that 417 (37.3%) people were employed full-time, 189 (16.9%) were part-time, and 54 (4.8%) were unemployed. Features Ōpunake is the centre for the local dairy industry, and is also a popular tourist spot. The beach is composed of volcanic blacksand and there are large rock pools to be found on the north-west end of the beach at low tide. The Ōpunake and surrounding community has a South Taranaki District Council LibraryPlus, which provides full library and Council related services. The Ōpunake murals, located on the main road in the town, reflect the town's farming history, Māori culture and modern history. Education Opunake High School is a coeducational secondary (years 9-13) school with a roll of students as of The school celebrated its 75th jubilee in 2000. Opunake School, St Joseph's School, and Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Tamarongo are full primary (years 1-8) schools with rolls of , and respectively. St Joseph's is a state integrated Catholic school. Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Tamarongo is a Kura Kaupapa Māori school which teaches in the Māori language. Notable people Jim Bolger (born 1935), former New Zealand Prime Minister Carl Hayman (born 1979), rugby union footballer who played prop Graham Mourie (born 1952), All Black captain Samuel Russell Feaver (1878-1946), farmer, pharmacist, veterinary surgeon, photographer Peter Snell (1938–2019), middle distance runner, a sculpture was unveiled on Saturday 19 May 2007 Jacquie Sturm (1927 – 30 December 2009) poet, short story writer and librarian See also Opunake Beach Notes External links Opunake Website Opunake High School website Opunake School website St Joseph's School website South Taranaki District Populated places in Taranaki Black sand beaches