Historical dataset of population level and growth rate for the Wellington, New Zealand metro area from 1950 to 2025.

New Zealand Population: NI: Wellington data was reported at 527,800.000 Person in 2019. This records an increase from the previous number of 522,100.000 Person for 2018. New Zealand Population: NI: Wellington data is updated yearly, averaging 470,550.000 Person from Jun 1996 (Median) to 2019, with 24 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 527,800.000 Person in 2019 and a record low of 426,900.000 Person in 1996. New Zealand Population: NI: Wellington data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statistics New Zealand. The data is categorized under Global Database’s New Zealand – Table NZ.G003: Population: by Region.

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 regional council.

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.

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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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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.

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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.

The Population data table is part of NZ Suburbs and Localities Dataset. This table contains the population estimate for each suburb and locality, provided by StatsNZ.

NZ Suburbs and Localities is an easy to use layer generated from the normalised NZ Suburbs and Localities Dataset. It describes the spatial extent and name of communities in urban areas (suburbs) and rural areas (localities) for navigation and location purposes.

The suburb and locality boundaries cover New Zealand including North Island, South Island, Stewart Island/Rakiura, Chatham Islands, and nearby offshore islands.

Each suburb and locality is assigned a name, major name, Territorial Authority and, if appropriate, additional in use names. A population estimate is provided for each suburb and locality by Stats NZ.

For more information please refer to the NZ Suburbs and Localities Guidance documents:

Data Dictionary Change Request Process Change Request Principles, Requirements and Rules Changes to NZ Suburbs and Localities can be requested by emailing addresses@linz.govt.nz

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.

​

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

This statistic depicts the results of a survey about the share of the population who believed fellow New Zealanders were trustworthy in 2018, by region. In that year, around **** percent of survey respondents from the Wellington region rated their fellow New Zealanders as being trustworthy.

This dataset was developed to understand the nutrient content of the commonly consumed foods in New Zealand.

• The linkages between two prominent New Zealand studies (or databases) were evaluated, in order to determine the matching between the foods in those studies.
• The first study was the 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey (NZANS) for the total New Zealand population, which presents the commonly consumed foods (a total of 346) in New Zealand.
• The second study was the New Zealand FOODfiles™ 2018 Version 01, which is a database that provides nutrition information (both essential nutrients and essential amino acids) for 2,767 foods.
• Some of the foods in the 2008/09 NZANS are dishes (or menus); the nutrient content of each of those dishes was constructed based on the work by Drew et al. (2020).

References

1. Drew J, Cleghorn C, Macmillan A, Mizdrak A. 2020. Healthy and Climate-Friendly Eating Patterns in the New Zealand Context. Environ Health Perspect. 128(1): 017007.
2. Plant and Food Research, Ministry of Health. 2019. New Zealand Food Composition Database. The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited. [accessed 12 Feb 2020]. https://www.foodcomposition.co.nz/
3. University of Otago, Ministry of Health. 2011. A Focus on Nutrition: Key Findings of the 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey. Wellington, New Zealand: Ministry of Health.

Last update: 12 September 2020

We want Wellington to be a city where we have healthy, affordable homes in connected and lively neighbourhoods, close to the places we live, work and play. It is important that we provide for a variety of housing type, so that everyone has an opportunity to own or rent a quality home in the city.Since 2000 population growth in Wellington has outstripped the number of dwellings constructed and this trend is set to continue. We are already feeling the effects of high house prices and high rents; it is also increasingly difficult for first home buyers to purchase a home.Over the next 30 years we will need between 25,000 and 32,000 new dwellings to meet our projected growth demands. However, under current planning settings it is estimated the city will only have capacity for 20,000 dwellings over this time horizon, leaving a shortfall of between 5,000 and 12,000 dwellings.The Regional Housing and Business Capacity Assessment Report takes a 30-year look at Wellington’s urban District Councils (Wellington, Hutt City, Upper Hutt, Porirua, and Kapiti Coast) capacity for housing and business. The report estimates that based on predicted population growth across the five districts, and current development controls and patterns, the region faces a shortfall of approximately 9,000 to 21,000 dwellings. Without action, Wellington City will face a shortfall of between 4,600 and 12,000 dwellings by 2047.The Wellington City Residential Catchments have been created by grouping together areas of the city that form logical housing catchments i.e. the southern suburbs vs. the eastern suburbs. They represent clearer sub-markets of the city in which the demand and supply of different typologies can be contrasted at a more detailed level.The demand, capacity, and difference values in the dataset summarise the projected dwellings information of chapter 2, section 4 of the Wellington Regional Housing and Business Development Capacity report. It is recommended this section is reviewed while using this data.Wellington Regional Housing and Business Development Capacity - Chapter 2 - Wellington City Council is available on the Planning for Growth website: https://planningforgrowth.wellington.govt.nz/resources1/documentsFor more information contact the Planning for Growth team: planningforgrowth@wcc.govt.nz

Understanding how dispersal and gene flow link geographically separated populations over evolutionary history is challenging, particularly in migratory marine species. In southern right whales (SRWs, Eubalaena australis), patterns of genetic diversity are likely influenced by the glacial climate cycle and recent history of whaling. Here we use a dataset of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences (n=1,327) and nuclear markers (17 microsatellite loci, n=222) from major wintering grounds to investigate circumpolar population structure, historical demography, and effective population size. Analyses of nuclear genetic variation identify two population clusters that correspond to the South Atlantic and Indo-Pacific ocean basins that have similar effective breeder estimates. In contrast, all wintering grounds show significant differentiation for mtDNA, but no sex-biased dispersal was detected using the microsatellite genotypes. An approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) approac h with microsatellite markers compared scenarios with gene flow through time, or isolation and secondary contact between ocean basins, while modeling declines in abundance linked to whaling. Secondary-contact scenarios yield the highest posterior probabilities, implying that populations in different ocean basins were largely isolated and came into secondary contact within the last 25,000 years, but the role of whaling in changes in genetic diversity and gene flow over recent generations could not be resolved. We hypothesise that these findings are driven by factors that promote isolation, such as female philopatry, and factors that could promote dispersal, such oceanographic changes. These findings highlight the application of ABC approaches to infer connectivity in mobile species with complex population histories and currently low levels of differentiation.

Rail transport revenue is expected to climb at a compound annual rate of 1.8% over the five years through 2024-26, to $623.5 million. Rail freight plays an important role in transporting bulk goods across the country and to and from New Zealand ports. Freight volumes and revenue for New Zealand’s rail industry have declined since 2022–23, resulting from intense competition from road freight, loss of key contracts, economic headwinds and significant infrastructure disruptions like major tunnel collapses and cyclone damage. These challenges have led to increasingly pressured profit margins, as fixed costs are spread over fewer freight units and maintenance expenses have risen sharply. At the same time, passenger rail has rebounded strongly, especially in Auckland and Wellington, driven by the return of commuters and tourists, higher fuel costs and government investments in urban rail infrastructure. KiwiRail, which dominates the sector, has responded to weaker freight demand and project completions by cutting staff and shifting to a leaner operating model to control costs and preserve financial stability. In 2025-26, a recovery in rail freight volumes will push up industrywide revenue by 1.5%. The industry's largest player, KiwiRail, is the only commercial rail freight operator in New Zealand and holds an industry market share of over 85%. The New Zealand Government (Te Kawanatanga o Aotearoa) owns KiwiRail, which relies heavily on government subsidies to remain viable. The Greater Wellington Regional Council and Auckland Council are the other two industry players and are responsible for rail passenger operations in their respective regions. Decades of underinvestment in rail infrastructure have resulted in heavy and ongoing investment in rebuilding New Zealand's rail transport capacity. In the coming years, rail freight volumes are set to grow, supported by rising international trade, expanding exports and increasing environmental focus from both government and large logistics clients. Continued investment in rail infrastructure and electrification, essential for handling higher freight demand and meeting decarbonisation targets, will improve rail’s competitiveness, particularly for long-distance bulk transport. Population growth and major infrastructure projects, especially in Auckland, will boost commuter rail demand and position rail as a central pillar of urban mobility. Profit margins in the industry are projected to strengthen over the next five years as KiwiRail maintains its dominance, leveraging efficiency gains. Industry revenue is forecast to grow at an annualised 1.4% over the five years through 2030-31, to $667.9 million.

Abstract

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of disability across population subgroups and disability rates for specific impairment types. Information is also available from the survey on barriers that disabled people encounter in their everyday lives, including their use of and need for support services and assistive devices.

Reference Period: Year, month, census day

Periodicity of Data Collection: Quarterly

Geographic coverage

Whole country

Analysis unit

Individuals

Universe

Population groups: All age groups

Total population covered: The survey covers almost the total population in NZ - those groups that are excluded from the survey make up only a very small percentage of the population, probably less than 2%

Economic activities: All economic activities

Sectors covered: All sectors

Labor force status: Employed persons, unemployed persons, persons outside labour force

Status in Employment: Employees, employers, own-account workers, contributing family workers, members of producers' cooperatives

Establishments: NR

Other limitations: People on offshore islands were excluded together with those living in prisons and psychiatric institutions

Classifications: Sex, age, level of education, other personal characteristics (e.g. marital status), status in employment, occupation, economic activity

Cross-classification: Highest educational qualification by disability status and sex, labour force status by disability status and sex, occupation by disability status, etc…

Kind of data

Sample survey data [ssd]

Frequency of data collection

Periodicity of Data collection: Quarterly

The Bus Transport industry in New Zealand has recorded solid revenue growth through 2025-26, supported by rising demand for school, charter and touring services, as well as sustained investment in regional transport networks. Reliable public funding, an increase in tourist activity and a shift in operators’ focus towards more profitable non-commuter segments have reinforced the industry’s performance. Industry revenue is expected to grow at an annualised 4.3% over the five years through 2025-26 to reach $1.3 billion. However, revenue growth is anticipated to slow to just 0.4% in 2025-26. This subdued annual performance reflects weaker commuter patronage amid persistent flexible work patterns, coupled with higher operating costs and delays in rolling out infrastructure and service upgrades across key urban corridors. Enduring work-from-home trends have weakened urbanisation as a key driver of demand for bus services. Volumes remain structurally lower than pre-2020 levels, particularly in major centres like Auckland and Wellington. An ageing population has also reduced the proportion of younger New Zealanders, who historically make up a large share of urban and school bus patronage. However, government-subsidised school routes, rising charter bookings and a rebound in international tourism have expanded the industry’s revenue base. Ongoing network contract cycles and infrastructure investment have supported transporters’ ability to maintain service delivery, even as cost pressures mount. Still, higher capital and labour costs have weighed on earnings, restricting the industry’s profitability. Industry revenue is forecast to grow at an annualised 1.8% over the five years through 2030-31 to $1.5 billion. Fleet electrification, prompted by the zero-emission procurement mandate from July 2025, is set to be a key driver of capital expenditure and operational reform. While the transition will pressure short-term margins, electric bus fleets are projected to reduce exposure to volatile fuel costs and enhance compliance with long-term environmental standards. Regional and touring segments are also set to benefit from rising tourist visitor days, supporting route expansion in destinations like Rotorua and the West Coast. Industry consolidation is set to continue, following a period of aggressive acquisition activity undertaken by major transporters like Kinetic. Larger bus enterprises will reinforce their dominance as the number of small-scale transporters in the market continues to fall. Industry profitability is expected to remain stable as larger operators benefit from improved fleet efficiency, stronger contract performance and long-term procurement certainty through the Public Transport Operating Model, which will be replaced by the Sustainable Public Transport Framework.

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.

​

Footnotes

Geographical boundaries

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

​

Subnational census usually resident population

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

​

Caution using time series

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

​

About the 2023 Census dataset

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

​

Data quality

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

​

Quality rating of a variable

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

​

Ethnicity concept quality rating

Ethnicity is rated as high quality.

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

​

Using data for good

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

​

Confidentiality

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

​

Symbol

-998 Not applicable

​

Percentages

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

The identification and characterisation of reproductively isolated subpopulations or ‘stocks’ is essential for effective conservation and management decisions. This can be difficult in vagile marine species like marine mammals. We used paternity assignment and ‘gametic recapture’ to examine the reproductive autonomy of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) on their New Zealand (NZ) calving grounds. We derived DNA profiles for 34 mother-calf pairs from skin biopsy samples, using sex-specific markers, 13 microsatellite loci and mtDNA haplotypes. We constructed DNA profiles for 314 adult males, representing 30% of the census male abundance of the NZ stock, previously estimated from genotypic mark-recapture modelling to be 1085 (95% CL 855, 1416). Under the hypothesis of demographic closure and the assumption of equal reproductive success among males, we predict: (1) the proportion of paternities assigned will reflect the proportion of the male population sampled and (2) the gametic mark-recapture (GMR) estimate of male abundance will be equivalent to the census male estimate for the NZ stock. Consistent with these predictions, we found that the proportion of assigned paternities equalled the proportion of the census male population size sampled. Using the sample of males as the initial capture, and paternity assignment as the recapture, the GMR estimate of male abundance was 1001 (95% CL 542, 1469), similar to the male census estimate. These findings suggest that right whales returning to the NZ calving ground are reproductively autonomous on a generational timescale, as well as isolated by maternal fidelity on an evolutionary timescale, from others in the Indo-Pacific region.