Māori in Australia: An Update from the 2011 Australian Census and the 2011 New Zealand General Election

31 Pages Posted: 28 Oct 2012

See all articles by Paul Hamer

Paul Hamer

Te Kawa a Māui/School of Māori Studies, VUW

Date Written: October 27, 2012

Abstract

The 2011 Australian census reveals that the Māori population in Australia continues to grow, indeed at an accelerated rate and particularly within Western Australia and Queensland. From 2006 to 2011 there were significant increases in both the New Zealand- and Australian-born components of the Māori population. The census results also show that Māori have been overrepresented amongst migrants from New Zealand to Australia for some time. They have come in search of higher wages and better opportunities, notwithstanding the risks inherent in moving to a country where they are ineligible for many rights and entitlements that are restricted to permanent visa-holders and citizens. In recent years Māori language speakers have also been prominent amongst the migrants, with increasing numbers using te reo Māori within the home. Whether this rise is sustainable in Australia, or whether te reo in New Zealand can sustain such losses, are matters that remain to be seen.

Keywords: Māori in Australia, Māori language, trans-Tasman migration, New Zealand diaspora

Suggested Citation

Hamer, Paul, Māori in Australia: An Update from the 2011 Australian Census and the 2011 New Zealand General Election (October 27, 2012). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2167613 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2167613

Paul Hamer (Contact Author)

Te Kawa a Māui/School of Māori Studies, VUW ( email )

P.O. Box 600
Wellington, 6140
New Zealand

HOME PAGE: http://www.victoria.ac.nz/maori/about/staff/paul-hamer

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