New Zealand ranks third among OECD countries for the highest proportion of overseas born residents and Auckland city now has one of the highest proportions of immigrants of any city in the OECD. As well as a higher proportion of overseas born residents, the Auckland region also has a higher share of ethnic diversity. According to Census 2013, Asian, Pacific peoples and MELAA (Middle Eastern, Latin American or African) account for 38 per cent of Auckland’s population.
The Responding to language diversity in Auckland report released by the Education Review Office, defines diversity, its benefits and challenges, and describes who are our diverse learners; the diversity in schools in Auckland; and the policy settings and expectations set for addressing diversity. The report evaluates principles and practice for addressing diversity in New Zealand services and schools. New Zealand is at the upper end of OECD countries, who have a high share of immigrant learners – both first and second generation. This is not surprising given the high percentage of overseas born families in New Zealand.