Waitōtara is a town in South Taranaki, New Zealand. Waverley is 10 km to the north-west, and Whanganui is 34 km to the south-east. State Highway 3 passes through it. The Waitōtara River flows past the east side of the town.^[3][4]

More than 30 homes were evacuated during flooding in February 2004.^[5]

A local freezing works is a major employer.^[6]

Waitōtara is defined by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement. It covers 0.25 km² (0.097 sq mi)^[1] and had an estimated population of 70 as of June 2023,^[2] with a population density of 280 people per km². It is part of the wider Manutahi-Waitotora statistical area.^[7]

Waitōtara had a population of 72 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 6 people (9.1%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 6 people (9.1%) since the 2006 census. There were 39 households, comprising 42 males and 30 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.4 males per female. The median age was 54.1 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 12 people (16.7%) aged under 15 years, 6 (8.3%) aged 15 to 29, 33 (45.8%) aged 30 to 64, and 21 (29.2%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 70.8% European/Pākehā, and 33.3% Māori. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 58.3% had no religion, 29.2% were Christian, and 4.2% had Māori religious beliefs.

Of those at least 15 years old, 24 (40.0%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $23,500, compared with $31,800 nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 24 (40.0%) people were employed full-time, 9 (15.0%) were part-time, and 6 (10.0%) were unemployed.^[8]

Waitōtara has marae associated with the hapū of Ngā Rauru Kītahi:

• Te Ihupuku Marae and Te Kawerau and Karepoonia are affiliated with Ngāti Hinewaiata.
• Kaipō or Wharetapapa Marae and its Tokanuhea III meeting house are affiliated with Ngāti Hou Tipua.
• Takirau Marae and Ko Te Marunga Nui o Pourua meeting house are affiliated with Ngāti Pourua.
• Tauranga Ika Marae and Te Aputa ki Wairau meeting house are affiliated with Ngāti Ruaiti.
• Waipapa Marae and Ngā Paiaka meeting house are affiliated with Ngā Ariki.^[9][10]

In October 2020, the Government committed $522,926 from the Provincial Growth Fund to upgrade Te Ihupuku Marae, Waipapa Marae and Te Aroha Marae, creating 92 jobs.^[11]

Waitotara School is a coeducational full primary (years 1–8) school with a roll of 34 students as of February 2024.^[12][13] The school was founded in 1874.^[14]

• Pehimana
• Waitotara (New Zealand electorate)