The neighbourhood ethnic diversity (Figure 18 and Figure 19) maps display variability in the ethnic makeup of a CAU. Those CAU dominated by one ethnic group score lower than those with multiple groups. Ethnic diversity is an overwhelmingly urban phenomenon (including satellite towns). In addition areas of greater diversity generally occur in southern and inland areas. Coast areas of North Shore, Auckland, and Manukau (excluding the Tamaki River and Manukau Harbour) are conversely more uniform.
Ethnic diversity though can be seen to be increasing to some degree across the region. Many currently diverse areas were further reinforced (Mount Roskill, Auckland CBD, Mangere, East Tamaki).
The contributing groups to this diversity can be determined from the individual ethnicity maps which are based on their specific population cartograms. The universal impact of which is further compression of rural areas with the exception of the European/Other groups. Conversely urban distribution of the groups is unique to each.
The Asian population (as depicted by both size and shading of CAU) is generally concentrated on the North Shore, Auckland, and eastern Manukau. Growth since 2001 is relatively uniform on the whole with clusters occurring in the Auckland CBD, Mount Roskill, Ihumatao, and East Tamaki-Botany areas.
The Māori population is distributed by way of an increasing gradient from Otahuhu to the south of Manukau and Papakura, with moderate numbers also occurring Tamaki, Lincoln-Massey, and rural townships. The change in distribution since 2001 shows substantial change with widespread decreases in the central isthmus and northern Manukau. Equally, increases can be seen in western Waitakere, southern/eastern Manukau.
Pacific peoples are strongly concentrated in the Mangere and Otara areas with this population generally extending to a degree north from Glen Innes south to Weymouth-Clendon. A secondary population is seen in Waitakere extending to Rosebank and Avondale in Auckland. Changes show an ongoing movement out of the Grey Lynn area but also scattered declines in particularly in New Lynn. The strongest growth is occurring in Ihumatao.
The European population change is striking in apparent decline with growth generally occurring only in areas of new residential development. However, as identified in the 2006 ARPHS Demographic Profile this decline is largely accounted for by increase in ‘New Zealander’ responses which are coded by SNZ as ‘Other’. When ‘Other’ population change is shown the growth since 2001 is almost wholly attributable to ‘New Zealander’ responses. Substantial increases can be seen particularly in Rodney, parts of the North Shore, the Eastern Suburbs of Auckland, Waiheke Island, and Franklin.
Combining European and ‘Other’ to depict changes in Pakeha again shows the substantial increases to be generally occurring in areas of new development. Conversely declines can be seen across the urban region centred on Sunnybrae on the North Shore, Lincoln in Waitakere, Mt Roskill in Auckland, and Howick, Manukau Central, and Manurewa in Manukau.
Also see the Animation section for changes in ethnic population groups since 1991.
