Last updated October 2026
Riverdale is a residential suburb in the Gisborne District on New Zealand’s North Island. It offers a family-oriented setting with access to primary schooling, local parks, and connections to central Gisborne. Residents benefit from GizzyBus services and proximity to essential services in the wider district.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 1,360, up 6% since 2018
- Land area
- 1.49 km²
- Location
- 3.2 km north-west of central Gisborne
- Council
- Gisborne District Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Lytton West, Te Hāpara, Mangapapa, Mākaraka, Makauri
- Ward or local board
- Tairāwhiti General Ward (Gisborne District Council)
- Getting there
- Local roads to central Gisborne; GizzyBus services to the city centre
- Nearby landmarks
- Taruheru River
Who Lives in Riverdale
About 1,360 residents in 490 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
Schools in Riverdale
Five schools sit inside the Riverdale boundary.
Show all 5 schools
Also zoned for Riverdale
Zones change, so confirm with the school before relying on one.
Bin Day in Riverdale
by 7am on collection day
Streets near a suburb edge can differ, so check the council lookup if unsure.
Streets in Riverdale
25 streets are in Riverdale. Search any street in Gisborne to see which suburb it is in.
Show all 25 streets in Riverdale
- A
- Anita Grove
- B
- Bulli Street
- C
- Campion Road
- Charles Street
- Charteris Rise
- Clifton Place
- Coulston Place
- E
- Elsdon Best Street
- Emily Street
- J
- Jacob Lane
- K
- Kate Wyllie Place
- Keiha Street
- L
- Leon Street
- Loisel Street
- Lytton Road
- M
- Mason Street
- N
- Nelson Road
- O
- Ormond Road
- P
- Parkview Place
- Potae Avenue
- R
- Riperata Street
- Ruth Street
- S
- Stout Street
- U
- U'ren Place
- W
- Ward Street
A long road is listed in each suburb it runs through.
Safety and Hazards
Lower than the Gisborne average for the number of people who live here. Another 3 reports were at shops and businesses.
Handy Facilities
Weather and Rent at a Glance
City-wide figures.
In Riverdale
Places and businesses inside the official Riverdale boundary.
Places
Show 1 more place
About Riverdale
Riverdale lies on the northern side of Gisborne beside the Taruheru River.
Riverdale lies on the northern side of Gisborne beside the Taruheru River. Its Māori name is Waimarino. The suburb provides a stable residential environment with a mix of housing suited to families.
The area supports everyday living through nearby access to healthcare, markets, and other services in Gisborne city centre. Community engagement occurs through local events that strengthen neighbourhood connections.
Riverdale maintains a welcoming atmosphere shaped by its cultural diversity and focus on family needs. Growth in recent years reflects its appeal as a convenient base within the Gisborne District.
Location and Accessibility
Riverdale sits within easy reach of Gisborne’s central amenities and coastline via local roads.
Riverdale sits within easy reach of Gisborne’s central amenities and coastline via local roads. GizzyBus routes connect the suburb to key destinations, supporting daily commutes and family travel.
The suburb’s position allows residents to combine suburban living with access to the wider district’s facilities without long journeys.
Demographics and Community
According to the 2018 census, the ethnic composition included 79.0% European/Pākehā, 27.4% Māori, 1.9% Pacific...
According to the 2018 census, the ethnic composition included 79.0% European/Pākehā, 27.4% Māori, 1.9% Pacific peoples, and 2.8% Asian residents. Multiple ethnic identities are possible in census reporting.
The median income stands at $41,400. Active community initiatives promote inclusivity and support a tight-knit environment for residents.
Recreational Spaces and Amenities
Local parks offer playgrounds and open spaces for outdoor recreation and family activities.
Local parks offer playgrounds and open spaces for outdoor recreation and family activities. These areas encourage community interaction in a safe suburban setting.
While dedicated shops are limited within the suburb, residents access essential services and markets in nearby Gisborne.
Near Riverdale
Just outside Riverdale, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Show 2 more places
Businesses
Where to Learn More
Gisborne District Council: Official information on local services, planning, and community resources.
Wikipedia – Riverdale, New Zealand: Summary of suburb statistics drawn from Stats NZ census data.
Riverdale School: Details on the local primary school’s programmes and values.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Riverdale?
About 1,360 people lived in Riverdale at the 2023 Census, up 6% since 2018. See Who Lives in Riverdale
Which schools are zoned for Riverdale?
The zones of Gisborne Intermediate and Campion College cover all of Riverdale. Makauri School has a zone covering part of it. Zones change, so check an address with the school. See Schools in Riverdale
What day is rubbish collected in Riverdale?
Thursday. Bins go out by 7am on collection day. Streets near the edge of the suburb can differ, so check the council lookup if unsure. See Bin Day in Riverdale
Is Riverdale in a tsunami or flood zone?
About 60% of Riverdale is inside the tsunami evacuation zone, and about 40% of its land is in the council's mapped flood areas. A long or strong earthquake means move to high ground or inland straight away. Check a street on the council flood map before you buy. See Safety and Hazards
Where can I take my dog in Riverdale?
Nelson Park: off leash next to the footbridge; no dogs on the sports grounds. See every dog park and walk in Gisborne.
Which suburbs are next to Riverdale?
Is Riverdale suitable for families?
Yes, it features a primary school, parks, and a community-focused environment with good access to Gisborne services.
What school serves the suburb?
Riverdale School offers state primary education for Years 1-6 with an emphasis on cultural integration.
Are there parks in Riverdale?
Yes, local parks provide playgrounds and spaces for recreation and family activities.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Explore Gisborne only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Riverdale is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.
Sources and data notes 8
- Official Suburb Facts: Boundary, area and neighbours: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. Population: Stats NZ 2023 Census usually resident population, CC BY 4.0, summed from the statistical areas inside the boundary.
- Who Lives in Riverdale: Stats NZ 2023 Census, CC BY 4.0. Figures are summed from the census areas inside the official Riverdale boundary. Percentages are of the people or homes that answered each question; a figure is left out when fewer than 100 answered.
- Schools in Riverdale: Ministry of Education school directory and enrolment zones (CC BY 4.0 and CC BY 3.0 NZ), October 2026.
- Bin Day in Riverdale: Gisborne District Council collection areas.
- Streets in Riverdale: LINZ NZ Addresses road data, CC BY 4.0.
- Safety and Hazards: NZ Police victimisation data, CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026 (crimes inside homes are only published for burglary); Gisborne District Council tsunami evacuation zones and District Plan flood hazard overlays.
- Handy Facilities: Gisborne District Council public toilets; NZTA EVRoam charging sites.
- Weather and Rent at a Glance: NIWA climate averages 1991-2020 (via Figure.NZ); Tenancy Services rental bond data (MBIE), CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026.