Mackenzie District had a population of 4,866 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 708 people since the 2013 census, and an increase of 1,065 people since the 2006 census. There were 1,863 households. There were 2,511 males and 2,352 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.07 males per female. Of the total population, 801 people were aged up to 15 years, 978 were 15 to 29, 2,274 were 30 to 64, and 810 were 65 or older. Figures may not add up to the total due to rounding. Ethnicities were 86.4% European/Pākehā, 6.8% Māori, 1.2% Pacific peoples, 8.9% Asian, and 3.4% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity. The percentage of people born overseas was 24.5, compared with 27.1% nationally. Although some people objected to giving their religion, 51.7% had no religion, 37.1% were Christian, and 4.0% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 777 people had a bachelor or higher degree, and 702 people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $33,400. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 2,451 people were employed full-time, 660 were part-time, and 30 were unemployed.
Economy
A relatively sparsely settled area, the district does have a wide number of farms. However, in the late 2000s, numerous proposals for new farming operations have locals fearing that the agriculture will be transformed from often family-held farms to large agribusiness operations, causing increased local ecologic damage and siphoning off capital overseas.
Climate
The Mackenzie District has a dry temperate-continental climate with clear, crisp snowy winters and long, hot summers. Autumn is known for being a riot of colour, while spring brings wildflowers blooming throughout the region, including lupins. The warm summer season is from November to February, with temperatures often passing 30 degrees. In the cooler winter season, from June to September, temperatures drop to below 0 degrees Celsius overnight, while sunny winter days average around 8 degrees and regular snowfall.
History
The MacKenzie Basin was named in the 1850s by and after James Mckenzie, a Scottish-origin shepherd and sheep thief, and the name transferred to the modern district.
Notable places
Mountains
Aoraki/Mount Cook
Lakes
Lake Tekapo and the 'Church of the Good Shepherd'.
Lake Pukaki
Lake Ruataniwha, one of New Zealand's main rowing venues
