Population growth highest in five years

The estimated resident population of New Zealand was 4,346,700 at 31 December 2009, an annual increase of 1.3 percent (55,100), Statistics New Zealand said today. "This is the highest population growth since September 2004, when the population increased 1.4 percent, or 56,000 people," Population Statistics manager Denise McGregor said. The population growth in the December 2009 year is an increase from the previous year when New Zealand's population grew by 0.9 percent (39,000).

Although the main contributor to population growth during the December 2009 year was natural increase (excess of births over deaths), the higher growth compared with previous years was due to fewer permanent and long-term departures resulting in increased net migration. Natural increase contributed 33,900, down 1,300 on the previous December year. Permanent and long-term arrivals exceeded departures by 21,300 in the latest year, up from a net migration gain of 3,800 in the December 2008 year.

In the December 2009 year there have been increases in the population in all broad age groups, with the largest percentage increase among those aged 65 years and over (2.8 percent). The 40–64 age group is also growing faster than the total population, with an increase of 1.7 percent in the year ended 31 December 2009. "The increases in the older age groups reflect New Zealand's ageing society, which is due to a shift to sustained low fertility and low mortality," Mrs McGregor said.

Geoff Bascand 12 February 2010

Government Statistician