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1871 New Zealand census

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sixth census of the
colony of New Zealand

← 1867 27 February 1871; 153 years ago (1871-02-27) 1874 →

General information
CountryNew Zealand
Results
Total population256,393 (Increase 17.25%)
Most populous ​districtAuckland (62,335)
Least populous ​districtTaranaki (4,480)

The 1871 New Zealand census was New Zealand's sixth national census.[1] The day used for the census was Monday, 27 February 1871. It was the first census held in New Zealand for which separate census reports were produced, rather than including population statistics in a general report of statistical information about agriculture, exports and so on.[2]

The total population of the Colony of New Zealand was counted as 256,393 of whom 150,356 were males and 106,037 females – an increase of 37,725 people, 17.25% since the previous 1867 census. Only the European population was counted; no Māori census was held.[1]

Population

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The distribution of this population through the principal divisions of the colony reflecting the provinces was as follows:

Provincial district Males Females Total population Population increase or decrease
Auckland 35,502 26,833 62,335 +29.00%
Taranaki 2,572 1,908 4,480 +2.77%
Hawke's Bay 3,596 2,463 6,059 +14.68%
Wellington 13,180 10,821 24,001 +9.34%
Nelson 14,257 8,244 22,501 −5.51%
Marlborough 3,235 2,000 5,235 +19.76%
Canterbury 25,781 21,020 46,801 +22.09%
Westland 10,453 4,904 15,357 −1.13%
Otago 36,771 23,951 60,722 +25.00%
Southland 4,920 3,849 8,769 +10.39%
Colony of New Zealand 150,356 106,037 256,393 Increase 17.25%
Source: Statistics New Zealand[3]

Note: Includes Stewart Island and Chatham Islands males 89, females 44 (total 133).

Birthplace

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The figures show that of the total population, only 36.46% were born in New Zealand. The majority of the resident population (63.54%) was born overseas, mostly in the United Kingdom.[3]

Places of birth Population
Percentage Population increase or decrease
New Zealand 93,474 36.46% +45.93%
Totals, overseas-born 162,912 63.54%
England England 67,044 26.15% +2.17%
Scotland Scotland 36,871 14.38% +5.86%
Republic of Ireland Ireland 29,733 11.60% +6.36%
Australian Colonies 12,426 4.85%
Other British Dominions 4,062 1.58%
German Empire Germany 2,416 0.94% −14.86%
Wales Wales 1,345 0.52% +1.97%
United States United States 1,249 0.49% +2.96%
France France 551 0.22% −0.36%
Other Foreign Countries
(Incl:China)
5,859 2.28%
At sea 823 0.32%
Not specified 540 0.21%
Total (non-Māori) 256,393 100.00% Increase
Source:SNZ[3]

Religious denominations

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Members of Christian denominations formed 94.51% of those who answered the question in the census. 5.49% of the population were members of non-Christian sects, and those who stated themselves as "otherwise described" numbered 2.38%. 3.36% objected to stating their religion at all.

Denomination 1871 census
Population Percentage
Christian 239,542 94.51%
    Church of England 102,389 39.93%
    Presbyterians 63,624 24.82%
    Roman; Catholics and Catholics undefined 35,608 13.89%
    Wesleyan Methodist Church 19,971 7.79%
    Baptists 4,732 1.84%
    Congregational Independents 3,941 1.54%
    Lutheran Church 2,341 0.91%
    Primitive Methodists 1,883 1.73%
    Society of Friends 201 0.08%
    Protestants (No Particular Denomination Specified) 4,852 1.98%
Hebrews 1,262 0.50%
Otherwise described 6,097 2.38%
Not described 862 0.33%
Objecting to state 8,630 3.36%
New Zealand 256,393 100.00%
Source:[3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Dates of New Zealand censuses since 1851". Stats.govt.nz. Archived from the original on 16 November 2015. Retrieved 16 January 2016.
  2. ^ "A history of census-taking in New Zealand". Stats.govt.nz. Archived from the original on 13 November 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2016.
  3. ^ a b c d "Results of A Census of New Zealand, Taken for the Night of the 27TH February, 1871". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 13 March 2019.