The changing nature of our populations is one reason that developing competence in working with cultural diversity is so important:

• In terms of ethnicity, Pakeha (NZers of European descent) have dropped from being over 90% of the population to just over 60%, with Maori, Pasifika and Asian peoples representing increasing proportions.
• There has been a similar drop amongst those identifying as 'Christian', with a dramatic increase in those not giving a religious affiliation.
• While the majority of NZers were born here, the diversity of other places has increased... those born overseas have lived here for fewer years.
• During the same period, the population generally has been steadily aging, which is also reflected in the workforce.
• The proportion of women in the workforce has been steadily increasing since the 1950s.
• All of these factors contribute to diversity in the workplace.

1. Population change: Ethnicity
Population Census, 1951; Wellington, 1953; Vol I -Increase and Location of Population, p 8 (Maori), 10 (total) also Vol III - Religious Professions [sic], p 26-27 Part X-Race Aliens, p 1 & Part 1 - Population, p 1

2. Population change: Religion Census of NZ1916, Malcolm Fraser, Wellington, 1918, part IV, p 5 Vol III - Religious Professions, p 9-10 StatsNZ website table 22-1

3. Population change: Overseas-born time in NZ Part III: Birthplaces & Length of Residence, p 57 Vol V - Birthplaces and Duration of Residence of Overseas Born, p StatsNZ website Table 20