Growing kiwi population

The estimated resident population of NZ was 4,280,000 at 30th September, 2008, Statistics NZ has said. The population increased by 40,100 (0.9 per cent) in the September 2008 year, compared with 43,300 (1.0 per cent) in the September 2007 year.

The main contribution to population growth during the September 2008 year came from natural increase (excess of births over deaths) of 35,700, up 700 on the previous September year.

However, population growth was lower in the September 2008 year compared with the previous year, because of a fall in net migration.

Permanent and long-term arrivals exceeded departures by 4,400 in the latest year, down from a net migration gain of 8,300 in the September 2007 year.

At 30th September, 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. The median age has increased 2.5 years for males and 2.8 years for females between the 1998 and 2008 September years.

In the September 2008 year, the rate of population growth was highest in the 65 years and over age group (at 2.1 per cent), followed by an increase for the 15 to 64-year age group (at 1.0 per cent). The number of children (aged 0-14 years) increased 0.1 per cent in the same period.

In the 10 years ended September 2008, the number of children increased 1.5 per cent, compared with respective increases of 13.9 per cent and 22.1 per cent for the 15 to 64-year and 65 years and over age groups.