Dynamics of Spatial Differentiation among Ethnic Groups in New Zealand

Douglas Grbic, University of Wisconsin at River Falls
Hiromi Ishizawa, University of Minnesota
Charles Crothers, Auckland University of Technology

New Zealand has experienced a marked increase in immigration since the early 1990s, which has fostered greater ethnic diversity. However, studies have yet to fully explore the changing patterns of spatial differentiation among ethnic groups. Using the New Zealand Census data from 1991 to 2006, we first examine the patterns of ethnic residential segregation for the Asian, Maori, and Tagata Pasifika groups from the majority white, Pakeha, population. We then assess the effects of regional and group level socio-economic characteristics on the levels of segregation to understand the factors driving segregation. The results reveal that the levels of segregation have declined over time for all groups, while the factors influencing segregation differ by ethnic group.