The total population of New Zealand was estimated at approximately 5.34 million people in 2024. Following a continuous upward trend, the total population has risen by around 2.23 million people since 1980. Between 2024 and 2030, the total population will rise by around 460 thousand people, continuing its consistent upward trajectory.This indicator describes the total population in the country at hand. This total population of the country consists of all persons falling within the scope of the census.

Population, male (% of total population) in New Zealand was reported at 49.69 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. New Zealand - Population, male (% of total) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

Dataset contains ethnic group census usually resident population counts from the 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses, as well as the percentage change in the ethnic group population count between the 2013 and 2018 Censuses, and between the 2018 and 2023 Censuses. Data is available by regional council.

The ethnic groups are:

• European
• Māori
• Pacific peoples
• Asian
• Middle Eastern/Latin American/African
• Other ethnicity.

Map shows percentage change in the census usually resident population count for ethnic groups between the 2018 and 2023 Censuses.

Download lookup file from Stats NZ ArcGIS Online or embedded attachment in Stats NZ geographic data service. Download data table (excluding the geometry column for CSV files) using the instructions in the Koordinates help guide.

​

Footnotes

Geographical boundaries

Statistical standard for geographic areas 2023 (updated December 2023) has information about geographic boundaries as of 1 January 2023. Address data from 2013 and 2018 Censuses was updated to be consistent with the 2023 areas. Due to the changes in area boundaries and coding methodologies, 2013 and 2018 counts published in 2023 may be slightly different to those published in 2013 or 2018.

​

Subnational census usually resident population

The census usually resident population count of an area (subnational count) is a count of all people who usually live in that area and were present in New Zealand on census night. It excludes visitors from overseas, visitors from elsewhere in New Zealand, and residents temporarily overseas on census night. For example, a person who usually lives in Christchurch city and is visiting Wellington city on census night will be included in the census usually resident population count of Christchurch city.

​

Caution using time series

Time series data should be interpreted with care due to changes in census methodology and differences in response rates between censuses. The 2023 and 2018 Censuses used a combined census methodology (using census responses and administrative data), while the 2013 Census used a full-field enumeration methodology (with no use of administrative data).

​

About the 2023 Census dataset

For information on the 2023 dataset see Using a combined census model for the 2023 Census. We combined data from the census forms with administrative data to create the 2023 Census dataset, which meets Stats NZ's quality criteria for population structure information. We added real data about real people to the dataset where we were confident the people who hadn’t completed a census form (which is known as admin enumeration) will be counted. We also used data from the 2018 and 2013 Censuses, administrative data sources, and statistical imputation methods to fill in some missing characteristics of people and dwellings.

​

Data quality

The quality of data in the 2023 Census is assessed using the quality rating scale and the quality assurance framework to determine whether data is fit for purpose and suitable for release. Data quality assurance in the 2023 Census has more information.

​

Quality rating of a variable

The quality rating of a variable provides an overall evaluation of data quality for that variable, usually at the highest levels of classification. The quality ratings shown are for the 2023 Census unless stated. There is variability in the quality of data at smaller geographies. Data quality may also vary between censuses, for subpopulations, or when cross tabulated with other variables or at lower levels of the classification. Data quality ratings for 2023 Census variables has more information on quality ratings by variable.

​

Ethnicity concept quality rating

Ethnicity is rated as high quality.

Ethnicity – 2023 Census: Information by concept has more information, for example, definitions and data quality.

​

Using data for good

Stats NZ expects that, when working with census data, it is done so with a positive purpose, as outlined in the Māori Data Governance Model (Data Iwi Leaders Group, 2023). This model states that "data should support transformative outcomes and should uplift and strengthen our relationships with each other and with our environments. The avoidance of harm is the minimum expectation for data use. Māori data should also contribute to iwi and hapū tino rangatiratanga”.

​

Confidentiality

The 2023 Census confidentiality rules have been applied to 2013, 2018, and 2023 data. These rules protect the confidentiality of individuals, families, households, dwellings, and undertakings in 2023 Census data. Counts are calculated using fixed random rounding to base 3 (FRR3) and suppression of ‘sensitive’ counts less than six, where tables report multiple geographic variables and/or small populations. Individual figures may not always sum to stated totals. Applying confidentiality rules to 2023 Census data and summary of changes since 2018 and 2013 Censuses has more information about 2023 Census confidentiality rules.

​

Symbol

-998 Not applicable

​

Percentages

To calculate percentages, divide the figure for the category of interest by the figure for ‘Total stated’ where this applies.

Key information about New Zealand population

• The New Zealand population reached 5.4 million people in Dec 2024, compared with the previously reported figure of 5.3 million people in Dec 2023
• The data reached an all-time high of 5.4 million people in Dec 2024 and a record low of 1.9 million people in Dec 1950

• In the latest reports, New Zealand Unemployment Rate increased to 5.1 % in Dec 2024
• Monthly earnings of the New Zealand population was 3,902.1 USD in Dec 2024
• New Zealand Labour Force Participation Rate increased to 71.3 % in Dec 2024

The total population in New Zealand was estimated at 5.4 million people in 2024, according to the latest census figures and projections from Trading Economics. This dataset provides - New Zealand Population - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

New Zealand NZ: Population: Total data was reported at 4,793,900.000 Person in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 4,693,200.000 Person for 2016. New Zealand NZ: Population: Total data is updated yearly, averaging 3,291,300.000 Person from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4,793,900.000 Person in 2017 and a record low of 2,371,800.000 Person in 1960. New Zealand NZ: Population: Total data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.World Bank: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Total population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship. The values shown are midyear estimates.; ; (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision. (2) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (3) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (4) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Reprot (various years), (5) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database, and (6) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme.; Sum; Relevance to gender indicator: disaggregating the population composition by gender will help a country in projecting its demand for social services on a gender basis.

In 2023, there were just over *** million women living in New Zealand. This is an increase of around ** thousand women from the previous year. There has been a steady increase in the number of women living in New Zealand since 1991. Female population demographics In a pattern mirroring that of the overall female population growth in New Zealand, the number of indigenous women dwelling there has tremendously increased with the number of Māori women in New Zealand exceeding *** thousand residents in 2023. Women’s lifespans in New Zealand were expected to range between 79 and 90 years in 2023, with Chinese women figuring at the higher end of the spectrum and Māori women at the lower end. Work and family Over the past three decades, women in New Zealand have been opting to get married later in life with the average age of females at their first marriage being **** years in 2023. Child-bearing is another such life choice opted for later, with the highest birth rate being recorded among females aged 30 to 34 years old. Women accounted for a large share of the healthcare and social assistance industry, which had a workforce of over *** thousand female employees.

This statistic shows the age structure in New Zealand from 2013 to 2023. In 2023, about 18.37 percent of New Zealand's total population were aged 0 to 14 years.

Graph and download economic data for Population, Total for New Zealand (POPTOTNZA647NWDB) from 1960 to 2024 about New Zealand and population.

In 2023, the crude birth rate in live births per 1,000 inhabitants in New Zealand amounted to 10.86. Between 1960 and 2023, the figure dropped by 15.55, though the decline followed an uneven course rather than a steady trajectory.

Population ages 20-24, male (% of male population) in New Zealand was reported at 6.5237 % in 2024, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. New Zealand - Population ages 20-24, male (% of male population) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

Derived from http://www.stats.govt.nz/Census/2013-census/data-tables/meshblock-dataset.aspx

res_pop - 2013 census usually resident population auckland_r - distance in metres from this meshblock to the nearest Auckland railway station wellington - distance in metres from this meshblock to the nearest Wellington railway station (these were calculated for http://transportblog.co.nz/2014/11/02/auckland-and-wellington-per-capita-train-use/) pop_densit - population density in residents per square kilometre

New Zealand NZ: Population Projection: Mid Year: Growth data was reported at 0.100 % in 2050. This records a decrease from the previous number of 0.110 % for 2049. New Zealand NZ: Population Projection: Mid Year: Growth data is updated yearly, averaging 0.650 % from Jun 1986 (Median) to 2050, with 65 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.730 % in 2002 and a record low of 0.100 % in 2050. New Zealand NZ: Population Projection: Mid Year: Growth data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by US Census Bureau. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.US Census Bureau: Demographic Projection.

A 250 metre population grid using the Estimated Resident Populations (ERP) published annually, dated as at 30 June. Population estimates by Statistical Area 1s (SA1s) are used as an input to derive population grids. These estimates are not official statistics. They are derived as a customised dataset used to produce the population grids. This is one of three resolutions of the national statistical grid; 1 kilometre, 500 metres and 250 metres, where the distance is the length of one side of the square grid cell. The dataset contains the following estimated resident populations based on 2018 Census results and estimated population change since then: Population Estimate 2023 – subnational population estimates at 30 June 2023 published in October 2023, based on 2018 Census results. Population Estimate 2022 – subnational population estimates at 30 June 2022 published in October 2022, based on 2018 Census results. The Estimated Resident Population (ERP) by Statistical Area 1 (SA1), rounded to the nearest 10, was proportionally divided between private and some non-private dwelling point locations from the Stats NZ Statistical Location Register. The dwellings were spatially joined to the SA1 to calculate the number of dwellings within each SA1. The SA1 ERP divided by the number of dwellings gave the number of people per dwelling for each SA1. The people per dwelling was spatially joined back to the dwelling dataset then spatially joined to the grid with the option chosen to sum the dwelling population within each grid cell. The estimated resident population of an area in New Zealand is an estimate of all people who usually live in that area at a given date. It includes all residents present in New Zealand and counted by the census, residents who are temporarily elsewhere in New Zealand and counted by the census, residents who are temporarily overseas (who are not included in the census), and an adjustment for residents missed or counted more than once by the census (net census undercount). Visitors from elsewhere in New Zealand and from overseas are excluded. Population estimates by SA1s are used as an input to derive population grids. These estimates are not official statistics. They’re derived as a customised dataset used to produce the population grids. Population estimates from 2022 and 2023 use 2018 Census data and will be revised in 2025, after 2023 Census data is available. Changes to the ERP figures for a grid cell between years, are due to either: estimated change to the residential population for an area or the following methodological factors may also increase or decrease the population estimate assigned to each grid cell; five yearly changes to the SA1 boundaries to which the ERP figures are assigned. Between 2022 and 2023, non populated areas were separated from some SA1s, resulting in fewer grid cells being populated. Changes to SA1 boundaries are designed to ensure they incorporate areas of new development, maintain the urban-rural delineation, and meet population criteria. changes to the dwelling dataset. This is the production version of a new dataset published in November 2023. The prototype version was released in October 2022 for feedback. Since the November 2023 release, population estimate field names have been updated to remove acronyms and population estimates have been reduced to two decimal places.Download the full 250m grid framework from Datafinder.

This statistic shows the median age of the population in New Zealand from 1950 to 2100. The median age is the age that divides a population into two numerically equal groups; that is, half the people are younger than this age and half are older. It is a single index that summarizes the age distribution of a population. In 2020, the median age of the New Zealand population was 36.5 years.

This dataset contains information on:

· Estimated resident population (ERP) at 30 June 1996, 2001, 2006, 2013, and 2018 for total population

· ERP at 30 June 2018 by ethnic groups (European or Other (including New Zealander), Māori, Pacific, Asian, and Middle Eastern/Latin American/African) – estimates and percentage

· Sex ratio – number of males per 100 females

· ERP at 30 June 2018 by broad age groups and median age

· Geographies available are regional council areas, territorial authority and Auckland local board areas, Statistical Area 2, and urban rural.

Note: The geography corresponds to 2020 boundaries

Note: -999 indicates data are not available.

​

About the estimated resident population

The estimated resident population at 30 June in the census year is based on the census usually resident population count, with updates for:

· net census undercount (as measured by a post-enumeration survey)

· residents temporarily overseas on census night

· births, deaths and net migration between census night and 30 June

· reconciliation with demographic estimates at the youngest ages.

The estimated resident population is not directly comparable with the census usually resident population count because of these adjustments.

For more detailed information about the methods used to calculate each base population, see DataInfo+ Demographic estimates.

​

Ethnic groups

It is important to note that these ethnic groups are not mutually exclusive because people can and do identify with more than one ethnicity. People who identify with more than one ethnicity have been included in each ethnic group.

The 'Māori', 'Pacific', 'Asian' and 'Middle Eastern/Latin American/African' ethnic groups are defined in level 1 of the Ethnicity New Zealand Standard Classification 2005. The estimates for the 'European or Other (including New Zealander)' group include people who belong to the 'European' or 'Other ethnicity' groups defined in level 1 of the standard classification. If a person belongs to both the 'European' and 'Other ethnicity' groups they have only been counted once. Almost all people in the 'Other ethnicity' group belong to the 'New Zealander' sub-group.

​

Time series

This time series is irregular. Because the 2011 Census was cancelled after the Canterbury earthquake on 22 February 2011, the gap between the 2006-base and 2013-base estimated resident population is seven years. The change in data between 2006 and 2013 may be greater than in the usual five-year gap between censuses. Be careful when comparing trends.

​

Rounding

Individual figures may not sum to stated totals due to rounding.

​

More information

See Estimated resident population (2018-base): At 30 June 2018 for commentary about the 2018 ERP.

Subnational population estimates concepts – DataInfo+ provides definitions of terms used in the map.

Access more population estimates data in NZ.Stat:

Theme: Population estimates.

New Zealand Population: North Island (NI) data was reported at 4,044,600.000 Person in 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 3,973,400.000 Person for 2023. New Zealand Population: North Island (NI) data is updated yearly, averaging 3,311,700.000 Person from Jun 1996 (Median) to 2024, with 29 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4,044,600.000 Person in 2024 and a record low of 2,810,100.000 Person in 1996. New Zealand Population: North Island (NI) data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Stats NZ. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.G005: Population: by Region.

Dataset contains counts and measures for individuals from the 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses. Data is available by statistical area 1.

​

The variables included in this dataset are for the census usually resident population count (unless otherwise stated). All data is for level 1 of the classification.

​

The variables for part 2 of the dataset are:

• Individual home ownership for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Usual residence 1 year ago indicator
• Usual residence 5 years ago indicator
• Years at usual residence
• Average years at usual residence
• Years since arrival in New Zealand for the overseas-born census usually resident population count
• Average years since arrival in New Zealand for the overseas-born census usually resident population count
• Study participation
• Main means of travel to education, by usual residence address for the census usually resident population who are studying
• Main means of travel to education, by education address for the census usually resident population who are studying
• Highest qualification for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Post-school qualification in New Zealand indicator for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Highest secondary school qualification for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Post-school qualification level of attainment for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Sources of personal income (total responses) for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Total personal income for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Median ($) total personal income for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Work and labour force status for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Job search methods (total responses) for the unemployed census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Status in employment for the employed census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Unpaid activities (total responses) for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Hours worked in employment per week for the employed census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Average hours worked in employment per week for the employed census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Industry, by usual residence address for the employed census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Industry, by workplace address for the employed census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Occupation, by usual residence address for the employed census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Occupation, by workplace address for the employed census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Main means of travel to work, by usual residence address for the employed census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Main means of travel to work, by workplace address for the employed census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Sector of ownership for the employed census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over
• Individual unit data source.

​

Download lookup file for part 2 from Stats NZ ArcGIS Online or embedded attachment in Stats NZ geographic data service. Download data table (excluding the geometry column for CSV files) using the instructions in the Koordinates help guide.

​

Footnotes

Te Whata

Under the Mana Ōrite Relationship Agreement, Te Kāhui Raraunga (TKR) will be publishing Māori descent and iwi affiliation data from the 2023 Census in partnership with Stats NZ. This will be available on Te Whata, a TKR platform.

​

Geographical boundaries

Statistical standard for geographic areas 2023 (updated December 2023) has information about geographic boundaries as of 1 January 2023. Address data from 2013 and 2018 Censuses was updated to be consistent with the 2023 areas. Due to the changes in area boundaries and coding methodologies, 2013 and 2018 counts published in 2023 may be slightly different to those published in 2013 or 2018.

​

Subnational census usually resident population

The census usually resident population count of an area (subnational count) is a count of all people who usually live in that area and were present in New Zealand on census night. It excludes visitors from overseas, visitors from elsewhere in New Zealand, and residents temporarily overseas on census night. For example, a person who usually lives in Christchurch city and is visiting Wellington city on census night will be included in the census usually resident population count of Christchurch city.

​

​

Population counts

Stats NZ publishes a number of different population counts, each using a different definition and methodology. Population statistics – user guide has more information about different counts.

​

Caution using time series

Time series data should be interpreted with care due to changes in census methodology and differences in response rates between censuses. The 2023 and 2018 Censuses used a combined census methodology (using census responses and administrative data), while the 2013 Census used a full-field enumeration methodology (with no use of administrative data).

​

Study participation time series

In the 2013 Census study participation was only collected for the census usually resident population count aged 15 years and over.

​

About the 2023 Census dataset

For information on the 2023 dataset see Using a combined census model for the 2023 Census. We combined data from the census forms with administrative data to create the 2023 Census dataset, which meets Stats NZ's quality criteria for population structure information. We added real data about real people to the dataset where we were confident the people who hadn’t completed a census form (which is known as admin enumeration) will be counted. We also used data from the 2018 and 2013 Censuses, administrative data sources, and statistical imputation methods to fill in some missing characteristics of people and dwellings.

​

Data quality

The quality of data in the 2023 Census is assessed using the quality rating scale and the quality assurance framework to determine whether data is fit for purpose and suitable for release. Data quality assurance in the 2023 Census has more information.

​

Concept descriptions and quality ratings

Data quality ratings for 2023 Census variables has additional details about variables found within totals by topic, for example, definitions and data quality.

​

Disability indicator

This data should not be used as an official measure of disability prevalence. Disability prevalence estimates are only available from the 2023 Household Disability Survey. Household Disability Survey 2023: Final content has more information about the survey.

Activity limitations are measured using the Washington Group Short Set (WGSS). The WGSS asks about six basic activities that a person might have difficulty with: seeing, hearing, walking or climbing stairs, remembering or concentrating, washing all over or dressing, and communicating. A person was classified as disabled in the 2023 Census if there was at least one of these activities that they had a lot of difficulty with or could not do at all.

​

Using data for good

Stats NZ expects that, when working with census data, it is done so with a positive purpose, as outlined in the Māori Data Governance Model (Data Iwi Leaders Group, 2023). This model states that "data should support transformative outcomes and should uplift and strengthen our relationships with each other and with our environments. The avoidance of harm is the minimum expectation for data use. Māori data should also contribute to iwi and hapū tino rangatiratanga”.

​

Confidentiality

The 2023 Census confidentiality rules have been applied to 2013, 2018, and 2023 data. These rules protect the confidentiality of individuals, families, households, dwellings, and undertakings in 2023 Census data. Counts are calculated using fixed random rounding to base 3 (FRR3) and suppression of ‘sensitive’ counts less than six, where tables report multiple geographic variables and/or small populations. Individual figures may not always sum to stated totals. Applying confidentiality rules to 2023 Census data and summary of changes since 2018 and 2013 Censuses has more information about 2023 Census confidentiality rules.

​

Measures

Measures like averages, medians, and other quantiles are calculated from unrounded counts, with input noise added to or subtracted from each contributing value

There were 4 465 500 Facebook users in New Zealand in February 2025, which accounted for 85.3% of its entire population. The majority of them were women - 53.2%. People aged 25 to 34 were the largest user group (1 100 600). The highest difference between men and women occurs within people aged 65 and above, where women lead by 207 500.