Whatatutu is about 45 minutes from Gisborne. Oil-bearing rock has been known to exist in small quantities for many years, but not in commercial quantities. The search for more economically viable sources continues in the area.[7]
Whatatutu had a population of 159 in the 2023 New Zealand census, an increase of 12 people (8.2%) since the 2018 census, and an increase of 24 people (17.8%) since the 2013 census. There were 66 males and 93 females in 54 dwellings.[10] 1.9% of people identified as LGBTIQ+. The median age was 35.7 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 48 people (30.2%) aged under 15 years, 21 (13.2%) aged 15 to 29, 69 (43.4%) aged 30 to 64, and 24 (15.1%) aged 65 or older.[5]
People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 47.2% European (Pākehā), 67.9% Māori, and 7.5% Pasifika. English was spoken by 94.3%, Māori by 34.0%, and other languages by 1.9%. No language could be spoken by 1.9% (e.g. too young to talk). The percentage of people born overseas was 7.5, compared with 28.8% nationally.[5]
Religious affiliations were 32.1% Christian, and 3.8% Māori religious beliefs. People who answered that they had no religion were 52.8%, and 11.3% of people did not answer the census question.[5]
Of those at least 15 years old, 27 (24.3%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 63 (56.8%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 24 (21.6%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $41,000, compared with $41,500 nationally. 12 people (10.8%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 51 (45.9%) full-time, 24 (21.6%) part-time, and 6 (5.4%) unemployed.[5]
Māngatu Marae and Te Ngāwari meeting house is a meeting place of Ngariki Kaiputahi.[11][12] In October 2020, the Government committed $185,301 from the Provincial Growth Fund to upgrade the marae's effluent system, creating 3 jobs.[13]
Te Wainui and Te Whare o Hera meeting house is also affiliated with the Ngariki Kaiputahi iwi.[11][12] In October 2020, the Government committed $812,548 to upgrade Mahaki marae and Mātāwai Marae, creating 15.4 jobs.[13]
