Raukokore's most notable feature is its Anglican church, Christ Church, a landmark of the East Cape region, which stands isolated close to the shore of Papatea Bay. The church was named as one of the East Cape/Gisborne region's "101 must-do" sites by the New Zealand Automobile Association.[3] The church was designed and built by Duncan Stirling in 1894. Stirling married local Raukokore chief Mihi Kōtukutuku in the church in 1896. The church is listed as a Category 1 Historic Place by Heritage New Zealand.[4]
Raukokore had a population of 141 at the 2018 New Zealand census, a decrease of 27 people (−16.1%) since the 2013 census, and a decrease of 9 people (−6.0%) since the 2006 census. There were 66 households, comprising 81 males and 57 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.42 males per female. The median age was 47.9 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 33 people (23.4%) aged under 15 years, 9 (6.4%) aged 15 to 29, 63 (44.7%) aged 30 to 64, and 33 (23.4%) aged 65 or older.
Ethnicities were 38.3% European/Pākehā, 78.7% Māori, and 2.1% Pacific peoples. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 36.2% had no religion, 44.7% were Christian, and 6.4% had Māori religious beliefs.
Of those at least 15 years old, 9 (8.3%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 33 (30.6%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $22,800, compared with $31,800 nationally. 9 people (8.3%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 45 (41.7%) people were employed full-time, 18 (16.7%) were part-time, and 9 (8.3%) were unemployed.[2]
