Chart and table of population level and growth rate for the Auckland, New Zealand metro area from 1950 to 2025.

The New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings is the official count of how many people and dwellings there are in New Zealand. It provides a snapshot of our society at a point in time and helps to tell the story of its social and economic change. The 2023 Census, held on Tuesday 7 March, was the 35th New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings. The first official census was run in 1851, and since 1877 there has been a census every five years, with only four exceptions.

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 territorial authority and Auckland local board.

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.

Dataset contains Māori descent indicator census usually resident population counts from the 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses, as well as the percentage change in the Māori descent indicator counts between the 2013 and 2018 Censuses, and between the 2018 and 2023 Censuses. Data is available by territorial authority and Auckland local board.

Māori descent indicator categories are:

• Māori descent
• No Māori descent
• Don’t know.

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

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.

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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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Māori descent concept quality rating

Māori descent is rated as very high quality.

Māori descent – 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.

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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.

Auckland Council maintains a growth scenario to inform investment decision-making across the region. The Auckland Growth Scenario provides household, employment and population projections over a 30-year period. It is based on regional level population information commissioned from Stats NZ and is primarily intended to provide a numerical distribution of growth that is aligned with the timing and sequencing of growth in the Future Development Strategy 2023, over time. Data is at MSM Zone scale, and provides annual projections of population, households and employment (MEC) for use in strategic planning between 2022 and 2052. This version is an update (to employment projections only) of AGSv1 as used in the 2024 LTP. Further information is available on knowledgeauckland.org.nz, search “AGS” or follow the link: https://www.knowledgeauckland.org.nz/publications/auckland-growth-scenario-2023-version-11-ags23v11-data/

The New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings is the official count of how many people and dwellings there are in New Zealand. It provides a snapshot of our society at a point in time and helps to tell the story of its social and economic change. The 2023 Census, held on Tuesday 7 March, was the 35th New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings. The first official census was run in 1851, and since 1877 there has been a census every five years, with only four exceptions.

Auckland Council maintains a growth scenario to inform investment decision-making across the region. The Auckland Growth Scenario provides household, employment and population projections over a 30-year period. It is based on regional level population information commissioned from Stats NZ and is primarily intended to provide a numerical distribution of growth that is aligned with the timing and sequencing of growth in the Future Development Strategy 2023, over time. Data is at MSM Zone scale, and provides annual projections of population, households and employment (MEC) for use in strategic planning between 2022 and 2052. This version is an update (to employment projections only) of AGSv1 as used in the 2024 LTP. Further information is available on knowledgeauckland.org.nz, search “AGS” or follow the link: https://www.knowledgeauckland.org.nz/publications/auckland-growth-scenario-2023-version-11-ags23v11-data/

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.

Statistical Area 1 2023 update

SA1 2023 is the first major update of the geography since it was first created in 2018. The update is to ensure SA1s are relevant and meet criteria before each five-yearly population and dwelling census. SA1 2023 contains 3,251 new SA1s. Updates were made to reflect real world changes including new subdivisions and motorways, improve the delineation of urban rural and other statistical areas and to ensure they meet population criteria by reducing the number of SA1s with small or large populations.

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Description

This dataset is the definitive version of the annually released statistical area 1 (SA1) boundaries as at 1 January 2023, as defined by Stats NZ. This version contains 33,164 SA1s (33,148 digitised and 16 with empty or null geometries (non-digitised).

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SA1 is an output geography that allows the release of more low-level data than is available at the meshblock level. Built by joining meshblocks, SA1s have an ideal size range of 100–200 residents, and a maximum population of about 500. This is to minimise suppression of population data in multivariate statistics tables.

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The SA1 should:

form a contiguous cluster of one or more meshblocks,

be either urban, rural, or water in character,

be small enough to:

• allow flexibility for aggregation to other statistical geographies,

• allow users to aggregate areas into their own defined communities of interest,

form a nested hierarchy with statistical output geographies and administrative boundaries. It must:

• be built from meshblocks,

• either define or aggregate to define SA2s, urban rural areas, territorial authorities, and regional councils.

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SA1s generally have a population of 100–200 residents, with some exceptions:

• SA1s with nil or nominal resident populations are created to represent remote mainland areas, unpopulated islands, inland water, inlets, or oceanic areas.

• Some SA1s in remote rural areas and urban industrial or business areas have fewer than 100 residents.

• Some SA1s that contain apartment blocks, retirement villages, and large non-residential facilities (prisons, boarding schools, etc) have more than 500 residents.

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SA1 numbering

SA1s are not named. SA1 codes have seven digits starting with a 7 and are numbered approximately north to south. Non-digitised codes start with 79.

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As new SA1s are created, they are given the next available numeric code. If the composition of an SA1 changes through splitting or amalgamating different meshblocks, the SA1 is given a new code. The previous code no longer exists within that version and future versions of the SA1 classification.

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Digitised and non-digitised SA1s

The digital geographic boundaries are defined and maintained by Stats NZ.

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Aggregated from meshblocks, SA1s cover the land area of New Zealand, the water area to the 12-mile limit, the Chatham Islands, Kermadec Islands, sub-Antarctic islands, off-shore oil rigs, and Ross Dependency. The following 16 SA1s are held in non-digitised form.

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7999901; New Zealand Economic Zone, 7999902; Oceanic Kermadec Islands,7999903; Kermadec Islands, 7999904; Oceanic Oil Rig Taranaki,7999905; Oceanic Campbell Island, 7999906; Campbell Island, 7999907; Oceanic Oil Rig Southland, 7999908; Oceanic Auckland Islands, 7999909; Auckland Islands, 7999910; Oceanic Bounty Islands, 7999911; Bounty Islands, 7999912; Oceanic Snares Islands, 7999913; Snares Islands, 7999914; Oceanic Antipodes Islands, 7999915; Antipodes Islands, 7999916; Ross Dependency.

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For more information please refer to the Statistical standard for geographic areas 2023.

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Generalised version

This generalised version has been simplified for rapid drawing and is designed for thematic or web mapping purposes.

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Digital data

Digital boundary data became freely available on 1 July 2007.

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To download geographic classifications in table formats such as CSV please use Ariā

The expansion of human settlements over the past few centuries is responsible for an unprecedented number of invasive species introductions globally. An important component of biological invasion management is understanding how introduction history and post-introduction processes have jointly shaped present-day distributions and patterns of population structure, diversity, and adaptation. One example of a successful invader is the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris), which was intentionally introduced to numerous countries in the 19th century, including Aotearoa New Zealand, where it has become firmly established. We used reduced-representation sequencing to characterise the genetic population structure of the European starling in New Zealand, and compared the population structure to that present in sampling locations in the native range and invasive Australian range. We found that population structure and genetic diversity patterns suggested restricted gene flow from the majority of New Zealand to the northmost sampling location (Auckland). We also profiled genetic bottlenecks and shared outlier genomic regions, which supported historical accounts of translocations between both Australian subpopulations and New Zealand, and provided evidence of which documented translocation events were more likely to have been successful. Using these results as well as historic demographic patterns, we demonstrate how genomic analysis complements even well-documented invasion histories to better understand invasion processes, with direct implication for understanding contemporary gene flow and informing invasion management. Methods Sample Collection A total of 106 starling specimen samples were obtained from various contributors within New Zealand from five geographically distinct locations between May 2022 and October 2023. Sampling covered three locations in the North Island, specifically in the Auckland region (AUK: n=18), the Manawatū-Whanganui region (WHA: n=12), the Wellington region (WEL: n=40) and two in the South Island in the Marlborough region (MRL: n=15) and Canterbury region (CAN: n=21). In addition to the newly obtained samples, we also incorporated sequence data from the native European range (Antwerp, Belgium; ANT: n=15, Newcastle, United Kingdom; NWC: n=15, Monks Wood, United Kingdom; MKW: n=15), as well as two locations from within the invasive Australian range (Orange; ORG: n=15, McLaren Vale; MLV: n=15) from a previously published Diversity Arrays Technology Pty Ltd sequencing (DArT-seq) dataset. DNA Extraction and Sequencing Extracted DNA from the newly collected New Zealand samples was sent to Diversity Arrays for sequencing. Sequencing was performed on an Illumina Hiseq2500/Novaseq6000. Raw Sequence Processing The previously published raw DArT-seq data, along with the MRL samples (January 2023 sequencing batch) were demultiplexed using stacks v2.2 process_radtags, while also discarding low quality reads (-q), reads with uncalled bases (-c), and rescuing barcodes and RAD-Tag cut sites (-r). It was not necessary to perform this step on the remainder of the new raw sequence data because DArT performed in-house demultiplexing using a proprietary bioinformatic pipeline. For all the data, we used fastp v0.23.2 to remove adapter sequences and in the same step filtered reads for a minimum Phred quality score of 22 (-q 22) and a minimum length of 40 (-l 40). Both batches of sequence data produced as part of this study were additionally length trimmed to reduce the read length of the newer sequence data to match the base length of the older sequence data (-b 69). Mapping, Variant Calling, and Filtering We used the program bwa v0.7.17 to index the reference genome S. vulgaris vAU1.0 and align the trimmed DArT reads using the bwa aln function (-B 5 to trim the first 5 base pairs of each read), which is optimised for single-end short reads. This was then followed by the bwa samse function for producing the SAM formatted output files containing the alignments and their respective base qualities. Alignments were then sorted and indexed using samtools v1.16.1, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were subsequently called and annotated using bcftools v1.16 with the mpileup (-a "DP,AD,SP", --ignore-RG) and call (-mv, -f GQ) functions. We removed known technical replicates and identified relatives from the data. vcftools v0.1.15 was used to remove indels (--remove-indels), and quality filter for a minimum site quality score of 30 (--minQ30), minimum genotype quality score of 20 (--minGQ 20), and minimum and maximum depth of coverage of 5 (--minDP 5) and 100 (--maxDP 100). Then, to account for batch effects that may impact the sequenced loci, we kept only SNPs present in at least 50% of the individuals in each sampling location. We ran one final filtering step to ensure appropriate levels of missingness and rare alleles using the following parameters: maximum missingness per site of 30% (--max-missing 0.7), minor allele count of 5 (--mac 5), and a minimum and maximum allele per locus of 2 (--min-alleles 2 --max-alleles 2), resulting in a dataset containing 19,174 SNPs and 141 individuals.

Statistical Area 2 2023 update

SA2 2023 is the first major update of the geography since it was first created in 2018. The update is to ensure SA2s are relevant and meet criteria before each five-yearly population and dwelling census. SA2 2023 contains 135 new SA2s. Updates were made to reflect real world change of population and dwelling growth mainly in urban areas, and to make some improvements to their delineation of communities of interest.

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Description

This dataset is the definitive version of the annually released statistical area 2 (SA2) boundaries as at 1 January 2023 as defined by Stats NZ. This version contains 2,395 SA2s (2,379 digitised and 16 with empty or null geometries (non-digitised)).

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SA2 is an output geography that provides higher aggregations of population data than can be provided at the statistical area 1 (SA1) level. The SA2 geography aims to reflect communities that interact together socially and economically. In populated areas, SA2s generally contain similar sized populations.

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The SA2 should:

form a contiguous cluster of one or more SA1s,

excluding exceptions below, allow the release of multivariate statistics with minimal data suppression,

capture a similar type of area, such as a high-density urban area, farmland, wilderness area, and water area,

be socially homogeneous and capture a community of interest. It may have, for example:

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• a shared road network,
• shared community facilities,
• shared historical or social links, or
• socio-economic similarity,

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form a nested hierarchy with statistical output geographies and administrative boundaries. It must:

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• be built from SA1s,
• either define or aggregate to define SA3s, urban areas, territorial authorities, and regional councils.

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SA2s in city council areas generally have a population of 2,000–4,000 residents while SA2s in district council areas generally have a population of 1,000–3,000 residents.

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In major urban areas, an SA2 or a group of SA2s often approximates a single suburb. In rural areas, rural settlements are included in their respective SA2 with the surrounding rural area.

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SA2s in urban areas where there is significant business and industrial activity, for example ports, airports, industrial, commercial, and retail areas, often have fewer than 1,000 residents. These SA2s are useful for analysing business demographics, labour markets, and commuting patterns.

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In rural areas, some SA2s have fewer than 1,000 residents because they are in conservation areas or contain sparse populations that cover a large area.

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To minimise suppression of population data, small islands with zero or low populations close to the mainland, and marinas are generally included in their adjacent land-based SA2.

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Zero or nominal population SA2s

To ensure that the SA2 geography covers all of New Zealand and aligns with New Zealand’s topography and local government boundaries, some SA2s have zero or nominal populations. These include:

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• SA2s where territorial authority boundaries straddle regional council boundaries. These SA2s each have fewer than 200 residents and are: Arahiwi, Tiroa, Rangataiki, Kaimanawa, Taharua, Te More, Ngamatea, Whangamomona, and Mara.
• SA2s created for single islands or groups of islands that are some distance from the mainland or to separate large unpopulated islands from urban areas
• SA2s that represent inland water, inlets or oceanic areas including: inland lakes larger than 50 square kilometres, harbours larger than 40 square kilometres, major ports, other non-contiguous inlets and harbours defined by territorial authority, and contiguous oceanic areas defined by regional council.
• SA2s for non-digitised oceanic areas, offshore oil rigs, islands, and the Ross Dependency. Each SA2 is represented by a single meshblock. The following 16 SA2s are held in non-digitised form (SA2 code; SA2 name):

400001; New Zealand Economic Zone, 400002; Oceanic Kermadec Islands, 400003; Kermadec Islands, 400004; Oceanic Oil Rig Taranaki, 400005; Oceanic Campbell Island, 400006; Campbell Island, 400007; Oceanic Oil Rig Southland, 400008; Oceanic Auckland Islands, 400009; Auckland Islands, 400010 ; Oceanic Bounty Islands, 400011; Bounty Islands, 400012; Oceanic Snares Islands, 400013; Snares Islands, 400014; Oceanic Antipodes Islands, 400015; Antipodes Islands, 400016; Ross Dependency.

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SA2 numbering and naming

Each SA2 is a single geographic entity with a name and a numeric code. The name refers to a geographic feature or a recognised place name or suburb. In some instances where place names are the same or very similar, the SA2s are differentiated by their territorial authority name, for example, Gladstone (Carterton District) and Gladstone (Invercargill City).

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SA2 codes have six digits. North Island SA2 codes start with a 1 or 2, South Island SA2 codes start with a 3 and non-digitised SA2 codes start with a 4. They are numbered approximately north to south within their respective territorial authorities. To ensure the north–south code pattern is maintained, the SA2 codes were given 00 for the last two digits when the geography was created in 2018. When SA2 names or boundaries change only the last two digits of the code will change.

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For more information please refer to the Statistical standard for geographic areas 2023.

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Generalised version

This generalised version has been simplified for rapid drawing and is designed for thematic or web mapping purposes.

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Macrons

Names are provided with and without tohutō/macrons. The column name for those without macrons is suffixed ‘ascii’.

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Digital data

Digital boundary data became freely available on 1 July 2007.

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To download geographic classifications in table formats such as CSV please use Ariā

Dataset contains life-cycle age group census usually resident population counts from the 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses, as well as the percentage change in the age group population counts between the 2013 and 2018 Censuses, and between the 2018 and 2023 Censuses. Data is available by territorial authority and Auckland local board.

The life-cycle age groups are:

• under 15 years
• 15 to 29 years
• 30 to 64 years
• 65 years and over.

Map shows the percentage change in the census usually resident population count for life-cycle age 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.

​

Age concept quality rating

Age is rated as very high quality.

Age – 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.

Territorial authorities Territorial Authority Local Board (TALB) is a derived classification. TALB is derived from the definitive version of the annually released local boards for Auckland and territorial authorities for the rest of New Zealand as at 1 January 2023, as defined by the territorial authorities and/or Local Government Commission and maintained by Stats NZ (the custodian). This version contains 21 local boards in the Auckland Council and 66 territorial authority boundaries for the rest New Zealand. ​ Territorial authorities are the second tier of local government in New Zealand, below regional councils. They are defined under schedule 2, part 1 of the Local Government Act 2002 as city councils or district councils. Territorial authorities were established in 1989 when 205 territorial local authorities were replaced by 75 territorial authorities. Territorial boundaries must coincide with meshblock boundaries under schedule 3, clause 17 of the Local Government Act 2002. ​ Local boards Local boards share governance with a council’s governing body and each has complementary responsibilities, guaranteed by legislation. Local boards can propose bylaws and they gather community views on local and regional matters. Legislation enacted in 2012 allows for the establishment of local boards in areas of new unitary authorities that are predominantly urban and have a population of more than 400,000. The boundaries of local boards cannot be abolished or changed except through a reorganisation process. If new local boards are created they will be incorporated into this classification. ​ Local boards are defined at meshblock level. Stats NZ must be consulted if there is a proposed boundary change that does not align with the meshblock pattern. Local boards do not coincide with the statistical area 1 (SA1) or statistical area 2 (SA2) geographies. ​ Auckland Council local boards The Auckland Council was established in November 2010 under the Local Government (Tamaki Makaurau Reorganisation) Act 2009. Seven territorial authorities within the Auckland Region were abolished and replaced by the unitary authority Auckland Council. Local boards fall within the community board classification. Changes were reflected in the 2011 and subsequent community board classifications. ​ For statistical outputs that use territorial authorities to aggregate and report data Auckland Council is treated as a single geographic entity, whereas previously data was provided for the seven territorial authorities. Presenting data for this single territorial authority hides meaningful patterns and trends for a significant portion of the population. A solution was to create a new classification of territorial authorities that includes the local boards for Auckland. ​ Numbering TALB is a flat classification. Each category has a unique five-digit code. The first three digits represent the territorial authority code, ranging from 001 to 076 (with 999 being Area Outside Territorial Authority). The last two digits indicate if the territorial authority is further defined at local board level: 00 indicates the territorial authority is “not further defined”. Auckland retains sequential codes from the community board classification. The names for the classification are retained from the territorial authority and community board classifications. ​ Generalised version This generalised version has been simplified for rapid drawing and is designed for thematic or web mapping purposes. ​ Macrons Names are provided with and without tohutō/macrons. The column name for those without macrons is suffixed ‘ascii’. ​ Digital data Digital boundary data became freely available on 1 July 2007. ​ To download geographic classifications in table formats such as CSV please use Ariā

Territorial authorities Territorial authorities are the second tier of local government in New Zealand, below regional councils. They are defined under schedule 2, part 1 of the Local Government Act 2002 as city councils or district councils. Territorial authorities were established in 1989 when 205 territorial local authorities were replaced by 75 territorial authorities. Territorial boundaries must coincide with meshblock boundaries under schedule 3, clause 17 of the Local Government Act 2002. ​ Local boards Local boards share governance with a council’s governing body and each has complementary responsibilities, guaranteed by legislation. Local boards can propose bylaws and they gather community views on local and regional matters. Legislation enacted in 2012 allows for the establishment of local boards in areas of new unitary authorities that are predominantly urban and have a population of more than 400,000. The boundaries of local boards cannot be abolished or changed except through a reorganisation process. If new local boards are created they will be incorporated into this classification. ​ Local boards are defined at meshblock level. Stats NZ must be consulted if there is a proposed boundary change that does not align with the meshblock pattern. Local boards do not coincide with the statistical area 1 (SA1) or statistical area 2 (SA2) geographies. ​ Auckland Council local boards The Auckland Council was established in November 2010 under the Local Government (Tamaki Makaurau Reorganisation) Act 2009. Seven territorial authorities within the Auckland Region were abolished and replaced by the unitary authority Auckland Council. Local boards fall within the community board classification. Changes were reflected in the 2011 and subsequent community board classifications. ​ For statistical outputs that use territorial authorities to aggregate and report data Auckland Council is treated as a single geographic entity, whereas previously data was provided for the seven territorial authorities. Presenting data for this single territorial authority hides meaningful patterns and trends for a significant portion of the population. A solution was to create a new classification of territorial authorities that includes the local boards for Auckland. ​ Numbering TALB is a flat classification. Each category has a unique five-digit code. The first three digits represent the territorial authority code, ranging from 001 to 076 (with 999 being Area Outside Territorial Authority). The last two digits indicate if the territorial authority is further defined at local board level: 00 indicates the territorial authority is “not further defined”. Auckland retains sequential codes from the community board classification. ​ The names for the classification are retained from the territorial authority and community board classifications. ​ Clipped version This clipped version has been created for cartographic purposes and so does not fully represent the official full extent boundaries. ​ Macrons Names are provided with and without tohutō/macrons. The column name for those without macrons is suffixed ‘ascii’. ​ Digital data Digital boundary data became freely available on 1 July 2007. ​ To download geographic classifications in table formats such as CSV please use Ariā

This dataset is the definitive version of the annually released statistical area 1 (SA1) boundaries as at 1 January 2025, as defined by Stats NZ. This version contains 33,164 SA1s (33,148 digitised and 16 with empty or null geometries (non-digitised)).

SA1 is an output geography that allows the release of more low-level data than is available at the meshblock level. Built by joining meshblocks, SA1s have an ideal size range of 100–200 residents, and a maximum population of about 500. This is to minimise suppression of population data in multivariate statistics tables.

The SA1 should:

form a contiguous cluster of one or more meshblocks,

be either urban, rural, or water in character,

be small enough to:

• allow flexibility for aggregation to other statistical geographies,

• allow users to aggregate areas into their own defined communities of interest,

form a nested hierarchy with statistical output geographies and administrative boundaries. It must:

• be built from meshblocks,

• either define or aggregate to define SA2s, urban rural areas, territorial authorities, and regional councils.

SA1s generally have a population of 100–200 residents, with some exceptions:

• SA1s with nil or nominal resident populations are created to represent remote mainland areas, unpopulated islands, inland water, inlets, or oceanic areas.

• Some SA1s in remote rural areas and urban industrial or business areas have fewer than 100 residents.

• Some SA1s that contain apartment blocks, retirement villages, and large non-residential facilities (prisons, boarding schools, etc.) have more than 500 residents.

SA1 numbering

SA1s are not named. SA1 codes have seven digits starting with a 7 and are numbered approximately north to south. Non-digitised codes start with 79.

As new SA1s are created, they are given the next available numeric code. If the composition of an SA1 changes through splitting or amalgamating different meshblocks, the SA1 is given a new code. The previous code no longer exists within that version and future versions of the SA1 classification.

Digitised and non-digitised SA1s

The digital geographic boundaries are defined and maintained by Stats NZ.

Aggregated from meshblocks, SA1s cover the land area of New Zealand, the water area to the 12-mile limit, the Chatham Islands, Kermadec Islands, sub-Antarctic islands, off-shore oil rigs, and Ross Dependency. The following 16 SA1s are held in non-digitised form.

7999901; New Zealand Economic Zone, 7999902; Oceanic Kermadec Islands,7999903; Kermadec Islands, 7999904; Oceanic Oil Rig Taranaki,7999905; Oceanic Campbell Island, 7999906; Campbell Island, 7999907; Oceanic Oil Rig Southland, 7999908; Oceanic Auckland Islands, 7999909; Auckland Islands, 7999910; Oceanic Bounty Islands, 7999911; Bounty Islands, 7999912; Oceanic Snares Islands, 7999913; Snares Islands, 7999914; Oceanic Antipodes Islands, 7999915; Antipodes Islands, 7999916; Ross Dependency.

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High-definition version

This high definition (HD) version is the most detailed geometry, suitable for use in GIS for geometric analysis operations and for the computation of areas, centroids and other metrics. The HD version is aligned to the LINZ cadastre.

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Macrons

Names are provided with and without tohutō/macrons. The column name for those without macrons is suffixed ‘ascii’.

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Digital data

Digital boundary data became freely available on 1 July 2007.

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Further information

To download geographic classifications in table formats such as CSV please use Ariā

For more information please refer to the Statistical standard for geographic areas 2023.

Contact: geography@stats.govt.nz

Market Size for New Zealand Logistics and Warehousing Industry on the Basis of Revenue in USD Billion, 2018-2023 In 2023, Mainfreight expanded its Auckland distribution center by over 20,000 sqm, improving last-mile delivery timelines and warehouse storage capabilities. Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch serve as key logistics hubs owing to their population concentration, port access, and industrial infrastructure. The New Zealand logistics and warehousing market was valued at NZD 11.4 Billion in 2023, driven by rapid e-commerce growth, increasing cross-border trade, and infrastructure investments in key transport corridors. The market is dominated by key players such asMainfreight, Toll Group, Fliway Transport, NZ Post, DHL Express, and Move Logistics. These companies are known for their extensive service portfolios, integrated freight solutions, and robust warehousing capabilities.

Dataset contains occupied and unoccupied private dwelling counts from the 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses, as well as the percentage change in the occupied and unoccupied private dwelling counts between the 2013 and 2018 Censuses, and between the 2018 and 2023 Censuses. Data is available by territorial authority and Auckland local board

Map shows the percentage change in number of occupied and unoccupied private dwellings 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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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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Dwelling occupancy status quality rating

Dwelling occupancy status is rated as high quality.

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

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Dwelling type quality rating

Dwelling type is rated as moderate quality.

Dwelling type – 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.

Statistical area 3 (SA3) is a new output geography, introduced in 2023, that allows aggregations of population data between the SA2 geography and territorial authority geography.

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This dataset is the definitive version of the annually released statistical area 3 (SA3) boundaries as at 1 January 2023 as defined by Stats NZ. This version contains 929 SA3s, including 4 non-digitised SA3s.

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The SA3 geography aims to meet three purposes:

1. approximate suburbs in major, large, and medium urban areas,

2. in predominantly rural areas, provide geographical areas that are larger in area and population size than SA2s but smaller than territorial authorities,

3. minimise data suppression.

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SA3s in major, large, and medium urban areas were created by combining SA2s to approximate suburbs as delineated in the Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) Localities dataset. Some of the resulting SA3s have very large populations.

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Outside of major, large, and medium urban areas, SA3s generally have populations of 5,000–10,000. These SA3s may represent either a single small urban area, a combination of small urban areas and their surrounding rural SA2s, or a combination of rural SA2s.

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Zero or nominal population SA3s

To minimise the amount of unsuppressed data that can be provided in multivariate statistical tables, SA2s with fewer than 1,000 residents are combined with other SA2s wherever possible to reach the 1,000 SA3 population target. However, there are still a number of SA3s with zero or nominal populations.

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Small population SA2s designed to maintain alignment between territorial authority and regional council geographies are merged with other SA2s to reach the 5,000–10,000 SA3 population target. These merges mean that some SA3s do not align with regional council boundaries but are aligned to territorial authority.

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Small population island SA2s are included in their adjacent land-based SA3.

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Island SA2s outside territorial authority or region are the same in the SA3 geography.

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Inland water SA2s are aggregated and named by territorial authority, as in the urban rural classification.

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Inlet SA2s are aggregated and named by territorial authority or regional council where the water area is outside the territorial authority.

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Oceanic SA2s translate directly to SA3s as they are already aggregated to regional council.

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The 16 non-digitised SA2s are aggregated to the following 4 non-digitised SA3s (SA3 code; SA3 name):

70001; Oceanic outside region, 70002; Oceanic oil rigs, 70003; Islands outside region, 70004; Ross Dependency outside region.

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SA3 numbering and naming

Each SA3 is a single geographic entity with a name and a numeric code. The name refers to a suburb,recognised place name, or portion of a territorial authority. In some instances where place names are the same or very similar, the SA3s are differentiated by their territorial authority, for example, Hillcrest (Hamilton City) and Hillcrest (Rotorua District).

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SA3 codes have five digits. North Island SA3 codes start with a 5, South Island SA3 codes start with a 6 and non-digitised SA3 codes start with a 7. They are numbered approximately north to south within their respective territorial authorities. When first created in 2023, the last digit of each code was 0. When SA3 boundaries change in future, only the last digit of the code will change to ensure the north-south pattern is maintained.

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For more information please refer to the Statistical standard for geographic areas 2023.

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Generalised version

This generalised version has been simplified for rapid drawing and is designed for thematic or web mapping purposes.

​

Macrons

Names are provided with and without tohutō/macrons. The column name for those without macrons is suffixed ‘ascii’.

​

Digital data

Digital boundary data became freely available on 1 July 2007.

​

To download geographic classifications in table formats such as CSV please use Ariā

This dataset is the definitive of the annually released meshblock boundaries as at 1 January 2023 as defined by Stats NZ (the custodian), clipped to the coastline. This clipped version has been created for cartographic purposes and so does not fully represent the official full extent boundaries. This version contains 57,539 meshblocks.

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Stats NZ maintains an annual meshblock pattern for collecting and producing statistical data. This allows data to be compared over time.

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A meshblock is the smallest geographic unit for which statistical data is collected and processed by Stats NZ. A meshblock is a defined geographic area, which can vary in size from part of a city block to a large area of rural land. The optimal size for a meshblock is 30–60 dwellings (containing approximately 60–120 residents).

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Each meshblock borders on another to form a network covering all of New Zealand, including coasts and inlets and extending out to the 200-mile economic zone (EEZ) and is digitised to the 12-mile (19.3km) limit. Meshblocks are added together to build up larger geographic areas such as statistical area 1 (SA1), statistical area 2 (SA2), statistical area 3 (SA3), and urban rural (UR). They are also used to define electoral districts, territorial authorities, and regional councils.

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Meshblock boundaries generally follow road centrelines, cadastral property boundaries, or topographical features such as rivers. Expanses of water in the form of lakes and inlets are defined separately from land.

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Meshblock maintenance

Meshblock boundaries are amended by:

1. Splitting – subdividing a meshblock into two or more meshblocks.
2. Nudging – shifting a boundary to a more appropriate position.

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Reasons for meshblock splits and nudges can include:

·to maintain meshblock criteria rules.

·to improve the size balance of meshblocks in areas where there has been population growth

·to maintain alignment to cadastre and other geographic features.

·Stats NZ requests for boundary changes so that statistical geography boundaries can be moved

·external requests for boundary changes so that administrative or electoral boundaries can be moved

·to separate land and water. Mainland, inland water, islands, inlets, and oceanic are defined separately

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Meshblock changes are made throughout the year. A major release is made at 1 January each year with ad hoc releases available to users at other times.

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While meshblock boundaries are continually under review, 'freezes' on changes to the boundaries are applied periodically. Such 'freezes' are imposed at the time of population censuses and during periods of intense electoral activity, for example, prior and during general and local body elections.

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Meshblock numbering

Meshblocks are not named and have seven-digit codes.

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When meshblocks are split, each new meshblock is given a new code. The original meshblock codes no longer exist within that version and future versions of the meshblock classification. Meshblock codes do not change when a meshblock boundary is nudged.

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Meshblocks that existed prior to 2015 and have not changed are numbered from 0000100 to 3210003. Meshblocks created from 2015 onwards are numbered from 4000000.

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Digitised and non-digitised meshblocks

The digital geographic boundaries are defined and maintained by Stats NZ.

​

Meshblocks cover the land area of New Zealand, the water area to the 12mile limit, the Chatham Islands, Kermadec Islands, sub-Antarctic islands, offshore oil rigs, and Ross Dependency. The following 16 meshblocks are not held in digitised form.

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Meshblock / Location (statistical area 2 name)

• 0016901 / Oceanic Kermadec Islands
• 0016902 / Kermadec Islands
• 1588000 / Oceanic Oil Rig Taranaki
• 3166401 / Oceanic Campbell Island
• 3166402 / Campbell Island
• 3166600 / Oceanic Oil Rig Southland
• 3166710 / Oceanic Auckland Islands
• 3166711 / Auckland Islands
• 3195000 / Ross Dependency
• 3196001 / New Zealand Economic Zone
• 3196002 / Oceanic Bounty Islands
• 3196003 / Bounty Islands
• 3196004 / Oceanic Snares Islands
• 3196005 / Snares Island
• 3196006 / Oceanic Antipodes Islands
• 3196007 / Antipodes Island

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For more information please refer to the Statistical standard for geographic areas 2023.

​

Generalised version

This generalised version has been simplified for rapid drawing and is designed for thematic or web mapping purposes.

​

Digital data

Digital boundary data became freely available on 1 July 2007.

​

To download geographic classifications in table formats such as CSV please use Ariā

This dataset is the definitive of the annually released meshblock boundaries as at 1 January 2024 as defined by Stats NZ. This version contains 57,539 meshblocks, including 16 with empty or null geometries (non-digitised meshblocks).

Stats NZ maintains an annual meshblock pattern for collecting and producing statistical data. This allows data to be compared over time.

A meshblock is the smallest geographic unit for which statistical data is collected and processed by Stats NZ. A meshblock is a defined geographic area, which can vary in size from part of a city block to a large area of rural land. The optimal size for a meshblock is 30–60 dwellings (containing approximately 60–120 residents).

Each meshblock borders on another to form a network covering all of New Zealand, including coasts and inlets and extending out to the 200-mile economic zone (EEZ) and is digitised to the 12-mile (19.3km) limit. Meshblocks are added together to build up larger geographic areas such as statistical area 1 (SA1), statistical area 2 (SA2), statistical area 3 (SA3), and urban rural (UR). They are also used to define electoral districts, territorial authorities, and regional councils.

Meshblock boundaries generally follow road centrelines, cadastral property boundaries, or topographical features such as rivers. Expanses of water in the form of lakes and inlets are defined separately from land.

Meshblock maintenance

Meshblock boundaries are amended by:

1. Splitting – subdividing a meshblock into two or more meshblocks.
2. Nudging – shifting a boundary to a more appropriate position.

Reasons for meshblock splits and nudges can include:

· to maintain meshblock criteria rules.

· to improve the size balance of meshblocks in areas where there has been population growth

· to maintain alignment to cadastre and other geographic features.

· Stats NZ requests for boundary changes so that statistical geography boundaries can be moved

· external requests for boundary changes so that administrative or electoral boundaries can be moved

· to separate land and water. Mainland, inland water, islands, inlets, and oceanic are defined separately

Meshblock changes are made throughout the year. A major release is made at 1 January each year with ad hoc releases available to users at other times.

While meshblock boundaries are continually under review, 'freezes' on changes to the boundaries are applied periodically. Such 'freezes' are imposed at the time of population censuses and during periods of intense electoral activity, for example, prior and during general and local body elections.

Meshblock numbering

Meshblocks are not named and have seven-digit codes.

When meshblocks are split, each new meshblock is given a new code. The original meshblock codes no longer exist within that version and future versions of the meshblock classification. Meshblock codes do not change when a meshblock boundary is nudged.

Meshblocks that existed prior to 2015 and have not changed are numbered from 0000100 to 3210003. Meshblocks created from 2015 onwards are numbered from 4000000.

Digitised and non-digitised meshblocks

The digital geographic boundaries are defined and maintained by Stats NZ.

Meshblocks cover the land area of New Zealand, the water area to the 12mile limit, the Chatham Islands, Kermadec Islands, sub-Antarctic islands, offshore oil rigs, and Ross Dependency. The following 16 meshblocks are not held in digitised form.

Meshblock / Location (statistical area 2 name)

• 0016901 / Oceanic Kermadec Islands
• 0016902 / Kermadec Islands
• 1588000 / Oceanic Oil Rig Taranaki
• 3166401 / Oceanic Campbell Island
• 3166402 / Campbell Island
• 3166600 / Oceanic Oil Rig Southland
• 3166710 / Oceanic Auckland Islands
• 3166711 / Auckland Islands
• 3195000 / Ross Dependency
• 3196001 / New Zealand Economic Zone
• 3196002 / Oceanic Bounty Islands
• 3196003 / Bounty Islands
• 3196004 / Oceanic Snares Islands
• 3196005 / Snares Island
• 3196006 / Oceanic Antipodes Islands
• 3196007 / Antipodes Island

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For more information please refer to the Statistical standard for geographic areas 2023.

High definition version

This high definition (HD) version is the most detailed geometry, suitable for use in GIS for geometric analysis operations and for the computation of areas, centroids and other metrics. The HD version is aligned to the LINZ cadastre.

Digital Data

Digital boundary data became freely available on 1 July 2007.