Hāwea Flat is described by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement. It covers 16.66 km2 (6.43 sq mi)[1] and had an estimated population of 620 as of June 2024,[2] with a population density of 37 people per km2. It is part of the Upper Clutha Valley statistical area.[4]
Hāwea Flat had a population of 543 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 141 people (35.1%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 264 people (94.6%) since the 2006 census. There were 180 households, comprising 273 males and 267 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.02 males per female, with 144 people (26.5%) aged under 15 years, 57 (10.5%) aged 15 to 29, 315 (58.0%) aged 30 to 64, and 27 (5.0%) aged 65 or older.
Ethnicities were 97.8% European/Pākehā, 7.7% Māori, 0.6% Asian, and 1.7% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 72.4% had no religion, 18.2% were Christian, 1.1% were Hindu, 1.1% were Buddhist and 2.2% had other religions.
Of those at least 15 years old, 132 (33.1%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 33 (8.3%) people had no formal qualifications. 75 people (18.8%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 234 (58.6%) people were employed full-time, and 78 (19.5%) were part-time.[5]
Education
Hāwea Flat School is a contributing primary school for years 1 to 6[6] with a roll of 366 students as of August 2024.[7] The school opened in 1882.[8]