Takapau is a small rural community in the Central Hawkes Bay in New Zealand. It is located 20 kilometres west of Waipukurau and has a population of around 590. The area's main industries are the Takapau Meat Works and local farms. Takapau was once the centre of a large flax milling industry. Takapau takes its name from the flax that grew in the expansive Takapau plains.