Lower Waitaki

NZDep 3
Pop 1,575Median age 42Waitaki District

Lower Waitaki is a small community in Otago with a population of 1,575 and a median age of 42. Median personal income is $44K per year. The main ethnic groups are European, Asian, Māori.

Livability indicators for Lower Waitaki: NZDep decile 3 (low deprivation (affluent)); 2 schools with avg EQI 451.

In 2026, Lower Waitaki recorded 0 building approvals (0 houses, 0 units), down 100% year-on-year.

INVESTMENT SIGNALS
School QualityEQI 451 Average
DeprivationDecile 3 Low
Development-100% Slowing
DEMOGRAPHICS
Population1,575
Median Age42
Household Size
Personal Income$44K/yr
Household Income
ETHNICITY
European83.5%
Asian8.2%
Māori6.2%
Pacific Peoples1.6%
MELAA0.5%
TOP INDUSTRIES
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing231
Manufacturing114
Construction81
SCHOOLS (2)
Avg EQI451
Total Students242
State2
Ardgowan SchoolFull Primary · State · EQI 453 · 125 students
Papakaio SchoolFull Primary · State · EQI 449 · 117 students
LIVABILITY (NZDep 2023)
Deprivation Decile3/10
NZDep Score944
Low deprivation — among the least deprived areas in NZ.
DEVELOPMENT
Approvals (2026)0
YoY Change-100%
Data: Stats NZ Census 2023 · MBIE · MoE · NZDep2023