One in eight babies born in New Zealand now has an Indian mother, shows data

The number of babies born to ethnically Indian mothers in New Zealand has risen sharply over the past 16 years. According to Statistics New Zealand birth registration data presented at the International Population Conference (IPC) 2025, the share of births to Indian mothers increased from 2.8 per cent in 2008 to 12.6 per cent in 2024.

The figures mean that more than one in eight babies born in New Zealand last year had an ethnically Indian mother.

Indian share of births rises steadily

The growth has been consistent over the past 16 years. Births to ethnically Indian mothers accounted for 2.8 per cent of all births in 2008, rising to 3.5 per cent in 2012, 5.5 per cent in 2016, 7.9 per cent in 2020, and 12.6 per cent in 2024.

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Overall, the share has increased more than fourfold since 2008.

The rise comes even as New Zealand's overall fertility rate has declined in recent years.

Migration behind the trend

Researchers say the increase is largely linked to migration and the rapid growth of New Zealand's Indian community.

Over the past two decades, India has become one of New Zealand's largest sources of migrants. Many Indian migrants are young adults who have settled in cities such as Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch, and are now starting families.

The study notes that the younger age profile of the Indian population means a larger share is in the child-bearing age group compared with New Zealand's ageing European-origin population.

The findings reflect broader demographic changes taking place across New Zealand.

Recent census data shows Indians are among the country's fastest-growing ethnic communities, with growing representation across sectors including healthcare, information technology, education, retail and business.

Researchers also note that while fertility rates have fallen across most ethnic groups, migration is playing an increasingly important role in shaping New Zealand's population.

They say these trends are likely to influence future planning for schools, healthcare, housing and the workforce as the country's population becomes more diverse.

The findings were presented at the International Population Conference 2025, organised by the International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP), using Statistics New Zealand birth registration data.