Waipara

Waipara is also known for some of the fossils discovered there including the Waipara penguin which is the second oldest penguin fossil to be found, a 62 million year old seabird Protodontopteryx ruthae and the Waipara turtle which is estimated to grow to 3 metres long and weigh around 600 kg, The first example of the extinct Haast's Eagle was found on Glenmark Station near Waipara in 1871. ==Demographics==

Waipara is described by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement and covers . It had an estimated population of as of with a population density of people per km2. Waipara is part of the larger Omihi statistical area. Waipara had a population of 312 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 45 people (16.9%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 54 people (20.9%) since the 2006 census. There were 117 households, comprising 165 males and 150 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.1 males per female, with 66 people (21.2%) aged under 15 years, 42 (13.5%) aged 15 to 29, 153 (49.0%) aged 30 to 64, and 57 (18.3%) aged 65 or older. Ethnicities were 94.2% European/Pākehā, 7.7% Māori, and 2.9% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity. Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 69.2% had no religion, and 20.2% were Christian. Of those at least 15 years old, 15 (6.1%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 72 (29.3%) people had no formal qualifications. 27 people (11.0%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 141 (57.3%) people were employed full-time, 39 (15.9%) were part-time, and 6 (2.4%) were unemployed. ==Education==

Waipara School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students, with a roll of as of . Waipara School was established in 1917. == Sports ==

Waipara and Omihi are the catchment area to the Glenmark Rugby Club. The Glenmark rugby club rooms burnt down in 2015. There have been ten All Blacks who have played for Glenmark over the years including Todd Blackadder, Robbie Deans, Bruce Deans, Craig Green, and Andy Earl. Glenmark has had success in the North Canterbury Rugby Competition winning the title in 2016 by beating the Ashley Rugby Club. The Waipara Classic cycle race starts and finishes in Waipara. It has varied in length between 61 km and 90 km over the years. ==Climate==

{{Weather box|width=auto == Notable residents ==

George Henry Moore was the owner of Glenmark Station just to the north of Waipara. At one stage there were 90,000 sheep and it was the most valuable farm in New Zealand. ==References==