The soil and climate in the area is ideal for rhododendrons and there are two rhododendron gardens in the area, including the former garden of the New Zealand Rhododendron Association, which was largely built by John Stuart Yeates, now called Heritage Park.[3]
Amenities in the town include a cafe, a bowling green, a native reserve, and a rugby ground.[3][4]
The small farming settlement of Āpiti lies 15km northeast of Kimbolton.
Demographics
Kimbolton is defined by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement. It covers 1.32 km2 (0.51 sq mi)[1] and had an estimated population of 270 as of June 2024,[2] with a population density of 205 people per km2. It is part of the larger Kiwitea statistical area.[5]
Kimbolton had a population of 228 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 24 people (11.8%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 30 people (15.2%) since the 2006 census. There were 84 households, comprising 114 males and 114 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.0 males per female. The median age was 46.7 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 48 people (21.1%) aged under 15 years, 30 (13.2%) aged 15 to 29, 111 (48.7%) aged 30 to 64, and 42 (18.4%) aged 65 or older.
Ethnicities were 94.7% European/Pākehā, 10.5% Māori, 1.3% Pacific peoples, and 1.3% Asian. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 57.9% had no religion, and 38.2% were Christian.
Of those at least 15 years old, 27 (15.0%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 45 (25.0%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $26,200, compared with $31,800 nationally. 24 people (13.3%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 81 (45.0%) people were employed full-time, 30 (16.7%) were part-time, and 9 (5.0%) were unemployed.[6]
Education
Kimbolton School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students,[7] with a roll of 52 as of August 2024.[8]
