Diversity and implications for the new New Zealand | Whangarei

Diversity and implications for the new New Zealand

For much of the past 150 years, the majority of New Zealand immigrants came from the UK and Ireland. In the 1960s, New Zealand’s connections with the Pacific grew as migrants arrived from various Pacific islands. But in 1986 and 1987, the then Labour Government changed New Zealand’s immigration policies. The result was immigration from non-traditional countries, often in Asia. 

Since the end of the Global Financial Crisis (2012), immigration flows to New Zealand have been the highest in the OCED. New Zealand, and especially Auckland, are now described as superdiverse.

In the next 20 years, Asian communities will grow from 12% of New Zealand’s population to 22%. These immigrants have been critical in meeting skill shortages and are increasingly important to population growth given the ageing of New Zealand.

So, what does the future look like for New Zealand? What does it mean to be a New Zealander in the 21st century?

About the speaker

Distinguished Professor Paul Spoonley

Paul is the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Massey University. He has been involved in some major research projects on immigration and diversity in New Zealand, including Capturing the Diversity Dividend of Aotearoa New Zealand (2014-2020). He is the author or editor of 27 books ranging from political extremism to the nature of work, and he was Ranginui Walker’s biographer (Mata Toa, Penguin). He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand and the Auckland War Memorial Museum. He was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of California, Berkeley.

This a free event, but please register to guarantee your seat.

Presented by The University of Auckland's Tai Tokerau campus with support from Royal Society Te Apārangi and Whangarei District Council.

2018 Tai Tokerau Speaker Series
Presented by Royal Society Te Apārangi and The University of Auckland

Important decision-making for New Zealanders follows relevant and robust data collection and research. With 2018 being a census year, four renowned academics from throughout New Zealand share their expertise with the Tai Tokerau community – providing insight into migration, health, social wellbeing, cultural engagement, alongside other factors that define our unique population.

People and place
Professor Richard Bedford
AUT Emeritus Professor of Population Geography and President, Royal Society of Te Apārangi
6pm Wednesday 14 March

The science of wellbeing for children and young people
Professor Richie Poulton
University of Otago Professor of Psychology
Director, Dunedin Multidisciplinary Study, Chief Science Advisor MSD
6pm Wednesday 11 April

Diversity and implications for the new New Zealand
Professor Paul Spoonley
Massey University Distinguished Professor of Sociology
Pro Vice-Chancellor, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
6pm Wednesday 6 June

Census and Māori implications for our future
Professor Tahu Kukutai
University of Waikato Professor of Demography
Director of National Institute of Demographic and Economic Analysis
6pm Wednesday 20 June

Views that are expressed at this event may not reflect those of Royal Society Te Apārangi.