Dataset contains ethnic group census usually resident population counts from the 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses, as well as the percentage change in the ethnic group population count between the 2013 and 2018 Censuses, and between the 2018 and 2023 Censuses. Data is available for territorial authorities and Auckland local boards.

The ethnic groups are:

• European

• Māori

• Pacific peoples

• Asian

• Middle Eastern/Latin American/African.

Map shows percentage change in the census usually resident population count for ethnic groups between the 2018 and 2023 Censuses.

Download lookup file from Stats NZ map hub or Stats NZ geographic data service.

Footnotes

Geographical boundaries

Statistical standard for geographic areas 2023 (updated December 2023) has information about geographic boundaries as of 1 January 2023.

Subnational Census usually resident population

The census usually resident population count of an area (subnational count) is a count of all people who usually live in that area and were present in New Zealand on census night. It excludes visitors from overseas, visitors from elsewhere in New Zealand, and residents temporarily overseas on census night. For example, a person who usually lives in Christchurch city and is visiting Wellington city on census night will be included in the census usually resident population count of Christchurch city. 

Caution using time series

Time series data should be interpreted with care due to changes in census methodology and differences in response rates between censuses. The 2023 and 2018 Censuses used a combined census methodology (using census responses and administrative data), while the 2013 Census used a full-field enumeration methodology (with no use of administrative data).

About the Census dataset

For information on the 2023 dataset see [Link to census data set page]. We combined data from the census forms with administrative data to create the 2023 Census dataset, which meets Stats NZ’s quality criteria for population structure information. We added real data about real people to the dataset where we were confident the people should be counted but hadn’t completed a census form (which is known as admin enumeration). We also used data from the 2018 and 2013 Censuses, administrative data sources, and statistical imputation methods to fill in some missing characteristics of people and dwellings.

Data quality

The quality of data in the 2023 Census has been assessed using the quality rating scale and the quality assurance framework and will determine whether data is fit for purpose and suitable for release. [Data quality assurance for 2023 Census has more information.].

Quality rating of a variable (general)

[Data quality ratings for 2023 Census] variables has more information on quality ratings by variable. The quality rating of a variable provides an overall evaluation of data quality for that variable, usually at the highest levels of classification. The quality ratings shown are for the 2023 Census unless stated. There is variability in the quality of data at smaller geographies. Data quality may also vary between censuses, for subpopulations, or when cross tabulated with other variables or at lower levels of the classification.

Quality rating

‘The Total response ethnicity’ variable is rated as {Very high/High/Moderate/Poor} quality. Information by concept [This will be a link] has more information, for example, definitions and data quality. 

Using data for good

Stats NZ expects that, when working with census data, it is done so with a positive purpose, as outlined in the Māori governance model (Data Iwi Leaders Group 2023). This model states that “good data practices and policies are crucial for achieving resilient and sustainable data systems that people can trust and benefit from”. [Link] has more information on the Māori data governance model. 

Confidentiality

Applying confidentiality rules to 2023 Census data and summary of changes since 2018 has more information about 2023 Census confidentiality rules. The 2023 Census confidentiality rules have been applied to 2013, 2018, and 2023 data. These rules protect the confidentiality of individuals, families, households, dwellings, and undertakings in 2023 Census data. Counts are calculated using fixed random rounding to base 3 (FRR3) and suppression of ‘sensitive’ counts less than six, where tables report multiple geographic variables and/or small populations. Individual figures may not always sum to stated totals.

Percentages

To calculate percentages, divide the figure for the category of interest by the figure for ‘Total stated’ where this applies.