Over 131,000 people identified as Samoan at the 2006 Census

 

 

 

 

The Samoan community is the largest of the Pacific Island communities in New Zealand with a population of just over 131,000 as at 2006, an increase of 14% from 2001. Samoans born in New Zealand account for 60% of the total Samoan community, and while 63% of the total Samoan population speak Samoan, only 44% of New Zealand born Samoans spoke it in everyday conversation. The median age for the Samoan community is 21, a startling differential from the total NZ population which is 36.

 

The majority of Samoans reside in Auckland, as do most of the Pacific Island communities, making Auckland the biggest Pacific Island city in the world. Samoans, as well as Pacific peoples in general, are more likely to live in multi-family households in New Zealand than members of the wider population. 69% of adult Samoans in New Zealand had a formal qualification, which was higher than the Pacific population (65%) and lower than the New Zealand adult population (75%) and 66% were members of the work force. Comparatively, Samoan women were slightly under represented in the labour force, most likely attributed to child rearing responsibilities.

 

In terms of Samoan media options, there are 3 Samoan language newspapers, 2 Samoan radio stations as well as Samoan output on Radio 531pi and some Samoan television programming available via Triangle Television.

 

• The largest Pacific Peoples community in New Zealand
• Over 131,000 people identified as Samoan at the 2006 Census