Scottish New Zealanders

Scottish New Zealanders

Total population
18,627 (by birth, 2018)[1] estimated amount by ancestry 1-2 million
Regions with significant populations
throughout New Zealand, but especially in Otago, and Southland, with the highest concentration in Dunedin
Languages
New Zealand English (Southland burr), Scots, Scottish Gaelic
Religion
Roman Catholic, Protestantism (Presbyterianism, Anglicanism etc)
Related ethnic groups
Scottish people, Scottish Australians, European New Zealanders, Irish New Zealanders, Welsh New Zealanders

Scottish New Zealanders are New Zealanders of Scottish ancestry or who originate from Scotland. The number of New Zealanders who are descended from Scots is unknown, as the New Zealand census asks for ethnicity, not ancestry, and most have now assimilated; nonetheless, the vast majority of Pākehā, or European New Zealanders are of British and Irish descent, and it has been estimated that 1-2 million New Zealanders have roots in Scotland. This includes many Māori, as a large proportion of which have European roots as well.^[2][3][4] Most Scottish New Zealanders live in New Zealand's deep southern regions of Otago and Southland, New Zealand, where they have had a substantial influence. Scottish influence on Dunedin, one of New Zealand's most historically important cities was profound, and Presbyterianism is the major religion south of Christchurch. In some parts of Otago but all of Murihiku (also known as Southland in English), there is a distinct accent known as the "Southland Brrr", which differs from mainstream New Zealand English for being strongly rhotic.^[5]

Scottish migration to New Zealand dates back to the earliest period of European colonisation. However, identification as "British" or "European" New Zealanders can sometimes obscure their origin. The majority of Scottish immigrants settled in the South Island. All over New Zealand, the Scots developed different means to bridge the old homeland and the new. Many Caledonian societies were formed, well over 100 by the early twentieth century, who helped maintain Scottish culture and traditions. From the 1860s, these societies organised annual Caledonian Games throughout New Zealand. The Games were sports meets that brought together Scottish settlers and the wider New Zealand public. In so doing, the Games gave Scots a path to cultural integration as Scottish New Zealanders.^[6]