Pukekohe Population and Facts

Pukekohe is a fast-growing town in the Franklin district, sitting about 50 kilometres south of Auckland’s CBD on elevated volcanic terrain. With a population of 27,045 recorded in the 2023 New Zealand census — up from 20,466 in 2013 — it is the third-largest urban area in the Auckland region and one of the country’s fastest-growing towns. This page covers key demographics, historical background, and what drives growth in the area.

Key Statistics at a Glance

2023 Census Population	27,045
2025 Estimated Population	~28,800
2018 Census Population	23,904
2013 Census Population	20,466
Growth Rate	Average 2.5%+ per year
Region	Auckland (Franklin Local Board)
Distance from Auckland CBD	~50 km south
Elevation	~95 m above sea level
Rank in NZ urban areas	24th largest

About Pukekohe’s Population

Growth and Expansion

Pukekohe’s growth reflects broader Auckland expansion. The town grew by more than 6,500 people between the 2013 and 2023 censuses — a 32% increase over a decade. Much of this has been driven by residential development on the town’s edges, particularly in areas like Paerata and the northwest fringes, as Auckland’s housing market pushed new families south seeking more affordable land.

The Franklin district more broadly has been one of the highest-growth areas in the greater Auckland region. Infrastructure investment, including upgrades to State Highway 1 and ongoing discussions about rail connections, has made Pukekohe increasingly viable as a commuter base.

Demographics

Pukekohe has a diverse population, shaped by its history as a market-gardening centre. The town has long had significant Indian and Chinese communities — descendants of migrant workers who came to work in the vegetable fields from the early 1900s. Today those communities remain a visible part of local culture, particularly in local business and community organisations.

Māori make up a notable share of the population. The Franklin area sits within the traditional territory of Ngāti Tamaoho, Ngāti Te Ata, and neighbouring iwi. Landless Māori from the Waikato also migrated to Pukekohe from the late 19th century to work in market gardens, and their descendants remain part of the community.

History and Origins

Māori Settlement

Tāmaki Māori peoples settled the wider area in the 13th or 14th centuries. The name Pukekohe is generally translated as “the hill stripped bare” — a reference to the distinctive elevated terrain the town is built on. The area’s fertile volcanic soils attracted both Māori and European settlers.

European Settlement and the Market Garden Era

European settlers established farms and townships in the north and west of the area from the mid-1850s. Pukekohe was gazetted as a town district on 10 June 1905. The completion of the North Island Main Trunk railway in 1907 transformed the town — connecting its vegetable fields directly to Auckland and Wellington markets. By the early 20th century, Pukekohe had become one of New Zealand’s largest market-gardening regions, focused on high-value crops like potatoes and onions.

Immigrant labour was central to this expansion. Chinese growers grew from two in 1916 to 30 by 1926, with Indian migrants also arriving from the 1920s. By mid-century, Pukekohe’s market gardens employed hundreds of migrant workers, many of whom settled permanently and shaped the town’s character.

Where Pukekohe is Heading

The Auckland Unitary Plan has zoned significant areas around Pukekohe for residential and mixed-use development, with major growth anticipated through the late 2020s and beyond. The Paerata Rise development is one of the largest greenfield housing projects in the Auckland region. Population projections suggest Pukekohe could exceed 40,000 residents by the early 2030s.

The town retains its agricultural identity — the Franklin district remains one of New Zealand’s key vegetable-producing areas — while expanding rapidly as a commuter town and regional service centre for the Franklin area.

Where to Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Pukekohe?
The 2023 New Zealand census recorded Pukekohe’s population at 27,045. Estimated resident population as of June 2025 is approximately 28,800.

Is Pukekohe part of Auckland?
Yes — Pukekohe is within the Auckland Council boundary, administered by the Franklin Local Board. It is the largest town in the Franklin district.

How fast is Pukekohe growing?
Pukekohe has grown at an average of over 2.5% per year for the past decade — one of the higher growth rates among New Zealand towns. The population increased by roughly 32% between 2013 and 2023.

What is Pukekohe known for?
Market gardening (potatoes, onions, vegetables), motorsport (Pukekohe Park Raceway), and its Māori and immigrant cultural history. It is also known as a commuter town for Auckland workers seeking more affordable housing south of the city.

What is the meaning of the name Pukekohe?
The name is generally translated from te reo Māori as “the hill stripped bare,” referring to the elevated volcanic terrain on which the town sits.

What iwi are associated with Pukekohe?
The Franklin area is within the traditional territory of Ngāti Tamaoho, Ngāti Te Ata, and neighbouring iwi. Waikato-Tainui connections are also strong following the 1863 land confiscations.

Will Pukekohe’s population keep growing?
Growth is expected to continue significantly through the 2020s and beyond, with major residential development underway at Paerata Rise and other areas designated for housing under the Auckland Unitary Plan. Population could exceed 40,000 by the early 2030s.