Te Horo


Te Horo and Te Horo Beach are two localities on the Kapiti Coast of New Zealand's North Island. Te Horo Beach is the larger of the two settlements and, as its name implies, is located on the Tasman Sea coast. Te Horo is located to the east, a short distance inland. They are situated between Peka Peka and Waikanae to the south and Ōtaki to the north. "Te Horo" in the Māori language means "the landslide".
According to the 2018 New Zealand census, the population of the area is 1422, an increase 15.15% since the 2013 census. Population in 2006: 1,116; 2013: 1,287. 49.6% are female, 50.4% are male. The median age is 50.1 years. Te Horo's results are close to New Zealand's national average; 15.5% of Te Horo residents are below the age of 15, compared to 22.7% nationally. 50% males and 57% females are 30-64yrs. 20% are 65 or older. However, there are a few significant deviations from national averages. Te Horo has a much higher percentage of residents of European ethnicity, 77.8%, compared to the national average of 80%. 13.1% are of Māori descent, and 2.7% speak māori. It also has a much higher percentage of couples without children, 51.7%, compared to 39% nationally.

Marae

The local Katihiku Marae and Tamatehura meeting house is a traditional meeting place of the Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga hapū of Ngāti Huia.

Economy

Some farming takes place around Te Horo, as well as small-scale viticulture. Many residents of Te Horo commute to either Wellington or Palmerston North. The beach is popular for swimming and boating and attracts visitors to the town.

Transport

Te Horo is situated on the North Island's main road and rail routes, State Highway 1 and the North Island Main Trunk railway. The railway was built by the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company as part of its Wellington - Manawatu Line that opened on 1 December 1886 with a station in Te Horo. The WMR was incorporated into the New Zealand Railways Department's national network on 8 December 1908. The railway station, opened on 2 August 1886 was closed to passengers on 27 June 1971 and from 2 November 1987 became a crossing loop only. A commuter train, the Capital Connection, operates between Palmerston North and Wellington on weekdays but Te Horo passengers must board it in Ōtaki or Waikanae.
Te Horo Beach is situated off major transport routes and is accessible by a local road, Te Horo Beach Road, that leaves State Highway 1 at Te Horo.

Education

Te Horo School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 6 students, with a roll of as of.