Kihikihi

Kihikihi
Kihikihi Town Hall (c.1904)
Kihikihi Town Hall (c.1904)
Map
Coordinates: 38°2′S 175°21′E / 38.033°S 175.350°E / -38.033; 175.350
CountryNew Zealand
RegionWaikato
DistrictWaipa District
WardTe Awamutu Ward
CommunityTe Awamutu Community
Electorates
Government
 • Territorial AuthorityWaipa District Council
 • Regional councilWaikato Regional Council
Area
 • Total8.80 km2 (3.40 sq mi)
Population
 (June 2023)[2]
 • Total3,390
 • Density390/km2 (1,000/sq mi)

Kihikihi, a small town located in the Waikato region of the North Island of New Zealand, serves as a satellite community of Te Awamutu, five kilometres to the north, and lies 35 kilometres south of Hamilton. The 2018 New Zealand census recorded a population of 2,808 people[3] The main reason for the large increase since 2013 is the construction of a large number of new dwellings.

The town's outer rim has merged with the expanding rim of Te Awamutu, rendering the boundary between the two towns difficult to perceive.

Kihikihi is a Māori-language word meaning "cicada"; the name imitates the sound made by the insect.[4] A large statue of a cicada stands at the northern entrance to the town.

Kihikihi's multi-purpose sports domain hosts national and international equestrian events such as the FEI Eventing World Cup.

The town is also home to the historic Kihikihi Polo Club, founded in 1892 by the Kay family.[5]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Area was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "Subnational population estimates (RC, SA2), by age and sex, at 30 June 1996-2023 (2023 boundaries)". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 25 October 2023. (regional councils); "Subnational population estimates (TA, SA2), by age and sex, at 30 June 1996-2023 (2023 boundaries)". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 25 October 2023. (territorial authorities); "Subnational population estimates (urban rural), by age and sex, at 30 June 1996-2023 (2023 boundaries)". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 25 October 2023. (urban areas)
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Census 2018 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Reed, A. W. (1975). The Reed Dictionary of New Zealand Place Names. Max Cryer. Auckland: Reed (published 2002). p. 250. ISBN 0790007614. Lit. cicada or tree-locust (Amphipsalta cingulata), a name that imitates its strident song.
  5. ^ Kihikihi Polo Club: About us