News Release

3 December 2013

Census reflects a city ready to compete globally

The Mayor says the latest census information shows that Auckland is taking big steps towards becoming a globally competitive city.

“The Census data paints a picture of a dynamic and diverse city that is more ready than ever to compete to compete globally,” says Len Brown.

“Aucklanders are better educated, more connected digitally and more internationally focussed than ever before.

“Those with tertiary qualifications increased from 19.9% to 24.7% since the last census. We are also better connected digitally, with 81.6% of Aucklanders connected at home – the highest rate in New Zealand.

“The growing ethnic diversity in Auckland – with close to one in every four Aucklanders of Asian ethnicity - reflects the fact that more people than ever regard Auckland as an attractive place to live and do business.

“While as a nation we are ageing, the rate of ageing is slower in Auckland than the rest of New Zealand. Auckland has 7,200 more children than at the last census and there are almost 300,000 children aged 14 and below living in Auckland, and more than 210,000 young people aged 15 to 24 years.

“This backs our focus on children and young people, but brings particular challenges for Auckland around education and employment.

“And while home ownership figures nationally are down, it appears that in Auckland, apartment, townhouse and retirement living is increasing at twice the rate of standalone dwellings, reflecting an appetite for a wider range of housing choices.

“The Census data will be very useful in informing our planning for the future including the Unitary Plan, local board plans and major projects such as the City Rail Link.”

For more information go to www.stats.govt.nz

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