Makikihi is described as a rural settlement by Statistics New Zealand, and covers 0.33km2 (0.13sqmi).[3] It had an estimated population of 90 as of June 2025,[4] with a population density of 273 people per km2. The settlement is part of the larger Makikihi-Willowbridge statistical area.
Makikihi had a population of 84 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 12 people (16.7%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 12 people (16.7%) since the 2006 census. There were 30 households, comprising 45 males and 36 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.25 males per female. The median age was 47.7 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 9 people (10.7%) aged under 15 years, 12 (14.3%) aged 15 to 29, 39 (46.4%) aged 30 to 64, and 21 (25.0%) aged 65 or older.
Ethnicities were 85.7% European/Pākehā, 10.7% Māori, 3.6% Pasifika, and 10.7% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 50.0% had no religion, and 32.1% were Christian.
Of those at least 15 years old, 3 (4.0%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 21 (28.0%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $21,400, compared with $31,800 nationally. 3 people (4.0%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 36 (48.0%) people were employed full-time, 9 (12.0%) were part-time, and 3 (4.0%) were unemployed.[6]
The Makikihi-Willowbridge statistical area includes Hook and Studholme, and extends to Waimate but does not include it. It covers 295.03km2 (113.91sqmi)[3] and had an estimated population of 1,110 as of June 2025,[7] with a population density of 3.8 people per km2.
Makikihi-Willowbridge had a population of 1,008 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 15 people (1.5%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 24 people (2.4%) since the 2006 census. There were 396 households, comprising 543 males and 465 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.17 males per female. The median age was 46.5 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 171 people (17.0%) aged under 15 years, 150 (14.9%) aged 15 to 29, 498 (49.4%) aged 30 to 64, and 189 (18.8%) aged 65 or older.
Ethnicities were 89.9% European/Pākehā, 6.8% Māori, 1.5% Pasifika, 5.1% Asian, and 1.8% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.
The percentage of people born overseas was 16.4, compared with 27.1% nationally.
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 49.1% had no religion, 41.4% were Christian, 0.3% were Buddhist and 0.6% had other religions.
Of those at least 15 years old, 99 (11.8%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 198 (23.7%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $31,800, compared with $31,800 nationally. 138 people (16.5%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 450 (53.8%) people were employed full-time, 144 (17.2%) were part-time, and 21 (2.5%) were unemployed.[8]
Education
Makikihi School is a full primary school serving years 1 to 8,[9] with a roll of 44 students as of October 2025.[10] The school opened in 1881.[11]
