Educational qualifications

Social and economic indicators
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Why we monitor educational qualifications

Peoples' educational qualifications have implications for the economic development in the region. An increase in the region’s educational skill base may allow greater diversification of the region’s economyand may may also raise regional awareness of environmental concerns through increased understanding of the issues involved.

This indicator monitors the educational qualifications of people in our region and the distribution of those qualifications between districts.

What's happening?

In 2018, the number of people without educational qualification (14 per cent) in our region were higher than the New Zealand average (11 per cent). This could affect the adoption of new technologies and establishment of new industries in the Waikato region, as new businesses may choose to locate in regions with a more highly skilled workforce.

Results - data and trends

The Census data were collected on March 5, 2018.

The visuals below compare the educational level of the Waikato region and the districts within it with New Zealand data.

  • Around 14 per cent of people in the Waikato region stated that they have no educational qualifications (Level One Certificate or above), whereas around 12 per cent of New Zealanders reported that they have no educational qualifications.
  • The proportion of Waikato residents with no qualification has decreased from 18 per cent in 2013 to 14 per cent in 2013.
  • Thirty-five percent of New Zealanders and 30 per cent of Waikato residents have a post-school qualification such as a vocational qualification or a bachelor's degree or higher degree.
  • Within the Waikato region, Hamilton city has the highest educated population on average. Around 45 per cent of Hamilton residents have a post-school qualification versus 30 per cent for the Waikato region.
  • Hauraki and South Waikato districts have the highest proportion of people with no formal qualification (30 per cent).

Source: Census 2018

Methods - how we monitor

More information

When this indicator is updated

The indicator is updated every five years. The next update is due in 2024 using results from the 2023 Census.

Last updated July 2023

Further indicator developments

No changes are planned for this indicator.

Footnotes

  1. Copyright: Information obtained from Statistics New Zealand may be freely used, reproduced, or quoted unless otherwise specified. In all cases Statistics New Zealand must be acknowledged as the source.