Cultural Diversity in the Western Bay

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is welcoming migrants to the Bay of Plenty and to New Zealand, and is committed to seeing migrants settled and integrated successfully into their new lives in the Bay.

We are committed to embracing the District's cultural diversity and to build and strengthen a cohesive and culturally connected community.

Snapshot of Western Bay of Plenty District's cultural diversity

• 81% of people in Western Bay’s belong to the European ethnic group
• 19.5% of Western Bay’s population was born overseas
• 19% of Western Bay’s population identify as Māori
• 6% of Western Bay’s population identify as Asian
• 3% of Western Bay’s population identify as Pacific Peoples
• The overseas born population of Western Bay of Plenty District who have less than five years since arrival in New Zealand – 21.1%

Top languages spoken: Punjabi, French, German, Spanish, Afrikaans, Hindi.

Proportion of new migrants coming to the Bay of Plenty

• 45% Asia
• 20% UK and Ireland
• 10% Australia

Top languages spoken: Punjabi, French, German, Spanish, Afrikaans, Hindi.

*Source: Census 2018

Welcoming communities - Te waharoa ki ngā hapori

Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council are taking part in a two-year pilot programme called Welcoming Communities. The programme recognises that a strong and vibrant community is one that enables all of its members to participate in its economic, civic and social life, and where everyone feels included and has a sense of belonging and opportunities to succeed.

Read more about the Welcoming Communities programme here.