a new element to the mix. The rural, pioneering atmosphere of the district was perhaps responsible for the unexpected success of its bachelor dances, recently promoted ostensibly to find partners for its single men. That, and the emergence of New Zealand's iconic Southern Man may have led to the event's attracting visitors from around the country and overseas. Apparently few marriages have resulted but Strath Taieri has become known to many more people. Demographics The statistical area of Strath Taieri, which includes Middlemarch, covers and had an estimated population of as of with a population density of people per km2. Strath Taieri had a population of 666 at the 2018 New Zealand census, a decrease of 48 people (-6.7%) since the 2013 census, and a decrease of 48 people (-6.7%) since the 2006 census. There were 267 households. There were 369 males and 300 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.23 males per female. The median age was 43.0 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 135 people (20.3%) aged under 15 years, 84 (12.6%) aged 15 to 29, 366 (55.0%) aged 30 to 64, and 84 (12.6%) aged 65 or older. Ethnicities were 95.5% European/Pākehā, 9.9% Māori, 0.5% Pacific peoples, and 1.8% other ethnicities (totals add to more than 100% since people could identify with multiple ethnicities). The proportion of people born overseas was 6.8%, compared with 27.1% nationally. Although some people objected to giving their religion, 56.3% had no religion, and 36.5% were Christian. Of those at least 15 years old, 84 (15.8%) people had a bachelor or higher degree, and 90 (16.9%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $34,700, compared with $31,800 nationally. 69 people (13.0%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 297 (55.9%) people were employed full-time, 93 (17.5%) were part-time, and 18 (3.4%) were unemployed. Education In 2021 there is one primary school in the Strath Taieri District, at Middlemarch. There were several schools in earlier times. See also Middlemarch, New Zealand Waipiata Taieri Gorge Taieri Gorge Railway Taieri River Taieri Plains Taieri Mouth Maniototo Plain Notes References Hamel, J. (2001) The Archaeology of Otago Wellington, NZ: Department of Conservation. . McCahon, C. (1966) "Beginnings" in Landfall vol. 24 no 4 Christchurch, NZ: Caxton Press. McLintock, A.H. (1949) The History of Otago Dunedin, NZ: Otago Centennial Historical Publications. Porter, F. (ed)