from tuberculosis in Kawhia after reports of three possible cases. Demographics Statistics New Zealand describes Kawhia as a rural settlement, which covers . The settlement is part of the larger Pirongia Forest statistical area. Kawhia had a population of 384 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 45 people (13.3%) since the 2013 census, and a decrease of 6 people (−1.5%) since the 2006 census. There were 162 households, comprising 198 males and 186 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.06 males per female, with 66 people (17.2%) aged under 15 years, 51 (13.3%) aged 15 to 29, 147 (38.3%) aged 30 to 64, and 120 (31.2%) aged 65 or older. Ethnicities were 55.5% European/Pākehā, 57.0% Māori, 5.5% Pacific peoples, 1.6% Asian, and 1.6% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity. Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 46.1% had no religion, 37.5% were Christian, 7.0% had Māori religious beliefs and 1.6% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 39 (12.3%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 99 (31.1%) people had no formal qualifications. 18 people (5.7%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 81 (25.5%) people were employed full-time, 69 (21.7%) were part-time, and 21 (6.6%) were unemployed. Before 2018, Kawhia was in its own statistical area In 2013 231 dwellings were unoccupied. In the much wider Pirongia Forest area 396 dwellings were unoccupied in 2018, when it was estimated that 70% of Kawhia's houses were holiday homes. As of 2017, New Zealand's median centre of population is located around one kilometre off the coast of Kawhia. Pirongia Forest statistical area Pirongia Forest statistical area covers and had an estimated population of as of with a population density of people per km2. Pirongia Forest which includes Pirongia Forest Park had a population of 966 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 138 people (16.7%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 69 people (7.7%) since the 2006 census. There were 393 households, comprising 498 males and 468 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.06 males per female. The median age was 50.5 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 189 people (19.6%) aged under 15 years, 117 (12.1%) aged 15 to 29, 417 (43.2%) aged 30 to 64, and 243