Maori demographics 2006 - The Maori Population by Donna Cormack

Summary

Key points

• There were 565,329 people who identified as belonging to the Màori ethnic group in the 2006 Census,representing 15% of the total population.
• 18% of the total population (643,977 people) indicated in the 2006 Census that they had Màori ancestry.
• The Màori population continues to grow. Those identifying with Màori ethnicity increased by 7% between the 2001 and 2006 censuses, and by 30% since 1991. The Màori ancestry group also increased by 7% between the 2001 and 2006 censuses, and by 26% since the 1991 census.
• The Màori population is relatively young, with 35% of Màori aged less than 15 years, and 53% aged less than 25 years in 2006. However, the population is ageing overall and the proportion of older Màori (those aged 65 years and over) is projected to increase.
• In spite of a slight narrowing of the gap in life expectancy at birth between Màori and non-Màori in recent years, stark disparities remain. 
• Fertility has decreased for both Màori and non-Màori in the last 50 years, but remains higher for Màori.In 2004, the fertility rate for Màori women was 2.7, compared with 1.9 for non-Màori women. The median age at birth of first child for Màori women was 26 years.
• The majority of Màori live in the North Island (87%) and in urban areas. Màori are more mobile than non-Màori, and were slightly more likely to have moved in the five years between the 2001 and 2006 census. 

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Hauora: Māori Standards of Health IV is the latest edition in the Hauora series, and covers the period 2000 to 2005. The first three chapters situate the health statistics within the broader context, including the theoretical, demographic and socioeconomic contexts. This is followed by chapters on mortality, public hospitalisations, cancer and mental health.

This volume of Hauora also includes a number of topic-based chapters from invited authors, including chapters on cardiovascular disease; diabetes; respiratory disease; oral health; disability; sleep problems; occupational safety and health; health in prisons; and the National Primary Medical Care Survey.

Hauora: Māori Standards of Health IV was funded by the Ministry of Health and the Health Research Council.