Waianiwa is a town and statistical area in the Southland region of the South Island of New Zealand.

Waianiwa statistical area covers 228.65 km2 (88.28 sq mi)[1] and had an estimated population of 1,300 as of June 2024,[2] with a population density of 5.7 people per km2.

The percentage of people born overseas was 17.7, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 47.7% had no religion, 42.6% were Christian, 0.3% had Māori religious beliefs, 1.0% were Hindu, 0.5% were Buddhist and 1.3% had other religions.

The median income was $42,000, compared with $31,800 nationally.