Tīnui is a small village located in the Wairarapa region of New Zealand, situated approximately forty kilometres from Masterton. The settlement lies on river flats near the confluence of the Whareama River and the Tīnui River, a geographical position that has historically influenced its development and vulnerability to environmental conditions. As part of the Whareama statistical area, the locality covers an area of 123.94 square kilometres, defining its spatial extent within the broader administrative landscape of the country.

The name Tīnui derives from the Māori words for many cabbage trees, reflecting the local flora. The village holds a notable place in national history as one of the first locations to hold an ANZAC Day commemoration on 25 April 1916, although it falsely claims to be the absolute first locality to do so. A large cross was placed on Tīnui Taipo to commemorate the dead, later replaced by a metal one in 1965 which holds Category I Heritage New Zealand status. The Church of the Good Shepherd, opened in 1902, has also been restored and transferred to community trust ownership.

The character of the village is defined by its history of flooding and significant infrastructure changes. Recorded floods began in 1858, with severe events in 1936 and 1991 devastating the area and causing thousands of sheep to drown. The Tīnui Hotel was relocated to Greytown in 2008, becoming a private residence. The landscape includes the 360-metre high promontory of Tīnui Taipo behind the village, which serves as a site for historical memorials and offers a view over the river flats that have shaped the community's resilience.

Visitor appeal is partly driven by its association with military remembrance, with the Air Force promoting Tīnui as an alternative to travelling to Gallipoli for veterans. The village hosts commemorations, such as a 21-gun salute in 2006 for the 90th anniversary. Cultural life includes the Tīnui School, a co-educational state primary school established in 1876 serving surrounding areas like Mangapakeha and Castlepoint. The community trust manages local heritage sites, fostering a sense of continuity despite the challenges posed by natural disasters and population shifts.

In the 2023 New Zealand census, Tīnui had a population of 150 people, showing a slight increase from previous years. The median age was 42.4 years, with a median income of $33,200, which is lower than the national average. The economy reflects a mix of employment statuses, with 55 percent in full-time work. Access to the village is via roads connecting it to Masterton and the wider Wairarapa region, though its remote river-flat location requires careful consideration of weather conditions that can impact travel and safety.