Story: Ethnic inequalities
While ethnic inequalities were decreasing in the 2000s, on average Māori and Pacific people still had lower incomes, worse housing and poorer health than Pākehā in New Zealand. They were less likely than Pākehā or Asians to work in professional occupations or have higher educational qualifications. However, there were also marked differences within these populations and the diverse range of people living in New Zealand.
Full story by David Pearson
Main image: KickStart breakfast programme
The Short Story
A quick, easy summary
Read the Full StoryMāori, 1840–1945
Māori were originally a majority in New Zealand, controlling all the land and fisheries. However, by the end of the 19th century they had lost much of their land and resources. Until the 1890s the Māori population was decreasing because of diseases introduced by Europeans. Māori lived in poorer, more crowded housing than Pākehā.
Māori were able to vote, and the four Māori political seats were set up in 1867. From 1898 Māori could receive the old-age pension, but it was only two-thirds of the Pākehā rate.
Asians, 1840–1945
Chinese people arrived in New Zealand during the 1860s gold rushes, and Indians arrived around the First World War. After 1881 Chinese had to pay a poll tax to enter New Zealand, and were not allowed to become naturalised citizens. From 1898 to 1936 neither Indians nor Chinese could receive an old-age pension.
Irish Catholics
Irish Catholics were discriminated against in recruiting migrants, and in employment. Fewer of them were in high-status professions, and more were in prison than other immigrants from Britain and Ireland.
Ethnic diversity since 1945
After the Second World War many Māori migrated into the cities for work. Pacific Islanders were encouraged to move to New Zealand as workers from the 1950s – but in the 1970s they were accused of being overstayers. From the mid-1980s a wider range of migrants – many from Asia – arrived in New Zealand.
In 2006 Māori, Pacific and Asian people combined were more than 30% of the population.
Income, occupation and education
In 2006 the average income of Māori was 73.6% of that of non-Māori. Māori and Pacific people were more likely to be unemployed. They were more likely to work in manual jobs and less likely to be professionals than Pākehā or Asians.
In 2006 almost 40% of Māori aged 15 and over had no school qualifications. Only 6% of Māori and 4% of Pacific people had university degrees.
Housing, health and justice
Māori and Pacific people are less likely than other groups to own their own homes, and more likely to live in overcrowded houses. They have poorer health and higher death rates. Māori are hugely over-represented in the prison population – probably a result of other forms of inequality they experience.
Changes over time
By 2026 Māori, Pacific and Asian people are expected to make up over 40% of the population. Life expectancy, income and education levels are all improving for Māori and Pacific people.
