Increasing number of Asians among immigrants in Auckland

Auckland, 25th July: Immigration is changing the face of Auckland making it to be the most multi-cultural cities the world over.

Latest trends show a large number of Asians immigrating to Auckland and if the present trends continue, a big fraction of Auckland’s population will comprise of Asian immigrants by the year 2016.

Asians dominate immigrant population in Auckland—Large number of Asians are thronging Auckland, thanks to the friendly New Zealand points-based immigration system introduced by the nation around two decades ago in 1986.

And going by the estimated figures, around 25 percent of total population of Auckland is going to include Asian immigrants while another 25 percent will comprise of Pacific and Maori Islanders by the year 2016.

This has been revealed during an annual meet of Social Services group and North Shore Community organized on 20th July this year on the topic of “The Future Face of Auckland’.

Asian population to double in 2016--Speaking on this issue, research director of College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Massey University, Albany, Professor Paul Spoonley, said the population of Asian immigrants in Auckland is going to double by the year 2016.

Currently, the total number of Asian immigrants in Auckland is stated to be nearly 200,000. And, the number of immigrants hailing from Pacific Island is going to witness a three-fold increase taking the figures to 280,000 in the year 2016.

Similarly, immigrants from Maori and Pakeha will go up by around 40,000 people making the population of Maori and Pakeha islanders to 183,000 and 860,000 by the same year. No wonder, immigration of people hailing from diverse communities is going to make Auckland a multi-cultural and diverse cities in the world, adds Dr. Spoonley.

Immigration boost due to changed New Zealand immigration policy—A big boost in the number of Asians as well as immigrants from Pacific and Pakeha islands has been possible due to changes in the points based system of New Zealand brought in the year 1986.

New Zealand introduced changes in its points-system to enable immigrants come to the nation based on the factors including age, educational qualifications and other similar criteria.

Effect of Asian immigrants on Auckland communities—As a result of large number of Asians among Auckland’s population, the number of Asian churches and Asian businesses has increased significantly.

Dr. Spoonley adds that among the total businesses in Auckland, around 26 percent are those of Asians while 50 percent are owned by Chinese around Northcote centre.

Moreover, people are now exhibiting positive attitudes towards Asian immigrants resulting in a completely changed face of New Zealand, especially Auckland, the professor confirms.