Diversity of the New Zealand population [Census 2018]

New Zealand population is increasingly ethnically, culturally, religiously and linguistically diverse. We have people coming from all over the world.

In the Census 2018 population estimates, New Zealand population is accounting for 180 ethnicities, 176 spoken languages, and 157 religions. 

Asian and Middle Eastern, Latin American and African (MELAA) groups are the fastest growing ethnic groups in New Zealand, with an increase of 33% and 35% since the 2013 Census, respectively.

Asian population is the 3rd largest major ethnic group in New Zealand, making up 15% of the New Zealand population (707,598), which almost doubled in size since 2001. The Middle Eastern, Latin American and African ethnic group makes 1.5% of the New Zealand  population (70,332).

The statistics also show that 24% of the New Zealand population has identified as overseas-born with many identified as being in New Zealand for less than 10 years. This is significant from the perspective of access because many of these newcomers will not be familiar with the New Zealand health and disability as well as social or legal systems.

With the growing diversity, health providers are increasingly likely to experience clients from language, experience, culture and beliefs different from one's own.

Source:

Diversity of the New Zealand population [Census 2018]