Mahia had a population of 1,380 in the 2023 New Zealand census, an increase of 261 people (23.3%) since the 2018 census, and an increase of 276 people (25.0%) since the 2013 census. There were 705 males, 672 females, and 3 people of other genders in 519 dwellings. 2.2% of people identified as LGBTIQ+. The median age was 49.7 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 234 people (17.0%) aged under 15 years, 186 (13.5%) aged 15 to 29, 597 (43.3%) aged 30 to 64, and 363 (26.3%) aged 65 or older.
History and culture
Māori history
In Maori legend, Whatonga, who came to New Zealand in search of his grandfather Toi, settled at Mahia.
The peninsula is the tribal area of the Ngāti Rongomaiwahine iwi. The word māhia means "indistinct sound" or "scrofulous swelling".
The name "Te Māhia" comes from "Te Māhia-mai-tawhiti" (the sound heard from a distance).
Portland Island, also called Waikawa, is a small island off the southern tip of Mahia Peninsula. It was named Waikawa by Kahungunu when he visited there to look for fresh drinking water and only found salt water – Waikawa means "sour water". Portland Island had a lighthouse, first lit in February 1878 and then replaced with a fully electrified unmanned town in 1955 .
European history
Shore whaling was briefly important on the Mahia Peninsula. Early whalers had a whaling station on the farm "Kini Kini", sheltered by "Long Point" on the west coast of the peninsula. The peninsula community these days is still generally a mix of Maori and European.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was proposed to by her partner, Clarke Gayford, on Mokotahi Hill.
Marae
There are five marae in the Mahia area affiliated with the hapū of Rongomaiwahine iwi:
- The Kaiuku or Oku-ra-renga Marae and its Kiwi meeting house are affiliated with the hapū of Ngāi Tama and Ngāi Tū
- Te Rākatō Marae is affiliated with the hapū of Ngāi Te Rākatō.
- Tuahuru Marae and its Hine te Rongo meeting house are affiliated with the hapū of Ngai Tama and Ngāi Tū.
- Ruawharo Marae is also affiliated with Ngai Tama.
- Mahanga Marae and its meeting house, Te Poho o Rongomaiwahine, are home to the hapū, Te Hokowhitu o Ngai Tu.
In October 2020, the Government committed $1,949,075 from the Provincial Growth Fund to upgrade 24 Ngāti Kahungunu marae, including both Kaiuku and Ruawharo Marae, creating 164 jobs. It also committed $102,644 to upgrading Tuahuru Marae, creating 4 jobs.
Economy
thumb|right|Mahia Beach in the morning
Sheep and cattle farms are an important part for the local community, but tourism is now the peninsula's main industry. Mahia's population swells greatly during the warmer months and in particular during school holidays.
Mahia is well known for its surf, scuba diving, hiking, and fishing. Morere Hot Springs is 15 minutes away, towards Gisborne. The area is a popular school holiday destination and contains a holiday park dating back to the 1960s. The remaining settlement consists mostly of holiday houses and baches.
From 2007 to 2010 Mahia became known for the presence of Moko, a dolphin.
The peninsula is the location of Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1, which is used to launch commercial and government satellites on the company's Electron orbital launch vehicle.
Education
Te Mahia School is a year 1–8 co-educational state primary school. It is a decile 1 school with a roll of as of The school opened in 1917.