Two sets of maps can be accessed from this page (select from the Menu at right). One set shows Mäori births as a percentage of total births (four maps covering the period 1996-2018). The other shows the ratio of Mäori births in 2018 compared with 2000.
Mäori births reflect births for whom Mäori was recorded as one ethnic group. In New Zealand, each birth is included in every ethnic group specified by the parent. Between 1996 and 2018, births classified Mäori accounted for between 28 and 29 per cent of all births. Data for each territorial authority area indicates that the contribution of Mäori births varies widely, largely reflecting the proportion of Mäori at reproductive age in each area. In 2018, Mäori births ranged from almost 87 per cent of all births in Kawerau District (55% Mäori residents) to just over 11 per cent in Queenstown-Lakes District (less than 6% Mäori). These proportions and relative contributions have remained fairly consistent over time.
Notably the share of births accounted for by Mäori differs markedly between the North and South Island. However, the ratio of Mäori to Total births in 2018 compared to 2000 indicates a decline in share in several North Island territorial authority areas, among them Auckland, and a substantial increase in share in parts of the South Island.
The contribution of Mäori births is playing an increasingly important role in New Zealand’s population growth and economic development, especially in terms of eventual entrants to the working age population (Cochrane and Pool 2017).
These maps were developed as part of the MBIE project CaDDANZ: Capturing the Diversity Dividend of Aotearoa/New Zealand. See for additional information.
Cochrane W and I Pool (2017) Maori in New Zealand’s Contemporary Development. Policy Quarterly Supplement 13: 47-54.
The raw data for these maps were drawn directly from Statistics New Zealand's Table VS011AA accessed from Infoshare.