New Zealand's population climbs to 4.37 million

The estimated resident population of New Zealand was 4,367,700 at 30 June 2010, Statistics New Zealand said today. The population increased by 51,900 (1.2 percent) in the June 2010 year, which was more than the 46,900 (1.1 percent) increase in the preceding year.

In the June 2010 year both natural increase (the excess of births over deaths) and net migration were higher than the previous year.

"Natural increase was 35,400, up 1,000 from the June 2009 year, accounting for about two-thirds of population growth in the June 2010 year," Population Statistics manager Bridget Hamilton-Seymour said. "Permanent and long-term arrivals exceeded departures by 16,500 in the latest year, compared with a net migration gain of 12,500 in the June 2009 year".

At 30 June 2010, half the male population was over 35.5 years of age, and half of females were over 37.6 years of age. Over the last 10 years, the median age has increased by 2.0 years for males and 2.5 years for females.