Asians in new zealand

The population of New Zealand is rapidly transforming across the demographic spectrum. Aside from growing older, the country is also becoming more diverse. The Asian population in particular has expanded in recent decades — in fact, it is the fastest growing group across all regions. According to Stats NZ, New Zealand’s official data agency, Asians are set to make up 26 percent of the country’s population by 2043, as compared to 16 percent in 2018.

This change is most noticeable in Auckland, one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities. In 1991, only 5 percent of Auckland’s residents identified as Asian. This number had increased to 28 percent in 2018, a result of waves of migration from countries such as China and India. By 2043, it is projected that 44 percent of Auckland’s population will identify as ethnically Asian.

Attendees of the gathering range in age between 72 and 90, with most over age 80.

Age Concern Auckland has seen a doubling of demand from Asian seniors over the past year and has continued to adjust its approach to better communicate with this group — for example, setting up channels on WeChat and Kakao to better reach people and modifying outreach language to be more culturally relevant.

Though the Asian population generally skews younger than the general population, there is a burgeoning number of Asian seniors, many of whom struggle with language barriers and require culturally appropriate support. Age Concern Auckland, the largest organization in Auckland devoted to providing programs and services for people over age 65, created an Asian Services Team specifically to address this concern. The team is comprised of coordinators, social workers, and other staff and volunteers from within those Asian communities, who speak the languages and understand the cultural nuances.

The organization operates out of three Auckland offices, with support offered in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean and Japanese. Programming includes health promotion workshops, along with classes such as conversational English, singing, dancing, cooking, and art. Social workers provide individual casework and group sessions to address issues affecting the population.

Age Concern Auckland has seen a doubling of demand from Asian seniors over the past year and has continued to adjust its approach to better communicate with this group — for example, setting up channels on WeChat and Kakao to better reach people and modifying outreach language to be more culturally relevant.

While community activities are plentiful, there is also a growing need for services to address issues like dementia and domestic abuse. According to the organization, neglect, and abuse of older people have historically been under-reported within the Asian community and are not familiar concepts in some cultures.

Age Concern Auckland continues to advocate for increased funding for this type of programming, which is certain to be more in demand in the coming years. The demographic shifts across New Zealand bring added diversity and vibrancy to the country, but also a greater need for robust, culturally appropriate aged care services for all people. ●