The Urban Environment

The district has no single dominant urban area. Urban development is spread amongst several towns with populations between 1,000-6,000, and numerous smaller settlements.

The usually resident population as at 1996 for some of the larger towns and settlements is as follows: Kaitaia 5280, Ahipara 923, Mangonui/Taipa 1494, Kerikeri 4161, Haruru Falls 553, Paihia 1825, Opua 334, Russell 788, Opononi/Omapere 510, Kaikohe 4107, Kawakawa 1459 and Moerewa 1697.

In December 2000 Kerikeri was judged Top Small Town of New Zealand, described by North & South as a 'smart little town at the head of the meandering Kerikeri Inlet, orchards and gardens begin sharing road frontage with vineyards, cafes, lodges, ceramic outlets, galleries, even a swish looking boutique chocolate factory'. 

The district is notable for the many small scattered settlements, some of which are relatively recent (typically coastal settlements) and some of which are long established.

A common characteristic found in these small settlements is the informal mix of commercial and residential activities. 

Scattered throughout the district, wherever Maori ancestral land occurs, are a further two levels of close settlement, which are quite distinct from other smaller urban areas. The focal points for both levels of close settlement are marae, churches and residential activities. Schools are an added focus in the larger settlements. The most significant factor is the increasing number of homes being built. Panguru, Te Hapua, Te Kao, Matawaia, Tautoro and Waima are some of the larger village communities. Mitimiti, Pawarenga, Otaua, Rawhiti and Te Tii are some of the smaller settlements, based around papakainga and/or marae.