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Understanding Changes in the Distribution of Maori Incomes 1997-2003
Abstract
This paper reports findings from a study of changes in Mâori income levels and income dispersion between 1997 and 2003. Data from Statistics New Zealand’s Income Survey (IS) are used to describe and evaluate the main changes in the Mâori income distribution in this period, which was characterised by substantial increases in employment rates and improvements in the skill levels of working-aged Mâori. A parallel analysis of the main changes in the European/Pâkeha income distribution is provided for comparative purposes. The results show significant reductions in the proportion of Mâori with no weekly income in the reference week, or incomes of $150-200 a week, and significant increases in the proportion with incomes at or above the modal income level. Areas of growth in the density of the income distribution were fairly evenly spread across lower-middle to high income levels. Income inequality within the total working-aged Mâori population declined, while income inequality among employed Mâori was stable.
Citation
Dixon, Sylvia and David C. Maré. 2004. "Understanding Changes in the Distribution of Maori Incomes 1997-2003," paper presented to the NZAE Conference, Wellington, July, 2004.
Motu code: MEL0250
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