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The population of New Zealand is about 4.1 million of which 80% are of European descent. The Maoris are the largest group of the non European ethnic group. Europeans
The groups of New Zealanders who are of European descent are collectively known as 'Pakeha'. The term means non Maoris. Most of the Pakeha have British and Irish ancestry though there are small percentages of Dutch, South Slav and Italian. General information
New Zealand has open immigration policies as its government wishes to increase its population by 1% annually. Currently the country has almost 30% of the total immigrants from United Kingdom which accounts for the single largest group. The nation draws immigrants from other nations all over the world. But major influxes have been noticed in the numbers coming from East Asia that includes people from Japan, China, Korea and South East Asia.
Religion
As recorded in 2001 census, the predominant religion in the country is Christianity. It accounts for a total of 60% of the total population of New Zealand. The main Christian denominations are Anglicanism, Roman Catholicism, Presbyterianism and Methodism. A significant number are there who identify themselves with the Pentecoastal and Baptist churches and with LDS church.
Though a significant section do not profess any religion or faith, the minority sections include population who profess Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism.
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