Moving to New Zealand is the ultimate dream for many expats, including the black community. But first, you must determine the best place to live in New Zealand based on your specific needs and interests.

With that said, we answered this question for you: which are the best places for black families in New Zealand? 

The best places to live in New Zealand for black families are Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, and Christchurch due to their strong diversity ratings based on the country’s yearly censuses. Rich opportunities, culture, and lifestyle are some of the reasons why most black families prefer these areas.

We’ll discuss each of these places below,  plus other pertinent information.

Quick Background of New Zealand’s Diverse Ethnic Mix

Data from the 2018 Census by Stats NZ shows that New Zealand’s cultural makeup is becoming more diverse because of the country’s rapid population growth over the previous five years.

In fact, 1,271,775 people who were foreign-born were included in the census resident population count in March 2018. 

1.5% of the nation’s population claim to be at least one of Middle Eastern, Latin American, or African ancestries –  13,000 of the said percentage are those belonging to the black community.

The table below shows the proportions of ethnic groups based on the census, as well as the 2013 census to demonstrate population growth.

Ethnic group	2013	2018
European	74%	70.2%
Māori	14.9%	16.5%
Asian	11.8%	15.1%
Pacific peoples	7.4%	8.1%
Middle Eastern/Latin American/African	1.2%	1.5%
Other ethnicities	1.7%	1.2%

The 1.5% have undoubtedly successfully settled in the country and found a place to call home. But what about the people of color who have begun to consider relocating to the country?

The following sections will help you learn more about New Zealand’s many different places and what they can offer you if you choose to call them home.

Auckland 

Expats adore Auckland, seeing as it is the most diverse city in New Zealand – it has populations that trace their ancestry to Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Not to mention that it is the largest one in the country. 

Why is Auckland good for black families?

Although Auckland does have a high cost of living with expensive rents and real estate, it still has its own charisma that many families of people of color look for a place to live.

1. Auckland is family-friendly

Outdoor and sporting activities are major aspects of the lifestyle in this rugby-loving city. 

With so much on offer, families with children of all ages will surely settle into their new lives quickly and seamlessly. 

Visits to Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium and Auckland Zoo are ideal activities for children, while Snowplanet, an indoor snow recreation center less than 30 minutes from Auckland, is suitable for the entire family.

There were also endless things to do for everyone in the city, which many foreign-born will surely find exciting. This includes opportunities galore for tourists and residents alike, such as bungee jumping, shopping, and sailing around and around its coastal islands with friends.

While many sights and attractions are free or low-cost for New Zealand residents, trips to cultural excursions and recreational activities can be expensive, particularly for expats. As a result, we recommend budgeting accordingly.

2. Auckland has a diverse lifestyle and culture

It is no secret that newcomers may be surprised by the high cost of living. It’s simply due to the city’s expensive rent and even pricey basic groceries. 

While there are numerous accommodation options available, it is safe to say that not all are affordable for everyone.

Nonetheless, we cannot deny that this location excels in terms of its diverse atmosphere.

Auckland’s suburbs and housing cater to a wide range of tastes, whether you want a beachfront neighborhood, a neighborhood ideal for morning runs, a quirky environment, or a home near the best restaurants.

Parnell, for example, is one of the city’s oldest and wealthiest suburbs, with comfortable lodging, upscale boutiques, and excellent eateries.

There’s also Kingsland, which is known for its trendy atmosphere, live music nights, and proximity to the Eden Park stadium.

3. Auckland has a robust healthcare system

New arrivals with work permits that allow them to stay for two years or more may be eligible for subsidized or free healthcare services. They and their families may be eligible for health insurance as well.

Auckland’s hospitals and clinics provide high-quality medical care and facilities. As previously stated, almost all services are provided for free to those who qualify, including fertility services, inpatient and outpatient treatments, and assistance for those with disabilities.

Hamilton

The city of Hamilton, an hour south of Auckland and known as “The City of the Future,” was once a sleepy regional center. Today, the ambitious motto is becoming a reality. Hamilton is growing in popularity, and more expats are moving there.

It has a diverse ethnic population, with nearly one-quarter of the population having been born outside of New Zealand.

Why is Hamilton good for black families?

There are several good reasons why there are so many newcomers in the city. Houses and rents in Hamilton, for example, are  20% to 25% less expensive than in Auckland. Furthermore, businesses are choosing to locate in Hamilton and the surrounding area.

1. Hamilton has rich opportunities

Living in Hamilton is generally less expensive than in other major cities in New Zealand. So, if you’re looking for a slightly more rural lifestyle in a rapidly growing area of New Zealand, Hamilton might be a good place to start.

They offer some great migration opportunities, especially in the agriculture and mining industries, as they are important parts of the Hamilton economy. 

The demand for specialized skills in these sectors, particularly in various engineering roles, is expected to rise as the industry expands. 

Manufacturing, wholesale, and retail are also important industries in Hamilton.

2. Hamilton has a strong education system

New Zealand has been recognized by the Legatum Prosperity Index as having the best education system in the world, which is why thousands of international students head there each year.

The University of Waikato, located in Hamilton, was rated in the top 1.1% of universities in the world in 2017. The university has received numerous awards and accreditations, especially in the business, management, and engineering disciplines.

The “International Student Wellbeing Strategy” was launched at the university in June 2017 and aims to better support international students in New Zealand.

Wellington

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. As a result, government branches and agencies employ nearly 20% of Wellington’s workforce. 

Many of these organizations accept qualified people of color migrants’ job applications and will assist in sponsoring a work-related visa.

Why is Wellington good for black families?

According to the official encyclopedia of New Zealand, African immigrants live mostly in Wellington, as well as in Auckland and Christchurch (another city that we’ll get to later). So, this city could really be home to black families looking to relocate to New Zealand.

1. Wellington has an affordable cost of living

Wellington’s cost of living is much more moderate compared to other New Zealand cities like Auckland. 

A single person in Wellington would spend $1,467.10NZ$ per month on rent or mortgage, groceries, transportation, basic entertainment, and bills, 

A person with two dependents and a spouse would spend $5,284.23NZ$ per month, which is quite low when compared to Auckland.

2. Welling is great for job-seekers

Wellington, New Zealand’s second-largest city, is an excellent place to settle down. 

In addition to the government and all of its ministries, the city is home to a large number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The city’s economy thrives as a result of all the businesses in the area.

The city is well known in the New Zealand film industry. In addition to filming in the city, Wellington is home to special effects studios and a variety of custom-built film sets. 

With coworking spaces and support networks located throughout the city, its level of creativity makes it an ideal location for startups and freelancers.

But the most important thing of all is that their job market welcomes expatriates. All these things make Wellington a favorite for expats and migrants. 

Like most cities with growing economies, Wellington has a range of job opportunities. High-priority areas are ICT, engineering, business and finance, health, and construction.

3. Wellington offers a work-life balance

While working hard and getting ahead is important for new arrivals to the city, balancing family time and seeing friends is critical.

Because of Wellington’s location, newcomers who have settled and mastered life in the city for a couple of years may enjoy a great work-life balance.

The harbor in the area is a popular spot for sailing and a variety of water sports, making it ideal for families looking for fun in the midst of a hectic schedule.

Wellingtonians enjoy evenings at Oriental Bay, as well as hikes up Mount Victoria and exploring the city’s coffee shops and breweries.

Christchurch

As previously stated, Christchurch, along with Auckland and Wellington, is one of the most popular places for the black community to live in the country. It is the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island and has long been popular with expatriates.

Many foreign-born residents of New Zealand chose to settle in the area because of its reasonably priced and well-built housing, as the infrastructure was rebuilt better than ever after severe earthquakes in 2011. Not to mention how diverse the place is.

Why is Christchurch good for black families?

Expats considering relocating to Christchurch can expect friendly locals, beautiful parks and reserves, and an urban city center that is ideal for raising a family.

1. Christchurch is an ethnically diverse city

According to an article by Waka Toa Ora, 75.4% of Christchurch residents identified as New Zealand European, compared to 67.6% for the entire country in 2006. 

This refers to people from many different ethnic groups, including British, Irish, South Africans, Australians, and people from other European countries.

Asians were the next largest group, accounting for 7.9% of the city’s population versus 9.2% nationally. This population is made up of people from a variety of nationalities, including Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Thai, and Malaysian.

While Maori account for 7.6% of the population (14.7% nationally), Pacific Islanders account for 2.8% (6.9% nationally).

2. Christchurch welcomes every family

Christchurch welcomes all families into their community and provides a wide range of services for children’s needs, including schools.

There are several prestigious high schools in the area – academic achievement is particularly high in single-gender schools. Christchurch also has a large number of public co-educational schools.

The city’s tourism industry is well-developed. Aside from its residents, the area serves as the main entry point for most visitors to the South Island.

A number of popular attractions are nearby, making for easy day or weekend trips away from the city for the entire family. Akaroa, Hanmer Springs, and Kaikoura have long been popular weekend getaway destinations.

New Zealand’s Smaller Regional Centers 

Smaller regional centers in New Zealand may also be the best places to live in New Zealand for every family, regardless of ethnicity.

The outdoors are fantastic in the area, and there is plenty of it. As a result, the country’s regional towns are always ideal for people with a background in agriculture or primary industries.

Children can also attend local schools and participate in activities, allowing them to meet new people and learn about New Zealand culture.

Unfortunately, the country’s regional towns lack international airports. Air travel to Auckland or Christchurch from the regions can be expensive, and driving can take 3 to 6 hours.

---

It’s no secret that every year, thousands of migrants and expatriates successfully relocate to New Zealand. Some come for a working holiday and stay for years, while others end up staying after an unforgettable vacation with the Kiwis.

As per the black community, they sure do feel welcome (as evidenced by the 2018 census) in the country. 

However, the reality is that New Zealand, just like other communities, continues to struggle with anti-black racism. And sadly, until now, addressing it has been an ongoing challenge.

On the bright side, we sincerely hope that this article will help you locate an ethnically and racially diverse place to live in New Zealand. Check out more of our articles to see what other options you have in this beautiful country!