Last updated July 2026
Awapuni is a residential suburb in the southwest of Gisborne, New Zealand. It takes its name from the former Awapuni lagoon at the mouth of the Waipaoa River. The area features a mix of older housing, community facilities and strong cultural connections to local iwi. Residents enjoy access to nearby parks, the Awapuni Speedway and Awapuni School. Ongoing flood protection works and housing initiatives shape its development.
Practical Information
| Location | Southwest Gisborne, Gisborne District |
| Statistical area | Makaraka-Awapuni |
| 2018 Census population | 969 |
| Median age (approx.) | 44 years |
| School | Awapuni School (Years 1–6) |
| Key facility | Awapuni Speedway |
| Marae | Te Kurī-ā-Tuatai (Awapuni Pā) |
About Awapuni
Awapuni lies in the southwest of Gisborne city and is named after the Awapuni lagoon, where the Waipaoa River once met the Pacific Ocean. The lagoon has been significantly modified over time, with remnants such as Sisterson Lagoon remaining. The suburb sits on the Poverty Bay floodplain and has a history of flooding that led to major engineering responses.
The Waipāoa Flood Control Scheme, originally designed in 1949 and constructed between 1953 and 1967, provides protection to Gisborne city and surrounding farmland. Upgrades continue today to improve resilience against larger flood events and climate change. These works form a key part of local infrastructure management by Gisborne District Council.
Awapuni maintains strong cultural ties to Rongowhakaata iwi. The local marae, Te Kurī-ā-Tuatai (also known as Awapuni Pā), includes the Whareroa meeting house and serves as an important tribal gathering place at 307 Lytton Road.
The suburb offers a range of community facilities including the Awapuni Speedway, which hosts motorsport events, and Awapuni School, a state contributing school for Years 1–6 with Principal Kahu Walker. Nearby green spaces such as Oval Reserve provide recreational opportunities.
Demographics
The Makaraka-Awapuni statistical area recorded a population of 969 at the 2018 Census. The median age sits around 44 years, higher than the Gisborne District median. A significant proportion of residents identify as European/Pākehā or Māori, reflecting the suburb’s cultural mix.
Ethnic diversity data from the 2018 Census for the area shows European/Pākehā at approximately 74 percent and Māori at 38.1 percent, with smaller Pacific peoples representation. These figures highlight a community that blends multiple cultural backgrounds.
Community Facilities and Education
Awapuni Speedway serves as a focal point for local motorsport and community events. The venue has received recognition for its contributions to the region. Parks and reserves nearby support family activities, sports and leisure.
Awapuni School caters to local children with a curriculum that includes te ao Māori concepts alongside core subjects. The school emphasises community engagement and cultural responsiveness. Additional education support in the wider Gisborne area includes programmes run by organisations such as the YMCA.
Recreation and Access
Residents and visitors can enjoy nearby parks for picnics, walking and informal sports. The suburb’s location provides convenient access to central Gisborne amenities while retaining a quieter residential character. Flood protection infrastructure and ongoing council projects influence both safety and future land use.
What Visitors Often Say
People describe Awapuni as a friendly, family-oriented neighbourhood with a strong sense of community and easy access to local facilities.
Visitors note the suburb’s connection to Māori heritage and appreciate the mix of older homes alongside green spaces for relaxation.
Where to Learn More
Stats NZ Makaraka-Awapuni summary: Official 2018 Census data for the statistical area including population and demographics.
Gisborne District Council Waipāoa Flood Control Scheme: Details on flood protection history and current upgrades.
Rongowhakaata iwi – Te Kurī-ā-Tuatai marae: Information on the local marae and its role in the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of the Makaraka-Awapuni area?
The area had a population of 969 at the 2018 Census according to Stats NZ.
Where is Awapuni located within Gisborne?
Awapuni is a suburb in the southwest of Gisborne city.
What school serves the suburb?
Awapuni School is a state contributing school for Years 1–6 with Principal Kahu Walker.
Is there a marae in Awapuni?
Yes, Te Kurī-ā-Tuatai (Awapuni Pā) at 307 Lytton Road includes the Whareroa meeting house and belongs to Rongowhakaata.
What recreational facilities are available?
The Awapuni Speedway hosts motorsport events, and nearby parks such as Oval Reserve offer space for leisure activities.
Why was the Waipāoa Flood Control Scheme built?
The scheme, constructed 1953–1967, protects Gisborne city and the Poverty Bay floodplain following major historical floods.
Are there plans for future development?
Gisborne District Council continues flood protection upgrades and housing initiatives to support growth while respecting the area’s character.
How diverse is the community?
The 2018 Census showed a mix with European/Pākehā and Māori as the largest ethnic groups in the statistical area.
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