New Zealand is undergoing a slow religious transformation, highlighting added challenges and opportunities in the management of our workforce.
According to the 2013 Census, the percentage of New Zealanders who identify as Christian has decreased to under 50 per cent, while minority religions such as Hinduism, Sikhism and Islam are increasing.
Compared with the 2006 Census, the number of New Zealanders affiliated with the Sikh religion has more than doubled -- 19,191 are now so affiliated compared with 9507 in 2006.
The number affiliated with Hinduism has increased from 64,392 in 2006 to 89,919 in 2013. Those following the Muslim faith increased from 36,072 in 2006 to 46,149 in 2013.
In light of the changing landscape of New Zealand religiosity, the needs of the country's workforce are inevitably changing too.