Population grows to 4.27 million

The estimated resident population of NZ was 4,268,600 at 30th June, 2008, Statistics NZ has said. The population increased by 40,300 (1.0 per cent) in the June 2008 year, compared with 43,700 (1.0 per cent) in the June 2007 year.

The main contribution to population growth during the June 2008 year came from natural increase (excess of births over deaths) of 35,600, up 2,000 on the previous June year. However, population growth was lower in the June 2008 year compared with the previous year, because of a fall in net migration.

Permanent and long-term arrivals exceeded departures by 4,700 in the latest year, down from a net migration gain of 10,100 in the June 2007 year.

At 30th June, 2008, the median age for males was 35.4 years (half are younger, and half older, than this age). The median age for the female population was 37.2 years.