Rodney stretches from the spectacular black volcanic sand beaches of Muriwai in the west to the white sands and islands of the Kowhai Coast in the east. It includes a number of regional parks or areas of special interest. North of Orewa are the coastal Wenderholm, Mahurangi and Tawharanui Regional Parks. Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve, which surrounds Te Hāwere-a-Maki / Goat Island, was New Zealand's first marine reserve, officially opened in 1977. It covers a coastline of about 5 km (3 mi), extends out in sea by 800 m, and encompasses 5 km2 (2 sq mi), inside which all marine life is protected.
Towns in the south of the ward are becoming dormitory districts for Auckland, enjoying improved access by motorway. Further north, communities are more rural. Some have become famous for particular activities, such as Puhoi and its cheese factory. Warkworth serves as a base for visitors to explore the Kowhai Coast, which includes historic Kawau Island, formerly the home of New Zealand's Governor Sir George Grey, where Mansion House is now a museum.
The dominant feature of the western side of Rodney is Kaipara Harbour, the largest enclosed harbour in the Southern Hemisphere, with a perimeter of about 3,000 km (1,864 mi). The area was once famous for its kauri timber mills.
Kumeū, Matakana and Huapai are known for their wineries, a number of which provide sampling, cellar-door sales, and restaurants.
Population
Rodney ward covers 2,275.08 km2 (878.41 sq mi)[1] and had an estimated population of 82,400 as of June 2024,[2] with a population density of 36 people per km2.
Rodney had a population of 77,949 in the 2023 New Zealand census, an increase of 11,532 people (17.4%) since the 2018 census, and an increase of 23,067 people (42.0%) since the 2013 census. There were 33,249 dwellings. The median age was 41.3 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 15,222 people (19.5%) aged under 15 years, 11,991 (15.4%) aged 15 to 29, 36,972 (47.4%) aged 30 to 64, and 13,764 (17.7%) aged 65 or older.[5]
Ethnicities were 84.9% European/Pākehā, 12.2% Māori, 4.3% Pasifika, 9.4% Asian, 1.2% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders, and 1.3% other. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.[5]
Rodney ward had a population of 66,417 at the 2018 New Zealand census. There were 22,761 households, comprising 33,123 males and 33,294 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.99 males per female.
The percentage of people born overseas was 23.3, compared with 27.1% nationally.
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 57.7% had no religion, 31.2% were Christian, 0.8% had Māori religious beliefs, 0.8% were Hindu, 0.2% were Muslim, 0.5% were Buddhist and 1.8% had other religions.
Of those at least 15 years old, 11,238 (21.1%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 8,058 (15.2%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $36,500, compared with $31,800 nationally. 12,027 people (22.6%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 27,102 (51.0%) people were employed full-time, 8,988 (16.9%) were part-time, and 1,296 (2.4%) were unemployed.[4]
Rodney Ward is one of the 13 wards of Auckland Council and is governed by the Mayor of Auckland. It has one directly elected councillor who sits on the Auckland Council. The councillor has oversight over Rodney Local Board.
