Local Demographics in Wellington

Good to Know

• Wellington's foreign-born population at 34.4% is significantly higher than the national average (28.8%), making it a genuinely multicultural city with strong international connectivity.
• Asian residents comprise 20.4% of the population—the largest non-European group—reflecting the city's role as a tech and international business hub.
• Wellington is home to nearly half of New Zealand's Tokelauan and 40% of its Greek populations, indicating specific diaspora communities.
• The tech startup ecosystem ranks 2nd in New Zealand with 4,500+ tech companies; globally-recognized brands like Xero, Sharesies, and Weta FX are Wellington-based.
• 16% of all New Zealand tech workers are concentrated in Wellington despite the city having only 10% of the national population—a genuine cluster of tech talent.
• Government employment and institutions (Parliament, Supreme Court, major agencies) remain a major economic pillar alongside the growing tech and creative sectors.
• The city's young demographic (median age 34.9 vs. national 38.1) reflects Victoria University's presence and appeal to young professionals in tech and creative industries.