# Foxton Beach

Foxton Beach is a small settlement in the Horowhenua District of the Manawatū-Whanganui region of New Zealand's North Island. It is located on the South Taranaki Bight at the mouth of the Manawatu River, 35 kilometres southwest of Palmerston North, and six kilometres west of Foxton. Foxton Beach has a permanent population of around 2000 people. The town is a popular holiday destination due mainly to its beach and the bird sanctuary at the Manawatu Estuary.

## History

Te Wharangi was a large Māori settlement at the location and a riverside fishing station where canoes could be tied up.
European settlement began in the 1840s, when it became a staging point for horsedrawn travel along the coast between Wellington and Whanganui. It later became a centre for export of flax and timber by steamer.

## Demographics

Foxton Beach is defined by Statistics New Zealand as a small urban area and covers 2.64 km$^2$ (1.02 sq mi). It had an estimated population of 2,170 as of June 2023, with a population density of 821.97 people per km².
Foxton Beach had a population of 1,884 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 264 people (16.3%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 183 people (10.8%) since the 2006 census. There were 822 households, comprising 912 males and 972 females, giving a sex ratio of 0.94 males per female. The median age was 57.7 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 228 people (12.1%) aged under 15 years, 165 (8.8%) aged 15 to 29, 822 (43.6%) aged 30 to 64, and 669 (35.5%) aged 65 or older.
Ethnicities were 89.8% European/Pākehā, 16.9% Māori, 1.3% Pasifika, 1.0% Asian, and 1.4% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.
The percentage of people born overseas was 8.3, compared with 27.1% nationally.
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 52.9% had no religion, 33.3% were Christian, 1.1% had Māori religious beliefs, 0.2% were Hindu, 0.5% were Buddhist and 1.6% had other religions.
Of those at least 15 years old, 165 (10.0%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 516 (31.2%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $23,800, compared with $31,800 nationally. 159 people (9.6%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 597 (36.1%) people were employed full-time, 207 (12.5%) were part-time, and 54 (3.3%) were unemployed.

## Geography and nature

Foxton Beach is located on the Manawatu Estuary at the mouth of the Manawatu River. The style of houses built in new subdivisions indicate that the permanent population is growing.
The estuary is a Ramsar site and an internationally recognised bird sanctuary, where migrating and New Zealand native birds enjoy the mudflats and wetlands. It is a feeding spot for migrating godwits.
The council has built storm surge protection consisting of concrete barriers and small hill-like barriers with a path on top, which are connected to Sunset Walk, a riverside walkway.

## Recreation

The river has recreation opportunities such as bird watching, water skiing and fishing. Manawatu Marine Boating club is located at the Foxton Beach Wharf on the river. Holben / Te Wharangi Reserve has a playground, soundshell (stage) and skate park.
The beach is popular for swimming in summer and is patrolled by the Foxton Surf Life Saving Club.

## Education

Foxton Beach School is a coeducational state full primary school (years 1-8) with a roll of 164 (August 2024) and a decile rating of 3.
The nearest secondary school is Manawatū College in nearby Foxton.