The latest Census data from New Zealand reveals a significant shift in the country’s ethnic landscape. The Indian community has now become the third-largest ethnic group, surpassing the Chinese population. This change reflects the dynamic nature of New Zealand’s multicultural society.
Key Census Findings
Top Ethnic Groups in New Zealand
- New Zealand European: 3,099,858
- Māori: 887,493
- Indian: 292,092 (22% increase since 2018)
- Chinese: 279,039
Rapid Growth of Filipino Community
The Filipino population has seen a remarkable increase of nearly 50% since 2018, growing by over 35,000 to reach 108,297.
Language Trends
Fastest Growing Languages
- Punjabi: 45.1% increase (spoken in India and Pakistan)
- Tagalog: 37.5% increase (spoken in the Philippines)
- Afrikaans: 32.7% increase
Hindi now ranks as the fourth most spoken language in the country, while Punjabi holds the ninth position.
Auckland: New Zealand’s Multicultural Hub
Diverse Population Statistics
- Total population: 1.66 million
- European heritage: 50%
- Asian heritage: 31.3% (highest in the country, compared to 17.3% nationwide)
- Pacific heritage: 16.6% (compared to 8.9% nationwide)
Ethnic Composition in Auckland
- New Zealand European
- Māori
- Chinese
- Indian (175,794, up 13% from 154,824 in 2018)
- Samoan
International Born Residents
New Zealand’s Population Origins
- Born in New Zealand: 3.5 million
- Born overseas: 1.4 million
Top Countries of Origin for Overseas-Born Residents
- England: 4.2% of the population
- China: 2.9%
- India: 2.9%
Growth in Asian Ethnic Groups
Approximately half of the growth in the Asian ethnic group can be attributed to increases in Indian and Filipino populations:
- Indian: 22.1% increase (52,899 people)
- Filipino: 49.1% increase (35,685 people)
Conclusion
The 2023 Census data paints a picture of New Zealand as an increasingly diverse nation, with significant growth in Asian communities, particularly Indian and Filipino. This shift in demographics reflects the country’s evolving multicultural identity and the important contributions of various ethnic groups to New Zealand’s social fabric.
