a population density of people per km2. Ōtaki had a population of 3,489 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 390 people (12.6%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 636 people (22.3%) since the 2006 census. There were 1,416 households. There were 1,641 males and 1,848 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.89 males per female. The median age was 43.1 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 759 people (21.8%) aged under 15 years, 552 (15.8%) aged 15 to 29, 1,335 (38.3%) aged 30 to 64, and 843 (24.2%) aged 65 or older. Ethnicities were 67.3% European/Pākehā, 41.4% Māori, 6.4% Pacific peoples, 5.9% Asian, 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 12.8%, compared with 27.1% nationally. Although some people objected to giving their religion, 50.4% had no religion, 35.5% were Christian, 0.3% were Hindu, 0.1% were Muslim, 0.8% were Buddhist and 4.6% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 435 (15.9%) people had a bachelor or higher degree, and 570 (20.9%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $23,200, compared with $31,800 nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 1,029 (37.7%) people were employed full-time, 387 (14.2%) were part-time, and 126 (4.6%) were unemployed. Geography The town is situated at the northern end of the Kāpiti Coast, close to the banks of the Ōtaki River, 4 kilometres from its outflow into the Tasman Sea. The surrounding district includes Te Horo and Manakau and the beach settlement at Waikawa Beach. The district is agricultural, with market gardens and lifestyle blocks. The economy of the town includes service industries for the rural community. Ōtaki has two local newspapers – Ōtaki Today and the Ōtaki Mail. Features Ōtaki is home to Te Wānanga o Raukawa a Tikanga Māori university. It also hosts the annual Māoriland Film Festival and Otaki Kite Festival. and is home of The Ōtaki-Māori Racing Club. established in 1886. Ōtaki Forks is the western gateway to the Tararua Forest Park. It offers recreational activities ranging from short walks, swimming, rafting and kayaking to advanced tramps of 3 – 5 days duration, including the Southern Crossing that ends at Kaitoke 45 km northeast of Wellington. Ōtaki Beach spans the stretch of coastline between the Ōtaki River and the Waitohu Stream,