The black population in New Zealand, primarily identified as people of African ethnicity, was 16,890 according to the 2018 Census.
Understanding Ethnic Classification in New Zealand
In New Zealand, official population statistics, such as those from Stats NZ, categorize individuals based on ethnicity rather than race. While "black" is a racial term, the most comparable ethnic category that aligns with this demographic, particularly for people of African descent, is the African ethnic group. This group includes individuals who identify with various African ethnicities.
Census Data on African and Related Ethnic Groups
Stats NZ's 2018 Census provides detailed counts for various ethnic groups. The number of people identifying as African has shown growth over time.
Here's a summary of the population counts for African and broader related ethnic groups from the 2006 and 2018 New Zealand Censuses:
| Ethnic Group | 2006 (count) | 2018 (count) |
|---|---|---|
| African | 10,647 | 16,890 |
| Middle Eastern/Latin American/African* | 34,746 | 70,332 |
Note: The "Middle Eastern/Latin American/African" group is a broader category that includes the African ethnic group along with other distinct ethnicities. For the purpose of identifying the "black population" as commonly understood, the "African" ethnic group provides the most direct answer based on the available data.
For more detailed information on ethnic group summaries from the 2018 Census, you can refer to the official statistics provided by Stats NZ.
