Maori Across the Tasman

More Maori live in Australia than in New Zealand according to leading population expert Australian Professor Peter McDonald. Studies show there are about 110,000 Maori in Australia, representing about one in four of all New Zealand migrants who have settled here. This compares with about 15 per cent of New Zealand’s total population declaring themselves to be Maori. Professor McDonald, who is chairing a public inquiry into the need for a population policy in Queensland, said one of the biggest drivers of the state’s growth was newly arrived New Zealanders due to the relaxed travel and settlement agreements between the two countries. The inquiry is due to produce an interim report by May.