The face of this country is changing, quite literally, with New Zealand's Asian, Pacific and Maori populations expected to grow more quickly than the pakeha population, according to Statistics NZ's latest population projections.

Statistics NZ expects all ethnic populations to grow between 2013 and 2038 with the Asian population growing the fastest.

"The broad Asian ethnic group will increase the most over the period," Statistics NZ said.

"This group's population is projected to rise from 540,000 in 2013 to 1.2-1.4 million in 2038.

"The Pacific ethnic group is also expected to rise significantly, from 340,000 in 2013 to 530,000 - 650,000 in 2038.

The Maori population is expected to pass one million by 2038.

The European or "other" population is expected to grow more slowly, rising from 3.3 million in 2013 to 3.6 - 4.0 million in 2038.

This country's total population is expected to increase from 4.4 million in 2013 to 5.2 - 6.3 million in 2038.

That means the European or "other" ethnic group's share of the total population will drop from 75% in 2013 to 66% in 2038.

"The European or "other" population is growing, but not as fast as other ethnic populations," Statistics NZ population statistics manager Peter Dolan said.

"The Maori, Asian and Pacific populations are growing faster because of their younger age structures, combined with higher birth rates or migration."

The Asian ethnic group is expected to pass the number of Maori people by 2023 and make up 22% of this country's population by 2038.

Maori are expected to make up 18% of the population by 2038.