Waitōtara

Waitōtara is a town in South Taranaki, New Zealand. Waverley is 10 km to the north-west, and Whanganui is 34 km to the south-east. State Highway 3 passes through it. The Waitōtara River flows past the east side of the town.
More than 30 homes were evacuated during flooding in February 2004.
A local freezing works is a major employer.
In April 2025 the 104-year old Waitotara Hotel, which was also used as a grocery story and postal centre, was devastated by a fire.

Demographics

Waitōtara is described by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement. It covers and had an estimated population of as of with a population density of people per km². It is part of the larger Manutahi-Waitotora statistical area.
Waitōtara had a population of 69 in the 2023 New Zealand census, a decrease of 3 people since the 2018 census, and an increase of 3 people since the 2013 census. There were 39 males and 30 females in 36 dwellings. The median age was 54.3 years. There were 9 people aged under 15 years, 12 aged 15 to 29, 27 aged 30 to 64, and 21 aged 65 or older.
People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 73.9% European, 34.8% Māori, and 4.3% Asian. English was spoken by 100.0%, and Māori by 4.3%. No language could be spoken by 4.3%. The percentage of people born overseas was 4.3, compared with 28.8% nationally.
Religious affiliations were 21.7% Christian, and 4.3% Hindu. People who answered that they had no religion were 56.5%, and 17.4% of people did not answer the census question.
Of those at least 15 years old, 3 people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 27 had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 30 people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $26,500, compared with $41,500 nationally. 3 people earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was 21 full-time, 6 part-time, and 6 unemployed.

Marae

Waitōtara has marae associated with the hapū of Ngā Rauru Kītahi:

Te Ihupuku Marae and Te Kawerau and Karepoonia are affiliated with Ngāti Hinewaiata.
Kaipō or Wharetapapa Marae and its Tokanuhea III meeting house are affiliated with Ngāti Hou Tipua.
Takirau Marae and Ko Te Marunga Nui o Pourua meeting house are affiliated with Ngāti Pourua.
Tauranga Ika Marae and Te Aputa ki Wairau meeting house are affiliated with Ngāti Ruaiti.
Waipapa Marae and Ngā Paiaka meeting house are affiliated with Ngā Ariki.

In October 2020, the Government committed $522,926 from the Provincial Growth Fund to upgrade Te Ihupuku Marae, Waipapa Marae and Te Aroha Marae, creating 92 jobs.

Education

Waitotara School is a coeducational full primary school with a roll of students as of The school was founded in 1874.