Here's a breakdown of the information available:
* New Zealand Census: The 2018 New Zealand Census recorded 797,900 people identifying as Māori. This is roughly 16% of the total population.
* Self-identification: Many people of Māori descent may not identify as Māori on official census forms. They may identify as New Zealanders, Pacific Islanders, or other ethnicities.
* Whakapapa (Genealogy): Some Māori people believe that their whakapapa (genealogy) is the primary way to determine who is Māori. This means that someone could be Māori based on their lineage, even if they don't identify as such on official forms.
Therefore, the actual number of Māori people is likely higher than the census figure.
It's important to recognize the diversity within the Māori community and the evolving nature of cultural identity.