Migrants of Indian descent have emerged as the highest earners among all ethnic groups in New Zealand, according to Census 2023 data released recently.
Kiwi-Indians posted a median annual income of $51,600, followed by ‘other ethnicities’ at $47,900 and Southeast Asians at $45,900. The national median wage stood at $41,500.
This remarkable performance is buoyed by the exceptional earnings of young Kiwi-Indians aged 15-29, whose median income of $37,400 surpasses all other ethnicities in the same age group.
Sociologist Paul Spoonley, emeritus professor at Massey University, says the data indicates Indian migrants are coming in at higher salaries.
"They are coming in skilled categories," he says, pointing to the arrival of Indian migrants through skilled migration pathways.
"The rise of tertiary-educated Indians, particularly New Zealand-born, plays a significant role."
The data underscores the economic strength and contribution of the Indian community, particularly among younger members who have established themselves as the top earners in their demographic
The $37,400 median income for young Indians is more than double that of Southeast Asians ($17,600) and Middle Eastern Latin American and African (MELAA) groups-$16,500-in the same age range.
It’s also significantly higher than the median for young Europeans ($26,700) and Māori ($24,000). When compared to their closest competitors in the 15-29 age group, young Indians earn nearly $10,700 more than Europeans and $19,800 more than Chinese.
While Indians continue to perform strongly in the 30-64 age group with a median income of $59,000, they are slightly edged out by Europeans ($61,800) and Other Ethnicities ($61,300).
However, the gap narrows significantly when compared to Southeast Asians, whose median income in this bracket is $55,000, and Chinese, at $51,000.
This year, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford tore into the previous government for policies she said allowed nearly 50,000 low-skilled migrants into the country.
Spoonley points out, “The minister has identified an increase in low-skill migrants post-Covid…The minister wants to go back to skilled migrants, and a key part of that will be salary levels as an indication of how the labour market sees migrants. Indian migrants are exceeding those salary levels, reflecting a much more varied flow of migrants."
Experts point to several factors driving the success of Kiwi-Indians, including a strong emphasis on education, entrepreneurship, and participation in high-demand industries like technology, healthcare, and engineering. The community’s ability to adapt and thrive in New Zealand’s competitive job market has set them apart as leaders in economic contribution.
Despite the positive news for the Indian community, the data also reveals significant income gaps for other ethnic groups, particularly among younger members. Targeted initiatives and support could help address these disparities, fostering a more equitable economic environment across New Zealand.
Beyond the high median wage levels, the Census data also points to a range of indicators that underscore the contribution Kiwi-Indians make to the country’s social fabric.
According to the data, more than 40 per cent of Kiwi-Indians are employed in managerial or professional roles, reflecting their expertise and the value they bring to New Zealand’s industries. Meanwhile, seven per cent work as labourers.
More than 65 per cent of Indian adults hold post-school qualifications, significantly higher than the national average of 54 per cent. A remarkable 26.1 per cent possess bachelor’s degrees, and 19.1 per cent hold postgraduate qualifications.