Pounawea

Pounawea is described by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement. It covers 0.37 km² (0.14 sq mi),^[2] and had an estimated population of 120 as of June 2025,^[3] with a population density of 324 people per km². It is part of the much larger Catlins statistical area.^[5]

Pounawea had a population of 51 at the 2018 New Zealand census, a decrease of 12 people (−19.0%) since the 2013 census, and a decrease of 3 people (−5.6%) since the 2006 census. There were 24 households, comprising 24 males and 30 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.8 males per female. The median age was 55.2 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 6 people (11.8%) aged under 15 years, 3 (5.9%) aged 15 to 29, 30 (58.8%) aged 30 to 64, and 15 (29.4%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 94.1% European/Pākehā, 5.9% Māori, 5.9% Pasifika, 5.9% Asian, and 5.9% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 58.8% had no religion, 41.2% were Christian, and 5.9% were Buddhist.

Of those at least 15 years old, 3 (6.7%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 9 (20.0%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $26,300, compared with $31,800 nationally. 6 people (13.3%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 24 (53.3%) people were employed full-time, and 6 (13.3%) were part-time.^[6]

Media related to Pounawea at Wikimedia Commons