Pakaraka and its surrounds had a population of 666 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 111 people since the 2013 census, and an increase of 159 people since the 2006 census. There were 222 households. There were 333 males and 333 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.0 males per female. Of the total population, 147 people were aged up to 15 years, 96 were 15 to 29, 333 were 30 to 64, and 93 were 65 or older. Figures may not add up to the total due to rounding. Ethnicities were 80.2% European/Pākehā, 34.2% Māori, 0.9% Pacific peoples, 0.0% Asian, and 1.4% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity. The percentage of people born overseas was 14.0, compared with 27.1% nationally. Although some people objected to giving their religion, 55.4% had no religion, 32.0% were Christian, and 2.3% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 96 people had a bachelor or higher degree, and 90 people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $29,400. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 264 people were employed full-time, 84 were part-time, and 24 were unemployed.
History and culture
Pre-European history
A pā was located at the base, and on the slopes, of Pouerua, a high basaltic scoria cone. The pā was studied during a major archeological project in the 1980s. Parts of the Flagstaff War were fought around Pakaraka in 1845. After the Battle of Ohaeawai on 23 June 1845 the British troops destroyed Te Haratua's pā at Pakaraka on 16 July 1845.
is a coeducational full primary school with a roll of students as of 60% of the students are Māori.
Notable people
Hone Heke, a Ngāpuhi chief, was born at Pakaraka in about 1807 or 1808. He was buried here in secret in August 1850. In 2011 his remains were removed due to possible development of the land around the burial site.
The missionary Henry Williams retired to Pakaraka and built a church in 1850-51. The church that now stands on the site was opened on 27 November 1873, the church was constructed by Williams' wife and family as a memorial to his life. The church is named Holy Trinity Church as Trinity Sunday was the day on which Henry was ordained by the Bishop of London, and Trinity Sunday was also the last day that Henry and Marianne Williams spent at Paihia before moving to Pakaraka. They lived by the church in a house known as The Retreat, that still stands.
The first and third sons of the missionary Henry Williams, Edward & Henry farmed here.
