Māori | 28.2% | 17.8% |
| Pasifika | 5.5% | 8.9% |
| Asian | 2.9% | 17.3% |
People can identify with more than one ethnicity, so percentages do not total 100%.
Climate & Weather
Rangitīkei enjoys a generally temperate climate, although conditions can vary considerably between our coastline, river plains and the higher country around Taihape and the Central Plateau.
Summers are typically warm, with average daytime temperatures in the low 20s and some of our most settled weather occurring during summer and early autumn.
Winters are generally mild across the southern plains and coastal areas, while inland and higher-altitude communities experience colder conditions, frequent frosts and occasional snowfall. Around Taihape and other elevated areas, a crisp winter morning can often bring clear skies and spectacular views across the surrounding countryside.
This varied climate is part of what makes Rangitīkei's landscape so divers, from productive farmland and river valleys to rugged hill country.
Industry & Employment
Rangitīkei has always been a district built on hard work, innovation and a strong connection to the land.
Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy. Sheep and beef farming have long defined the landscape, while cropping, horticulture and forestry support local families, businesses and communities. Many farms have been worked by generations of the same family, combining experience with modern technology to produce food and fibre for New Zealand and the world.
But Rangitīkei is much more than farming.
Our engineering firms, manufacturers, tradespeople and rural contractors support businesses throughout the district and beyond. Small businesses are at the heart of our towns, providing employment and services while supporting the community events and organisations that make Rangitīkei such a great place to live.
Tourism and hospitality also play an important role. Visitors come to experience our rivers, dramatic landscapes, heritage towns and outdoor adventures, supporting accommodation providers, cafés, retailers, attractions and tourism operators throughout the district.Our industries have changed over generations, but the values remain the same.