New Zealand NZ: Population: Growth data was reported at 2.123 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 2.099 % for 2016. New Zealand NZ: Population: Growth data is updated yearly, averaging 1.129 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 57 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 2.542 % in 1962 and a record low of -0.392 % in 1979. New Zealand NZ: Population: Growth 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.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Annual population growth rate for year t is the exponential rate of growth of midyear population from year t-1 to t, expressed as a percentage . Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship.; ; Derived from total population. Population source: (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.; Weighted average;

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.

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.

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

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.

Population, male (% of total population) in New Zealand was reported at 49.67 % in 2023, 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 June of 2025.

Total current population for New Zealand in 2025 is 5,310,695, a 0.77% increase from 2024.

<ul style='margin-top:20px;'>

<li>Total population for New Zealand in 2024 was <strong>5,269,939</strong>, a <strong>0.9% increase</strong> from 2023.</li>
<li>Total population for New Zealand in 2023 was <strong>5,223,100</strong>, a <strong>2.07% increase</strong> from 2022.</li>
<li>Total population for New Zealand in 2022 was <strong>5,117,200</strong>, a <strong>0.12% increase</strong> from 2021.</li>
</ul>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.

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.

Graph and download economic data for Population, Total for New Zealand (POPTOTNZA647NWDB) from 1960 to 2023 about New Zealand and population.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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”.

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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.

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Symbol

-998 Not applicable

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Percentages

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

In 1820, the islands of present-day New Zealand had a population of approximately 100,000 people. This figure would fall until the early 1840s, partly as a result of European diseases brought by colonizers, and a series of destructive inter-tribal wars among the Māori peoples. These conflicts were named the Musket Wars due to the European weapons whose introduction instigated the conflicts, and the wars saw the deaths of between 20,000 and 40,000 Māori, from 1807 to 1837. After falling to just 82 thousand in the 1840s, the population would begin to rise again in 1841 following the establishment of New Zealand as an official British colony, with a strong promotion of European settlement by British citizens sponsored by the Church of England. European migration to New Zealand was low in these early decades, but increased in the mid-19th century, particularly following the discovery of gold in New Zealand’s South Island in the 1860s. This growth would continue throughout the 1870s, in part the result of a strong promotion of mass migration from Britain by Premier Julius Vogel’s administration.

Early 20th century However, between 1881 and the 1920s, the New Zealand government heavily restricted Asiatic migration to the islands, resulting in a fall of population growth rate, which would remain until the Second World War. The country would experience a dip in population during the First World War, in which New Zealand would suffer approximately 18,000 military fatalities, and another 9,000 lost to the coinciding Spanish Flu epidemic. The population would stagnate again in the Second World War, which resulted in the death of almost 12,000 New Zealanders. In the years following the war, New Zealand would see a significant increase in population due to the mixture of a baby boom and a migrant spike from Europe and Asia, following a large demand for unskilled labor. Recent decades This increase continued for several decades, until international factors, such as the oil crises of 1973 and 1979, and the UK's accession to the European Economic Communities (which ended most of New Zealand's trade agreements with Britain; it's largest trade partner), greatly weakened New Zealand's economy in the 1970s. As a result, population growth stagnated during the 1970s, while economic problems persisted into the early 2000s. In contrast, the Great Recession of 2008 did not impact New Zealand as severely as most other developed nations, which allowed the economy to emerge as one of the fastest growing in the world, also leading to dropped unemployment levels and increased living standards. In 2020, with a population of almost five million people, New Zealand is regarded as one of the top countries in the world in terms of human development, quality of life and social freedoms.

New Zealand NZ: Population Projection: Mid Year data was reported at 5,198,992.000 Person in 2050. This records an increase from the previous number of 5,193,479.000 Person for 2049. New Zealand NZ: Population Projection: Mid Year data is updated yearly, averaging 3,802,400.000 Person from Jun 1950 (Median) to 2050, with 101 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5,198,992.000 Person in 2050 and a record low of 1,908,310.000 Person in 1950. New Zealand NZ: Population Projection: Mid Year 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.

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

The annual population growth in New Zealand increased by 1.9 percentage points (+1583.33 percent) compared to the previous year. This was a significant increase in the population growth. Population growth refers to the annual change in population, and is based on the balance between birth and death rates, as well as migration.Find more key insights for the annual population growth in countries like Micronesia and Solomon Islands.

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.

New Zealand Population: South Island (SI) data was reported at 1,242,300.000 Person in 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 1,226,100.000 Person for 2023. New Zealand Population: South Island (SI) data is updated yearly, averaging 1,033,700.000 Person from Jun 1996 (Median) to 2024, with 29 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,242,300.000 Person in 2024 and a record low of 921,100.000 Person in 1996. New Zealand Population: South Island (SI) 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 census usually resident population counts from the 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses, as well as the percentage change in the population count between the 2013 and 2018 Censuses, and between the 2018 and 2023 Censuses. Data is available by statistical area 2.

Map shows the percentage change in the census usually resident population count 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.

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Census usually resident population count concept quality rating

The census usually resident population count is rated as very high quality.

Census usually resident population count – 2023 Census: Information by concept has more information, for example, definitions and data quality.

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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.

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Symbol

-998 Not applicable

Population growth (annual %) in New Zealand was reported at 2.0484 % in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. New Zealand - Population growth (annual %) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.

Population, total in New Zealand was reported at 5223100 in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. New Zealand - Population, total - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.