It was not so long ago that people of non-European ethnic minorities on southern streets were the exception. That is not so now, especially in some of the larger centres.
The University of Otago continues to bring a kaleidoscope of nationalities to Dunedin, and Oamaru has become notable for its large Tongan community. Filipinos are now scattered around dairy farming districts and in hospitals and aged care.
Thousands have come to the South from the Pacific, around New Zealand and the world. Every district’s citizenship ceremony includes people from far-flung corners of the globe. Of course, the South was inhabited by Kāi Tahu and earlier iwi for centuries. Then came the sealers, whalers, settlers, farmers and gold seekers.
The latest census data, released late last week, confirms the nation’s growing diversity. Nearly 30% of our population of almost five million were born overseas. England topped the list ahead of China, India, the Philippines, South Africa, Australia, Fiji and Samoa.
Although, those identifying with European ethnicities are still the largest number at nearly 3.4 million (67.8 %), the proportion of those identifying with Māori, Asian, Pacific peoples, and Middle Eastern/Latin American/African (MELAA) ethnicities all grew.
People are able to identify with multiple ethnicities. The census had Māori about 887,000 at 17.8%, Asian 862,000 (17.3%), Pacific peoples 443,000 (8.9%), and MELAA 93,000 (1.9%).
The increases from the 2018 census are 154,000 for Asian and 112,000 for Māori.
Those of Māori "descent" (based on whakapapa rather than the self-described "ethnicity") rose to 19.6% of the population to about 978,000, up 108,000 on 2018.
The 10 largest ethnicities are New Zealand European 3,100,000, Māori 887,000, Indian 292,000, Chinese 279,000, Samoan 213,000, other European 129,000, British and Irish 123,000, Filipino 108,000, Tongan 98,000 and Cook Island Māori 94,000.
New Zealand is generally a more vibrant and prosperous place because of its diverse population. We benefit from different skills, attitudes and perspectives.
Not that multiculturalism is easy. Groups, naturally, tend to stick together, especially when the new milieu is starkly different. An "us and them" mentality easily develops.
While people often feel more comfortable in the company of others with similar backgrounds and experiences, investing in engagement is usually rewarding.
Schools and other institutions also need to adapt and understand to meet the necessities of diversity. It takes extra effort, even as it is beneficial.
Sadly, latent racism is easily stirred. It was shockingly demonstrated recently when a North Shore hospital patient asked not to be treated by Asian staff.
Some immigrants struggle to adjust. Others do well in their own ways, coming out on the positive side of education, income and crime statistics no matter the initial language and other barriers.
While New Zealanders can benefit from learning from different perspectives, there are limits to respect and tolerance.
The worst expressions of misogyny and homophobia cannot be accepted, whatever their cultural origins. Immigrants from countries where bribery is widespread must understand such practices have no place in Aotearoa.
The emphasis on biculturalism can create challenges for immigrants’ sense of legitimacy and belonging. Just how do they fit in? Will they always be outsiders and never be accepted as true New Zealanders? Will immigrants with lesser knowledge of matters Māori be disadvantaged? Are they lumped in with Pākēhā?
This must be a land where recent immigrants and all New Zealanders of every whakapapa are in it together and feel valued and included.
As Jacinda Ardern said in the wake of the Christchurch mosque slaughter of March 15, 2019. "They were New Zealanders. They are us."
