The definition of Māori population is based on ethnicity, not descent.
This data omits censuses of 1851, 1861, 1864, 1867, and 1871, as Māori censuses were not taken in those years.
Because of reporting and definitional changes over time, such as between 1921 and 1926, the Māori population series should be treated with caution. This series is as consistent as possible with the current definition of ethnicity.
Census night population count: New Zealand residents and overseas visitors counted in New Zealand at each census.
Census usually resident population count: New Zealand residents counted in New Zealand at each census. These figures exclude residents temporarily overseas on census night and make no adjustment for under-enumeration at each census, and therefore differ from the estimated resident population.