Tryphena is a beach settlement on the southern coast of Great Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand's Auckland Region.
Tryphena | |
|---|---|
 Tryphena Ferry Terminal | |
 | |
| Coordinates: 36°18′04″S 175°29′10″E / 36.3010°S 175.4860°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Auckland Region |
| Ward | Waitematā and Gulf ward |
| Local board | Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board |
| Electorates | |
| Government | |
| • Territorial Authority | Auckland Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 3.75 km2 (1.45 sq mi) |
| Population (June 2023)[2] | |
| • Total | 220 |
| • Density | 59/km2 (150/sq mi) |
The township has a walkway, shops and public facilities.[3] It was one of the only areas in Great Barrier Island with good mobile and internet connectivity.[4]
SeaLink New Zealand operates a 4.5 hour car ferry between Tryphena and Wynyard Quarter. The Tryphena wharf has a shelter, wheelchair toilet and limited short-term parking. There is no terminal, ticket office, long-term parking or public transport.[5]
The area is a habitat for New Zealand kaka, kererū, rails, pateke, blue penguins, dolphins and orcas.[6]
The area is used for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, boating and swimming.[6]
History
The bay was traditionally the site of a pā (fortified settlement) of Ngāti Rehua Ngati Wai ki Aotea.[7]
During the 19th century, early European settlers arrived in the bay, calling it Port Tofino.[7]
The settlement was renamed Tryphena, after a brig of the same name made several visits to Great Barrier Island between 1841 and 1845.[7]
Tryphena House was built in front of the original Tryphena wharf in 1923, using the remnants of a shipwreck in the bay. The building is now used for accommodation.[6]
In May 2020, members of Ngāti Rehua Ngati Wai ki Aotea attempted to establish a checkpoint at the Tryphena Wharf, to prevent people from visiting the island during the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand.[8]
Demographics
Statistics New Zealand describes Tryphena as a rural settlement, which covers 3.75 km2 (1.45 sq mi)[1] and had an estimated population of 220 as of June 2023,[2] with a population density of 59 people per km2. Tryphena is part of the larger Barrier Islands statistical area.[9]
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 144 | — |
| 2013 | 177 | +2.99% |
| 2018 | 201 | +2.58% |
| Source: [10] | ||
Tryphena had a population of 201 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 24 people (13.6%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 57 people (39.6%) since the 2006 census. There were 81 households, comprising 102 males and 102 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.0 males per female. The median age was 51.6 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 27 people (13.4%) aged under 15 years, 24 (11.9%) aged 15 to 29, 105 (52.2%) aged 30 to 64, and 45 (22.4%) aged 65 or older.
Ethnicities were 91.0% European/Pākehā, 26.9% Māori, 1.5% Pacific peoples, 1.5% Asian, and 3.0% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 71.6% had no religion, 22.4% were Christian and 1.5% had other religions.
Of those at least 15 years old, 21 (12.1%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 30 (17.2%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $21,200, compared with $31,800 nationally. 12 people (6.9%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 57 (32.8%) people were employed full-time, 42 (24.1%) were part-time, and 12 (6.9%) were unemployed.[10]
Education
Mulberry Grove School is a coeducational full primary (years 1–8) school[11] with a roll of 31 students as of February 2024.[12] The school was established in 1962. Tryphena School operated from 1884 to 1939, when it closed because the roll was very low.[13]