Kaponga

The small town of Kaponga was settled in 1882, and has strong Swiss connections. Some of the first settlers in the area were Swiss, and in 1952, the Taranaki Swiss Club was formed. The town was once much larger than it is today: with many stores. There are only a few shops now. It is also home to a garden of national significance, Hollard Gardens. There are many other businesses working in and around the village, mainly relying on the booming dairy industry. The Kaponga and surrounding community has a South Taranaki District Council LibraryPlus, which provides a full library service and Council related services. These services include being able to register your dog, pay your rates or inquire about obtaining a building permit. The LibraryPlus also has two APN computers, offering free internet and Skype to the public. ==Demographics==

Kaponga 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 Kaponga-Mangatoki statistical area. taken from a residential home in Kaponga Kaponga had a population of 357 in the 2023 New Zealand census, an increase of 45 people (14.4%) since the 2018 census, and an increase of 63 people (21.4%) since the 2013 census. There were 189 males and 168 females in 147 dwellings. 4.2% of people identified as LGBTIQ+. The median age was 41.6 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 69 people (19.3%) aged under 15 years, 66 (18.5%) aged 15 to 29, 171 (47.9%) aged 30 to 64, and 51 (14.3%) aged 65 or older. Kaponga-Mangatoki statistical area Kaponga-Mangatoki statistical area covers and had an estimated population of as of with a population density of people per km2. Kaponga-Mangatoki had a population of 1,326 in the 2023 New Zealand census, an increase of 21 people (1.6%) since the 2018 census, and an increase of 45 people (3.5%) since the 2013 census. There were 696 males, 627 females, and 3 people of other genders in 486 dwellings. 2.3% of people identified as LGBTIQ+. The median age was 36.8 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 321 people (24.2%) aged under 15 years, 213 (16.1%) aged 15 to 29, 645 (48.6%) aged 30 to 64, and 153 (11.5%) aged 65 or older. ==Education==

Kaponga School is a school with a roll of students. The school was founded in 1891. In 2005, Kapuni and Mahoe schools closed and merged into Kaponga School. St Patrick's School is a state integrated Catholic school with a roll of students. St Patrick's started in 1921 with lessons held in the local church. It moved into its own building in February 1922. Both are coeducational full primary schools, covering years 1-8. Rolls are as of ==Association Football==

The Kaponga Soccer Club was formed in 1906 and is one of the oldest football clubs in Taranaki. The club has won the Taranaki Championship three times, in 1909 1912 and 1924. In 1926 the club won the Manaia Hibernian Society 7-a-side cup before disbanding for a time. A new club emerged in the area under the name Egmont United in 1929, made from Kaponga, Auroa, Eltham and Stratford players before dissolving in 1931. ==References==