Census confirms Auckland’s multicultural mix – Media release

3 December 2013

The 2013 Census has found Auckland’s population has the highest percentage of overseas-born residents in the country – living up to its reputation as New Zealand’s multicultural gateway.

The information was released as part of the latest batch of 2013 Census results from Statistics New Zealand.

In releasing the results, Government Statistician Liz MacPherson said Auckland’s growing overseas-born population and other census figures are in line with national trends.

“Results from the 2013 Census show the New Zealand population is growing more ethnically diverse, and that as a nation we have a lower rate of home ownership than in 2006, yet the number of dwellings has increased,” Ms MacPherson said.

“The 2013 Census results showed that nearly 40 percent of Auckland’s residents were born overseas – the next closest to this figure is Wellington, with about 25 percent of its population being born overseas.

“Auckland has the highest percentage of Asian people of any place in the country – 23.1 percent of its population identified themselves as Asian in the 2013 Census.

“After English, Samoan is Auckland’s most commonly spoken language in Auckland, followed by Hindi and Northern Chinese,” Ms MacPherson said.

Other key points about Auckland from the 2013 Census results include:
• The number of dwellings (occupied and unoccupied) increased by nearly 34,000 (7.1 percent) since 2006, to reach over 500,000 in 2013. The number of unoccupied dwellings in 2013 is almost the same as in 2006 at just over 33,000.
• Auckland’s rate of home ownership has fallen to 61.5 percent – making it the region with the second-lowest rate of home ownership in New Zealand after Gisborne.
• The median income for people aged 15 years and over in the Auckland region is $29,600 in 2013 – the third-highest among all regions.
• Almost a quarter (24.7 percent) of people aged 15 years and over in Auckland had a university degree or equivalent in 2013, compared with 19.9 percent in 2006.
• Auckland had the highest rate of Internet access at home (81.6 percent) – an increase from 65.6 percent in 2006.

Ms MacPherson said that the latest release of census information is keenly awaited by those planning for Auckland’s future.

“The census is about identity and diversity. Information gathered from the 5 March 2013 Census is vital to New Zealand’s growth and prosperity – it will be used by government, councils, community groups, iwi, and businesses to plan for the future.”

For further information about the 2013 Census results please visit www.stats.govt.nz.

ENDS

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