Cultural diversity

Religion

About this topic

Religion records a person's stated religious affiliation, including no religion and not stated responses. It is a measure of cultural identity and belief rather than practice or participation.

This topic helps show the religious diversity of an area and can support planning for community facilities, faith-based services, and inclusive engagement. It is best interpreted with ancestry, birthplace, and language, which together provide a broader picture of cultural composition.

Interpretation notes

  • This records stated religious affiliation, not attendance or level of religious practice.
  • No religion and not stated are part of the overall picture, so interpretation should consider both affiliation and non-response.

Key insight

In 2021, No religion was the most common religious affiliation among residents in Napier, accounting for 51.5% (136 people). This share was higher than Albany (C) (50.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in No religion, which increased by 11 people and 4.3 percentage points.

Section overview

Religion - Ranked by size

Napier - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises religion for Napier in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Albany (C) and change since 2016.

Religion - Ranked by size snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Napier, with comparison markers for Albany (C).

Napier
Albany (C)

No Religion, so described

2021 count

136

% of total

51.5%

Change from 2016

+4.3pp

Anglican Church of Australia

2021 count

32

% of total

12.1%

Change from 2016

-2.2pp

Western Catholic

2021 count

25

% of total

9.5%

Change from 2016

-2.2pp

Not stated

2021 count

21

% of total

8.0%

Change from 2016

-6.3pp

Christianity, nfd

2021 count

17

% of total

6.4%

Change from 2016

+1.1pp

Uniting Church

2021 count

13

% of total

4.9%

Change from 2016

-2.3pp

Churches of Christ (Conference)

2021 count

10

% of total

3.8%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

Religion for Napier. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Albany (C).

Religion for Napier. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Albany (C).
Religion for Napier. Religion - Ranked by size. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Albany (C).
Category20212016Change
Count%Albany (C)%Count%Albany (C)%Countpp
No Religion, so described13651.5%50.1%12547.2%37.8%+11+4.3pp
Anglican Church of Australia3212.1%11.8%3814.3%16.6%-6-2.2pp
Western Catholic259.5%10.4%3111.7%12.8%-6-2.2pp
Not stated218.0%7.8%3814.3%9.9%-17-6.3pp
Christianity, nfd176.4%4.8%145.3%4.1%+3+1.1pp
Uniting Church134.9%2.7%197.2%4.0%-6-2.3pp
Churches of Christ (Conference)103.8%0.4%--0.4%--
Total264100.0%100.0%265100.0%100.0%-10.0pp

Excludes religions with fewer than 10 adherents.