New Zealand is a multi-cultural society with a population of about 3.8 million. About 75 per cent live in the North Island, and about one million people live in the Auckland region (of which North Shore City is a part of).

New Zealand's society reflects many years of migration from all parts of the globe. Most New Zealanders are of British descent, with others from European cultures such as Greek, Italian, French, Dutch, Dalmatian, Scandinavian and German. More recently people from islands throughout the Pacific, such as Samoa and Fiji, have also settled here, along with immigrants from South Africa, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

The largest non-European group of people in New Zealand are the indigenous Maori, New Zealand's first settlers and the tangata whenua (people of the land). Maori culture, art and traditions are an important part of New Zealand's heritage.

New Zealand's two official languages are English and Maori. English is the language that is most commonly spoken. Te Reo Maori (Maori language) is not spoken as much as English, but many New Zealanders are learning the language and using it in their daily lives.

Source: New Zealand Immigration, New Zealand - the facts