Kihikihi
Kihikihi, a small town located in the Waikato region of the North Island of New Zealand, serves as a satellite community of Te Awamutu, five kilometres to the north, and lies 35 kilometres south of Hamilton. The 2018 New Zealand census recorded a population of 2,808 people The main reason for the large increase since 2013 is the construction of a large number of new dwellings.
Kihikihi | |
|---|---|
Kihikihi Town Hall (c.1904) | |
| Coordinates: 38°2′S 175°21′E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Waikato |
| District | Waipa District |
| Ward | Te Awamutu Ward |
| Community | Te Awamutu Community |
| Electorates |
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| Government | |
| • Territorial Authority | Waipa District Council |
| • Regional council | Waikato Regional Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 10.09 km2 (3.90 sq mi) |
| Population (June 2023) | |
| • Total | 3,390 |
| • Density | 340/km2 (870/sq mi) |
The town's outer rim has merged with the expanding rim of Te Awamutu, rendering the boundary between the two towns difficult to perceive.
Kihikihi is a Māori-language word meaning "cicada"; the name imitates the sound made by the insect. A large statue of a cicada stands at the northern entrance to the town.
Kihikihi's multi-purpose sports domain hosts national and international equestrian events such as the FEI Eventing World Cup.
The town is also home to the historic Kihikihi Polo Club, founded in 1892 by the Kay family.