religion, 42.5% had no religion, 42.2% were Christian, 0.3% were Hindu, 0.3% were Muslim, 0.2% were Buddhist and 4.6% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 411 (9.7%) people had a bachelor or higher degree, and 1,212 (28.7%) people had no formal qualifications. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 1,641 (38.9%) people were employed full-time, 609 (14.4%) were part-time, and 183 (4.3%) were unemployed. Rural surrounds The statistical area of Marton Rural, which covers around Marton, had a population of 987 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 24 people (2.5%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 63 people (6.8%) since the 2006 census. There were 381 households. There were 507 males and 480 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.06 males per female. The median age was 45.4 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 192 people (19.5%) aged under 15 years, 120 (12.2%) aged 15 to 29, 483 (48.9%) aged 30 to 64, and 189 (19.1%) aged 65 or older. Ethnicities were 94.2% European/Pākehā, 8.8% Māori, 2.7% Pacific peoples, 0.6% Asian, and 0.6% other ethnicities (totals add to more than 100% since people could identify with multiple ethnicities). The proportion of people born overseas was 9.1%, compared with 27.1% nationally. Although some people objected to giving their religion, 45.6% had no religion, 43.2% were Christian, 0.3% were Hindu and 2.4% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 126 (15.8%) people had a bachelor or higher degree, and 147 (18.5%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $34,500, compared with $31,800 nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 435 (54.7%) people were employed full-time, 147 (18.5%) were part-time, and 18 (2.3%) were unemployed. Government and politics Local government The current Mayor of the Rangitikei District is Andy Watson. Marton is served by four ward councillors on the Rangitikei District Council; these are Cath Ash, Nigel Belsham, Dave Wilson and Lynne Sheridan. All were elected at the 2016 local elections and are due for re-election in October 2019. National government Marton is located in the general electorate of Rangitīkei and in the Māori electorate of Te Tai Hauāuru. Rangitīkei is a safe National Party seat since the 1938 election with the exception of 1978–1984 when it was held by Bruce Beetham of the Social Credit Party. Since 2011 it is