Christianity in New Zealand

The 2013 census results were recently released in New Zealand and they show an alarming acceleration of trends that are present in all Anglosphere countries. The tables below show key trends in religious affiliation since 2001.

The share of the population responding “No Religion" has increased to 39%, far higher than Canada (24%) and Australia (22%).

Those identifying as Christian now represent less than half the population and are declining in absolute numbers.  At this rate the non-religious in New Zealand will likely outnumber Christians within the next five years.

Table 1: Religious affiliation - total population

Affiliation	2001 (000)	2006 (000)	2013 (000)	2001 (%)	2006 (%)	2013 (%)
Christian	2,076	2,063	1,880	56%	51%	44%
Hindu	40	65	90	1%	2%	2%
Buddhist	42	52	58	1%	1%	1%
Muslim	24	36	46	<1%	<1%	1%
Jewish	7	7	7	<1%	<1%	<1%
Other	100	112	107	3%	3%	3%
No religion	1,028	1,297	1,635	28%	32%	39%
No response	527	536	520	14%	13%	12%
Total	3,737	4,028	4,242	100%	100%	100%

The second table shows the breakdown of Christian respondents by major denomination:

Table 2: Religious affiliation - Christian denominations

Affiliation	2001 (000)	2006 (000)	2013 (000)	2001 (%)	2006 (%)	2013 (%)
Catholic	486	509	492	23%	25%	26%
Anglican	585	555	460	28%	27%	24%
Presbyterian	432	401	331	21%	19%	18%
Methodist	121	122	103	6%	6%	5%
Pentecostal	67	80	74	3%	4%	4%
Baptist	51	57	54	2%	3%	3%
Orthodox	10	13	14	1%	1%	1%
Lutheran	4	4	4	<1%	<1%	<1%
Other	320	321	347	15%	16%	18%
Total	2,076	2,063	1,880	100%	100%	100%

Anglican and Presbyterian numbers have been particularly hard hit, declining more than 20% in absolute terms over the last twelve years. Lutheran numbers are very small - fewer than 4,000 and representing only 0.2% of all Christians in New Zealand (versus 2% in Australia and Canada).