Te Rapa

Suburb of Hamilton, New Zealand

Suburb in New Zealand

Te Rapa

Suburb

Northern Te Rapa and dairy factory from Hakarimatas

Coordinates: 37°45′28.16″S 175°14′45.17″E﻿ / ﻿37.7578222°S 175.2458806°E﻿ / -37.7578222; 175.2458806
Country| New Zealand
City| Hamilton, New Zealand
Local authority| Hamilton City Council
Electoral ward| West Ward
Area

[1]

• Land| 1,316 ha (3,252 acres)
Population

(June 2024)[2]

• Total

| 410
Train stations| Rotokauri railway station

Te Rapa is a mixed light industrial, large-scale retail and semi-rural suburb to the northwest of central Hamilton, New Zealand. It is built on a flat area that was previously the bed of an ancient river, the forerunner to the present Waikato River.[citation needed]

Stretching in a long, thin north–south axis, Te Rapa is home to many factories including Te Rapa Dairy Factory, one of the largest of its kind in the world.

Te Rapa has freight and locomotive depots on the North Island Main Trunk railway.

## History

[edit]

Te Rapa and neighbouring Pukete were important sites for the kauri gum trade of the late 19th/early 20th centuries, being some of the southern-most locations where gum could be found.[3]

## Demographics

[edit]

Te Rapa covers 13.16 km2 (5.08 sq mi)[1] and had an estimated population of 410 as of June 2024,[2] with a population density of 31 people per km2.

Historical populationYear| Pop.| ±% p.a.

|
|

2006| 327| —
2013| 303| −1.08%
2018| 288| −1.01%
2023| 348| +3.86%
Source: [4][5]

Te Rapa had a population of 348 in the 2023 New Zealand census, an increase of 60 people (20.8%) since the 2018 census, and an increase of 45 people (14.9%) since the 2013 census. There were 177 males, 168 females and 3 people of other genders in 168 dwellings.[6] 4.3% of people identified as LGBTIQ+. There were 30 people (8.6%) aged under 15 years, 48 (13.8%) aged 15 to 29, 96 (27.6%) aged 30 to 64, and 177 (50.9%) aged 65 or older.[4]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 80.2% European (Pākehā); 16.4% Māori; 2.6% Pasifika; 10.3% Asian; 0.9% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 1.7% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 95.7%, Māori language by 3.4%, and other languages by 9.5%. No language could be spoken by 0.9% (e.g. too young to talk). The percentage of people born overseas was 18.1, compared with 28.8% nationally.[4]

Religious affiliations were 48.3% Christian, 1.7% Hindu, 2.6% Māori religious beliefs, and 2.6% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 38.8%, and 7.8% of people did not answer the census question.[4]

Of those at least 15 years old, 39 (12.3%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 162 (50.9%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 123 (38.7%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. 12 people (3.8%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 99 (31.1%) people were employed full-time, 30 (9.4%) were part-time, and 3 (0.9%) were unemployed.[4]

Individual statistical areas  Name | Area
(km2) | Population | Density
(per km2) | Dwellings | Median age | Median
income

|
|
|
|
|
|

Te Rapa North | 8.38 | 135 | 16 | 54 | 39.5 years | $40,500[7]
Te Rapa South | 4.78 | 213 | 45 | 114 | 77.7 years | $26,300[8]
New Zealand |  |  |  |  | 38.1 years | $41,500

Te Rapa South has a high median age because 147 of the residents are in the Bupa Foxbridge Retirement Village and Care Home.[9]

## Shops

[edit]

Rotokauri | Horotiu | Pukete

|
|

Frankton |

Te Rapa

| St Andrews
Forest Lake | Crawshaw | Beerescourt

### Post Offices

[edit]

There are two Post Shops in Te Rapa, at The Base and at Video Ezy,[10] which, until 2018, was one of the last two in Hamilton renting DVDs, Play Station and videos.[11]

There are over 3,000 parking spaces at The Base

### The Base

[edit]

Main article: The Base (shopping centre)

Prior to being handed back to the Tainui tribe by the government as part of the Raupatu land settlement in 1995, Te Rapa was the site of a Royal New Zealand Air Force base. The base served as a major Air Force stores depot. The Te Rapa Air Force base closed in 1992.

Te Rapa's shopping area includes The Base, a large-scale retail development that opened in 2005[12] at the site of the former air force base. As of 2006, The Base contained the largest branch of The Warehouse in New Zealand. With the addition of the Te Awa building in 2010, The Base became New Zealand's largest shopping mall, and still is, as of December 2011.

Fonterra Factory

## Fonterra Dairy Factory

[edit]

One of Fonterra's largest dairy factories is to the east of the former SH1 in northern Te Rapa. It started to dry powder in 1967[13] and was officially opened on 20 April 1968 by New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Company,[14] which became part of Fonterra in 2001. A butter, cream and cream cheese plant was added in 1997, another cream cheese line in 2013, and another butter line[13] in about 2019.[15]

It collects up to 7,500,000 L (1,600,000 imp gal; 2,000,000 US gal) of milk a day from 1,000 farms.[14] It has around 500 staff, producing roughly 80,000 tonnes a year, including 650 million packets of butter and 33,500 tonnes of cream cheese.[13]

Up to 28,000 m3 (6,200,000 imp gal) of Waikato River water are used in the processing.[14] It is powered by a cogeneration unit, which uses 27 PJ (7.5×1015 mWh) of Genesis gas over 6 years.[16] The chimneys are over 35 m (115 ft) high.[17]

## Te Rapa Racecourse

[edit]

Located in Te Rapa is Te Rapa Racecourse, Hamilton's only remaining horse racing course, and the main racecourse for the Waikato region. It has a symmetrical left-handed (anti-clockwise) track with a circumference of 1788 metres.

The course originated with Waikato Turf Club in 1873, which met at Whatawhata and Pirongia. In 1887 it became the South Auckland Racing Club at Claudelands, renamed Hamilton Racing Club in 1916 and moving to 400 acres (160 ha) at Te Rapa in 1924.[18]

Te Rapa racecourse and part of Forest Lake Gardens Retirement Complex

Facilities and hospitalities include a members' facility and private suites.[19]

Major races held at the Te Rapa racecourse include:

* Waikato Cup over 2400m in early December.
* Waikato Sprint over 1400m in February.
* New Zealand International Stakes also known as the Herbie Dyke Stakes, a weight-for-age event over 2000m in February.

## Waterworld

[edit]

In 1981, this plaque was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II at the Centennial Pools.

Waterworld (also known as Te Rapa Pools) is a Hamilton city council-owned pool complex in Te Rapa. In addition to the main facilities, the venue also includes a range of other options including a spa, sauna and steam rooms as well as an outdoor playground. Rides offered at Waterworld include The Python Hydroslide, the Twister Slide and The Screamer Speedslides.[20] The complex was officially opened in late 1976, 15 years after Hamilton Jaycees suggested a new swimming pool complex in Fairfield Park. The suggestion led to an adopted proposal in 1964 to mark the city's centennial and in 1973 the decision was made to instead build the complex in Te Rapa.[21]

Te Rapa Road is the main road in Te Rapa. It has parking areas either side of the 4-lane road, but sometimes no footpath

## Transport

[edit]

### Road

[edit]

Immediately after the invasion of the Waikato, in 1864, there was just a track across the area linking Mangaharakeke (or Manuharakeke) Pā and Kirikiriroa Pā.[22] By 1870 bridges had been built over the streams.[23] An 1875 report said the bridges at Waitawhiriwhiri, Mangaharakeke, Beere's Creek and Hall's Creek, between Ngāruawāhia and Hamilton on the Great South Road, had been replaced, or repaired.[24] Until Mangaharakeke Dr opened in 2012,[25] much of the 1860s road, now known as Te Rapa Rd, was part of SH1. See also - List of streets in Hamilton.

### Railway

[edit]

Railway sidings at Te Rapa with the suburb of Forest Lake in the background

Te Rapa railway station opened when the North Island Main Trunk was extended from Ngāruawāhia to Hamilton on 19 December 1877. Te Rapa is at the northern end of the section to Palmerston North, electrified in 1988. Electrification ends just north of the 545 km (339 mi) post (distance north of Wellington).[26] A locomotive depot and marshalling yard incorporated the Racecourse station site. There is also a concrete sleeper factory at Te Rapa.[27]

Aerial view of Te Rapa hump yard in 1972

#### Te Rapa Racecourse station

[edit]

£720 was spent to open Te Rapa Racecourse passenger platform,[28] near the south-west end of the course,[29] on 15 October 1924.[30] The mileage to the middle of the Racecourse platform was reported as 82 mi 57 ch (133.1 km) in 1924 (Frankton Jct was 83 mi 77 ch (135.1 km) from Auckland in 1882, but that station was moved north in 1909).[28] The first excursions seem to have been advertised for Labour Day, 27 October 1924.[31][32] The last advert was in November 1943.[33] In 1930 the line was double tracked and equipped with automatic signalling.[34] Associated with that work, footbridge No 62A was built in 1929 (it was removed about 1963) and 10 ch (200 m) long landings were formed at rail level on both lines, with access to the back of the racecourse. By January 1935 horse loading banks had been completed. Approval to remove them was given in 1953, after being disused for years.[28] Final closure was in late 1967.[30] Aerial photos show that the site of the station,[35] and an area to the north, was later used for the marshalling yard[36] and then the locomotive and freight depot.[37]

Preceding station  | Historical railways | Following station

|
|

Te Rapa
Line open
Station reopened as Rotokauri in 2021
3 km (1.9 mi) |   | North Island Main Trunk
New Zealand Railways Department
now KiwiRail |   | Frankton Jct
Line open,
Hamilton Station open
1 mi 20 ch (2.0 km)

#### Freight

[edit]

On 1 April 2003 a container terminal opened, with overhead lines, for shunting by electric locomotives.[28]

##### Crawford Street depot

[edit]

Fonterra's Crawford St depot is linked by rail to local dairy factories at Te Awamutu, Morrinsville, Waitoa, Hautapu, Waharoa, Lichfield and Tīrau.[38] It sends about 33,000 containers of milk powder and cheese a year for export via the Port of Tauranga. An automated cool store was added in 2009[39] to handle about 235,000 tonnes a year.[40]

##### Te Rapa Marshalling Yard

[edit]

Construction of a new marshalling yard near the Racecourse began in December 1967.[41] The yard replaced Frankton goods yard[42] and opened on 10 January 1971. It had a hump for shunting,[43] which used Westinghouse retarders[44] and 31 sidings.[45]

## Education

[edit]

Te Rapa School is a full primary school catering for years 1-8. It has 519 students.[46] Te Rapa School has been the local primary school since 1906.[47]

St Peter Chanel Catholic School is a state integrated full primary school catering for years 1-8. It has 279 students.[48]

Both these schools are coeducational. Rolls are as of March 2025.[49]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b "Stats NZ Geographic Data Service". Statistical Area 2 2023 (generalised). Retrieved 5 April 2025.
2. ^ a b "Aotearoa Data Explorer". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
3. ^ Hayward, Bruce W. (1989). Kauri Gum and the Gumdiggers. The Bush Press. p. 4\. ISBN 0-908608-39-X.
4. ^ a b c d e "Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses". Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Te Rapa North (175201) and Te Rapa South (176301). Retrieved 3 October 2024.
5. ^ "Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census". Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. Te Rapa North (175200) and Te Rapa South (176300).
6. ^ "Totals by topic for dwellings, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses". Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
7. ^ "Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses". Stats NZ - Tatauranga Aotearoa - Aotearoa Data Explorer. Te Rapa North. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
8. ^ "Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses". Stats NZ - Tatauranga Aotearoa - Aotearoa Data Explorer. Te Rapa South. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
9. ^ "Stats NZ Geographic Data Service". 2023 Census electoral population at meshblock level (2025 Meshblock) (Meshblock 4014679). Retrieved 5 April 2025.
10. ^ "PostShop/Kiwibank Locator". www.nzpost.co.nz. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
11. ^ "KIDS DVDS, FAMILY DVDS, ACTION, DRAMA, XBOX GAMES CONSULS, PLAY STATION, GAMES BLURAY EVEN THE SHELVING - Neighbourly Beerescourt, Hamilton". www.neighbourly.co.nz. Retrieved 20 January 2019.
12. ^ Mark Smith (2012). Ngaruawahia 1980-2010 A Brief History. Lions Club of Ngaruawahia Incorporated Charitable Trust. ISBN 978-0-473-21930-7. Retrieved 9 October 2016.
13. ^ a b c "Fonterra builds value-add capacity at Te Rapa to meet Chinese demand". Fonterra. 2 June 2017. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
14. ^ a b c "Te Rapa celebrates 50 years". Fonterra. 20 April 2018. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
15. ^ Opening the Gates at Te Rapa, 21 June 2019, archived from the original on 14 December 2021, retrieved 5 April 2020
16. ^ Suze, Metherell (25 June 2014). "Contact extends Fonterra electricity supply at Te Rapa, will buy Genesis gas". NBR. Archived from the original on 8 July 2014. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
17. ^ "Application to renew existing consents (Various) At Te Rapa, Hamilton" (PDF). Waikato Regional Council. November 2018.
18. ^ "About Us". Te Rapa Racing. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
19. ^ NZ Racing Retrieved December 2011
20. ^ Hamilton Pools - Facilities Archived 2012-04-26 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved December 2011
21. ^ "Hamilton Suburbs I Te Rapa Information Kit". Waikato Times. Hamilton Public Library. 14 October 1976.
22. ^ "Historical Maps Collection - Map of part of the Waikato River No.2". digital.liby.waikato.ac.nz. Retrieved 21 January 2019.
23. ^ "Historical Maps Collection - Sketch map of the Waikato District". digital.liby.waikato.ac.nz. 1870. Retrieved 21 January 2019.
24. ^ "Public Works Statement, by the Minister for Public Works, The Hon. Edward Richardson". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 3 August 1875. Retrieved 21 January 2019.
25. ^ "New length of Waikato Expressway now open to traffic". www.nzta.govt.nz. Retrieved 21 January 2019.
26. ^ "KiwiRail Network Map". kiwirail.maps.arcgis.com. November 2018. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
27. ^ "Concrete sleeper factory opens". www.voxy.co.nz. 23 March 2012. Retrieved 21 January 2019.
28. ^ a b c d Scoble, Juliet. "Station Archive". Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand.
29. ^ "New Zealand Herald Page 10". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 18 February 1924. Retrieved 21 January 2019.
30. ^ a b Names & Opening & Closing Dates of Railway Stations in New Zealand by Juliet Scoble (2012)
31. ^ "New Zealand Herald Page 20". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 22 October 1924. Retrieved 21 January 2019.
32. ^ "WAIKATO TIMES". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 24 October 1924. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
33. ^ "Auckland Star Page 10". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 13 November 1943. Retrieved 21 January 2019.
34. ^ "RAILWAYS STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, THE HON. W. A. VEITCH. (Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1930-01-01)". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand. Retrieved 16 June 2017.
35. ^ "Survey Number: SN525". Retrolens. 3 December 1948.
36. ^ "Survey Number: SN8268". Retrolens. 1 December 1983.
37. ^ "Te Rapa Rd". Google maps. Retrieved 21 January 2019.
38. ^ "Waikato freight rail link reopens". The New Zealand Herald. 14 September 2006. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 21 January 2019.
39. ^ "PRESENTATION OF HAMILTON'S ECONOMY" (PDF). Hamilton City Council. May 2015.
40. ^ "Fonterra opens New Zealand's largest cool store". www.infonews.co.nz. 10 September 2010. Retrieved 21 January 2019.
41. ^ "Stations" (PDF). NZR Rolling Stock Lists. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
42. ^ Parliament, New Zealand (1967). Parliamentary Debates. House of Representatives.
43. ^ Juliet Scoble: Names & Opening & Closing Dates of Railway Stations in New Zealand
44. ^ Representatives, New Zealand Parliament House of (1970). Parliamentary Debates.
45. ^ "Survey Number: SN2553 Run Number: B Photo Number: 6". Retrolens. 3 December 1972.
46. ^ Education Counts: Te Rapa School
47. ^ "Te Rapa Primary School Website". Archived from the original on 30 July 2012.
48. ^ Education Counts: St Peter Chanel Catholic School
49. ^ "New Zealand Schools Directory". New Zealand Ministry of Education. Retrieved 1 March 2025.

## External links

[edit]

* The Base official website
* Te Rapa Racecourse official website
* 1973 photo of retarder at railway marshalling yard
* NZTA live cameras at Te Rapa / Wairere Drive junction

* v
* t
* e

Hamilton, New Zealand

Suburbs|

* Ashmore
* Bader
* Beerescourt
* Burbush
* Callum Brae
* Chartwell
* Chedworth Park
* Claudelands
* Crawshaw
* Deanwell
* Dinsdale
* Enderley
* Fairfield
* Fairview Downs
* Fitzroy
* Flagstaff
* Forest Lake
* Frankton
* Glenview
* Grandview Heights
* Hamilton Central
* Hamilton East
* Hamilton Lake
* Hamilton North
* Hamilton West
* Harrowfield
* Hillcrest
* Huntington
* Livingstone
* Maeroa
* Magellan Rise
* Melville
* Nawton
* Peacocke
* Pukete
* Queenwood
* River Road
* Riverlea
* Rototuna
* Ruakura
* Silverdale
* Somerset Heights
* St Andrews
* St James Park
* Stonebridge
* Te Rapa
* Temple View
* Thornton
* Western Heights
* Whitiora

Urban area|

* Cambridge
* Huntly
* Ngāruawāhia
* Tamahere
* Taupiri
* Te Awamutu

Schools|

* Fairfield College
* Fraser High School
* Hamilton Boys' High School
* Hamilton Girls' High School
* Hillcrest High School
* St John's College
* St Paul's Collegiate School

Sports teams|

* Chiefs (rugby)
* WaiBOP United (soccer)
* Magic (netball)
* Waikato (rugby)

Facilities and attractions|

* Hamilton Gardens
* Hamilton City Libraries
* Hamilton Zoo
* Office of the Waikato District Hospital and Charitable Aid Board (Former)
* Seddon Park
* St Peter's Cathedral
* Waikato Museum
* Waikato Stadium
* Waterworld pool complex

Other|

* Hamilton Press
* Tainui
* Waikato Hospital
* Waikato River
* Waikato Times

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*[±% p.a.]: Per annum growth rate
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