Muhunoa East is a rural locality in the Horowhenua District of the Manawatū-Whanganui region of New Zealand's North Island. It is located on the western side of the Tararua Range between the Ōhau River to the north and the Makorokio Stream to the south.^[3]

Kimberley statistical area covers 129.37 km² (49.95 sq mi) from Muhunoa East south to the border of Horowhenua and the Kāpiti Coast District.^[1] It had an estimated population of 530 as of June 2023, with a population density of 4.10 people per km².

Kimberley had a population of 447 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 48 people (12.0%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 141 people (46.1%) since the 2006 census. There were 168 households, comprising 225 males and 222 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.01 males per female. The median age was 45.6 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 99 people (22.1%) aged under 15 years, 39 (8.7%) aged 15 to 29, 210 (47.0%) aged 30 to 64, and 99 (22.1%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 91.3% European/Pākehā, 16.1% Māori, 1.3% Pasifika, 1.3% Asian, and 2.7% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

The percentage of people born overseas was 14.8, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 61.1% had no religion, 23.5% were Christian, 1.3% had Māori religious beliefs, 0.7% were Buddhist and 1.3% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 60 (17.2%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 63 (18.1%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $29,500, compared with $31,800 nationally. 60 people (17.2%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 171 (49.1%) people were employed full-time, 69 (19.8%) were part-time, and 12 (3.4%) were unemployed.^[4]

Muhunoa East School first opened in 1904 in temporary premises as a "side school" to relieve overcrowding at Ohau School. It catered for students up to standard II (now Year 4, about 8 years old). It moved to a permanent building in 1908 and expanded to cover up to standard IV (Year 6). It closed in 1922 due to a falling roll, but reopened in 1926,^[5] and continued until January 2006.^[6] The school building was destroyed by fire in a suspected arson in 2011.^[7]