Published: 3 October 2024 | Reading Time: 2 minutes
The 2023 Census data is out, and it’s time to dive into what it means for Aotearoa! To make sense of all the numbers, let’s imagine our country as a village of just 100 people. This perspective helps us visualise our diverse population and their lifestyles in a relatable way.
Key Insights from the Census
Population Growth and Gender Breakdown
As of 2023, our "village" has a population of 4,993,923, up from 4,699,755 in 2018—a solid 6.3% increase. In our village of 100:
49 are male
50 are female
1 identifies as a different gender
This snapshot shows the growing recognition of gender diversity in Aotearoa.
Age Distribution
Understanding age demographics is crucial for planning services. Here’s how our village breaks down:
19 are under 15
19 are aged 15-29
45 are between 30-64
17 are 65 or older
The median age is 38.1, highlighting a mature population with unique needs.
Cultural Diversity
Aotearoa is a melting pot! In our village:
71 were born here
29 were born overseas, including:
12 from Asia
5 from the UK and Ireland
4 from the Pacific Islands
Language diversity is also rich, with 95 speaking English, while others use Māori, Samoan, and Hindi, adding to our cultural tapestry.
Ethnic Representation
The ethnic breakdown is equally revealing:
68 identify as European
18 as Māori
17 as Asian
9 as Pacific peoples
This diversity strengthens our community and invites greater understanding among us all.
Education and Employment
Looking at education and employment gives us insight into our workforce. Among those aged 15 and over:
12 have no qualifications
26 have basic qualifications (Levels 1-3)
12 hold bachelor’s degrees or higher
In terms of work status, in our village of 100:
42 are employed full-time
11 part-time
2 are unemployed
These stats show where we can focus on upskilling and job creation.
Home Ownership and Income
Home ownership is a key issue:
38 own or partly own their homes
37 do not own their homes
The median annual income for those aged 15 and over is $41,500, with a chunk earning below $30,000. This indicates ongoing challenges with affordability.
Read more about what makes Aotearoa so unique, by visiting this page: https://www.stats.govt.nz/infographics/aotearoa-new-zealand-as-a-village-of-100-people/
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