Post by kokonutwoman on Oct 10, 2008 5:59:56 GMT 12
Asia leading origin for Chch residents
By MIKE HOULAHAN - The Press | Friday, 10 October 2008
Christchurch's reputation as being a slice of England abroad may need revising in years to come, a new report on the burgeoning Asian population in the city says.
Auckland academic Wardlow Friesen's report for the Asia New Zealand Foundation said Christchurch had matched the national trend toward a substantial alteration in the ethnic composition of its population.
Changes to immigration regulations had seen the number of Christchurch residents born in Asia soar during the past 20 years, to the point where they rivalled Britain and Ireland, the traditional source of migrants to the city.
"The flows of international students have resulted in a youthful population in Christchurch, especially Chinese and Koreans, who have had the most significant numbers in recent years," Friesen said. "In the short to medium term it seems likely that this will continue to be the case. For the population of permanent residents, however, the population will slowly age and move closer to the general population in age, but if we assume that the immigration of permanent residents will continue, the Asian population will continue to be rejuvenated to some extent."
The 2006 Census showed most of Christchurch's Asian citizens lived in the central city or in university suburbs such as Riccarton or Ilam. There were 94 Asian men to every 100 Asian women in Christchurch, the Filipino community having the lowest ratio of 50 men to every 100 women. Language was little barrier for many migrants and 86 per cent of all Asians said they could hold an everyday conversation in English the same proportion as nationally.
People moving to Christchurch from Asia have not always felt welcome. In 2004 a high-profile anti-racism rally in the city attracted 2000 people, and sparked a debate on race relations in the city.
Friesen said as Christchurch's Asian population increased, the city's cultural landscape would evolve.
"Despite some problems, the indications so far are that diversity can be embraced while basic values and institutions remain."
ASIAN GROWTH Christchurch is the second destination of choice for migrants, after Auckland. Christchurch's Asian-born population has soared from fewer than 5000 in 1991 to almost 22,000 in 2006. Statistics New Zealand predicts a likely Asian population of 55,000 in Christchurch by 2026.