A significant reduction in the number of dwellings in Waitoa due to industry expansion (industry purchase of housing) would have contributed to a decline in population. The significant decline in Waharoa would be attributed to the closure of large industry and redundancy and unemployment forcing residents to move out of the area for alternative employment opportunities.

As the figure above shows, the population of the district is predominantly European (84%), with a small proportion of Maori (14%). The Maori population within the district is consistent with the national average of 15%, but significantly lower than the regional representation which is 21%.

Most of the population is either under 14 years old or between 25 and 40. The decrease in the number of 15 – 25 year olds is thought to be due to many leaving the area for education and employment opportunities, then returning to the District later on.

Of the 29,661 residents in 1996, 15% had some form of vocational training or university degree. This is significantly lower than the regional rate of 24% and the national rate of 26%.