'The Hermit of Taieri Mouth' (also known as John Bull) whose real name was John Edward O'Neil. He is remembered for his boisterous ways and prodigious strength. Demographics Taieri Mouth is described by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement. It covers , and is part of the much larger Bruce statistical area. Taieri Mouth had a population of 252 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 57 people (29.2%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 63 people (33.3%) since the 2006 census. There were 108 households. There were 132 males and 123 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.07 males per female. The median age was 52.8 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 39 people (15.5%) aged under 15 years, 18 (7.1%) aged 15 to 29, 123 (48.8%) aged 30 to 64, and 72 (28.6%) aged 65 or older. Ethnicities were 95.2% European/Pākehā, 10.7% Māori, 1.2% Pacific peoples, and 3.6% other ethnicities (totals add to more than 100% since people could identify with multiple ethnicities). Although some people objected to giving their religion, 54.8% had no religion, 29.8% were Christian and 2.4% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 36 (16.9%) people had a bachelor or higher degree, and 57 (26.8%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $28,000, compared with $31,800 nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 81 (38.0%) people were employed full-time, 45 (21.1%) were part-time, and 3 (1.4%) were unemployed. Education Taieri Beach School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students, with a roll of as of . The school opened in 1862. References Parkes, W., and Hislop, K. (1980) Taieri Mouth and its surrounding districts. Dunedin: Otago Heritage Books. Populated places in Otago Southern Scenic Route Taieri River