Census data has revealed a surge in Kiwis identifying as Māori.

Almost one million people says they're of Māori descent, up more than 12 percent on the 2018 Census.

Te Kāhui Raraunga Chair, Rahui Papa, says it's a transformation shift.

"I think there's been a groundswell of people who have not only identified as Māori, but have found their Māori whakapapa. And that's been one of the upturns that the latest Census data captured."

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