New Zealand is becoming richer in cultural diversity—and the Indian community now proudly stands as the third-largest ethnic group in the country. Here’s an in-depth look at what that means for those moving to Aotearoa.
Census Facts: Indians in New Zealand
• According to the 2023 Census, 292,092 people in New Zealand identify as having Indian heritage—an impressive 22% increase since the 2018 Census.
• This makes Indians the third-largest ethnic group after New Zealand Europeans and Māori.
• In Auckland, the Indian community grew from 154,824 in 2018 to 175,794 in 2023.
Regional Concentration
• Auckland hosts the majority of Indian New Zealanders, with over 175,000 residents in 2023, making up nearly 10% of the city’s population.
• Significant Indian communities are also found in Wellington, Waikato, Canterbury, and Bay of Plenty.
Language: Punjabi’s Remarkable Rise
• Punjabi emerged as the fastest-growing language in New Zealand, with a 45.1% increase in speakers between 2018 and 2023.
• With 49,656 speakers, Punjabi is now the ninth most spoken language in the country.
Overall Diversity: A Growing Multi-Ethnic Mosaic
• People of Asian heritage now make up 17.3% of the population—up from 15.1% in 2018.
• Nearly 30% of New Zealanders were born overseas, reflecting robust growth in ethnic diversity.
What This Means for Migrant Indians
• Vibrant Communities: Strong Indian hubs in Auckland, Wellington, and beyond offer cultural festivals, grocery stores, and social support networks.
• Language Growth: Demand for services and education in Punjabi, Hindi, Gujarati, and Tamil is increasing.
• Cultural Influence: Indian traditions like Diwali and Holi are becoming fixtures in New Zealand’s cultural calendar.
• Economic Contribution: Indian migrants are a top source of skilled migrants and second-largest group of international students.
Final Thoughts
As Indians rise to become New Zealand’s third-largest ethnic group, their presence is reshaping the country’s cultural landscape. For new migrants, this vibrant tapestry means welcoming neighborhoods, access to language programs, and rich opportunities to engage in education, business, and community life.
