# 1871 New Zealand census

The 1871 New Zealand census was New Zealand's sixth national census. The day used for the census was Monday, 27 February 1871. It was the first census held in New Zealand for which separate census reports were produced, rather than including population statistics in a general report of statistical information about agriculture, exports and so on.
The total population of the Colony of New Zealand was counted as 256,393 of whom 150,356 were males and 106,037 females – an increase of 37,725 people, 17.25% since the previous 1867 census. Only the European population was counted; no Māori census was held.

## Population

The distribution of this population through the principal divisions of the colony reflecting the provinces was as follows:
| Provincial district | Males | Females | Total population | Population increase or decrease |
| Auckland | 35,502 | 26,833 | 62,335 | +29.00% |
| Taranaki | 2,572 | 1,908 | 4,480 | +2.77% |
| Hawke's Bay | 3,596 | 2,463 | 6,059 | +14.68% |
| Wellington | 13,180 | 10,821 | 24,001 | +9.34% |
| Nelson | 14,257 | 8,244 | 22,501 | −5.51% |
| Marlborough | 3,235 | 2,000 | 5,235 | +19.76% |
| Canterbury | 25,781 | 21,020 | 46,801 | +22.09% |
| Westland | 10,453 | 4,904 | 15,357 | −1.13% |
| Otago | 36,771 | 23,951 | 60,722 | +25.00% |
| Southland | 4,920 | 3,849 | 8,769 | +10.39% |
| Colony of New Zealand | 150,356 | 106,037 | 256,393 | 17.25% |
| Source: Statistics New Zealand |||||
Note: Includes Stewart Island and Chatham Islands males 89, females 44 (total 133).

### Birthplace

The figures show that of the total population, only 36.46% were born in New Zealand. The majority of the resident population (63.54%) was born overseas, mostly in the United Kingdom.
| Places of birth | Population | Percentage | Population increase or decrease |
| New Zealand | 93,474 | 36.46% | +45.93% |
| Totals, overseas-born | 162,912 | 63.54% | – |
| England | 67,044 | 26.15% | +2.17% |
| Scotland | 36,871 | 14.38% | +5.86% |
| Ireland | 29,733 | 11.60% | +6.36% |
| Australian Colonies | 12,426 | 4.85% | – |
| Other British Dominions | 4,062 | 1.58% | – |
| Germany | 2,416 | 0.94% | −14.86% |
| Wales | 1,345 | 0.52% | +1.97% |
| United States | 1,249 | 0.49% | +2.96% |
| France | 551 | 0.22% | −0.36% |
| Other Foreign Countries (Incl:China) | 5,859 | 2.28% | – |
| At sea | 823 | 0.32% | – |
| Not specified | 540 | 0.21% | – |
| Total (non-Māori) | 256,393 | 100.00% | |
| Source:SNZ ||||

### Religious denominations

Members of Christian denominations formed 94.51% of those who answered the question in the census. 5.49% of the population were members of non-Christian sects, and those who stated themselves as "otherwise described" numbered 2.38%. 3.36% objected to stating their religion at all.
| Denomination | 1871 census | 1871 census |
| Denomination | Population | Percentage |
| Christian | 239,542 | 94.51% |
| Church of England | 102,389 | 39.93% |
| Presbyterians | 63,624 | 24.82% |
| Roman; Catholics and Catholics undefined | 35,608 | 13.89% |
| Wesleyan Methodist Church | 19,971 | 7.79% |
| Baptists | 4,732 | 1.84% |
| Congregational Independents | 3,941 | 1.54% |
| Lutheran Church | 2,341 | 0.91% |
| Primitive Methodists | 1,883 | 1.73% |
| Society of Friends | 201 | 0.08% |
| Protestants (No Particular Denomination Specified) | 4,852 | 1.98% |
| Hebrews | 1,262 | 0.50% |
| Otherwise described | 6,097 | 2.38% |
| Not described | 862 | 0.33% |
| Objecting to state | 8,630 | 3.36% |
| New Zealand | 256,393 | 100.00% |
| Source: |||