Our take on the latest National population estimates (Tue 18 Feb 2020)
Total NZ population estimate
4,951,500
As at December 2019
Population growth slows to 1.4%pa
Migration revisions push down population estimates
The key numbers...
- New Zealand’s estimated resident population grew 1.4%pa in 2019, with a total of 4,951,500 New Zealand residents as at December.
- Population growth has been pushed lower by significant revisions to net migration estimates made by Stats NZ in January this year. Previously estimated to be holding steady at 1.7%pa, population growth has been revised down to 1.5% in June and September 2019.
- Annual net migration in December 2019 was 43,764 and is showing a clearly slowing trend. With fewer migrants anticipated over this coming year, population growth is also expected to continue to slow.
Annual net migration
...and our reaction
- Population growth has shown a slowing trend since 2016, which we expect to continue in coming years.
- With the current trajectory, we expect the estimated New Zealand population to hit 5 million residents by the end of 2020.
- In recent years, the median age of New Zealand residents has been trending downwards, driven by large levels of immigration of younger workers. However, as net migration begins to slow and growth in the population aged 65+ continues to race ahead, we have begun to see the median age tick upwards again in the last couple of quarters.
Latest updates
Premium
National population estimates
Population growth lifted by increasing migration
Mon 18 May 2026
Quarterly
5,361,300 Total NZ population estimate as at March 2026
0.8%pa Population growth in March 2026 quarter24,200 Net migration over the year to March 2026Premium
National population estimates
Population growth steady at 0.6%pa
Tue 17 Feb 2026
Quarterly
5,342,000 Total NZ population estimate as at December 2025
0.6%pa Population growth in December 2025 quarter
14,200 Net migration over the year to December 2025National population estimates
Population growth steady at 0.6%pa
Mon 17 Nov 2025
Quarterly
5,334,200 Total NZ population estimate as of September 2025
Population grows 0.6%pa in September 2025 quarterNet migration edges up to 12,500 for year ending September 2025National population estimates
Population growth now just 0.7%pa
Tue 19 Aug 2025
Quarterly
5,324,700 Total NZ population estimate as at June 2025
Population grows 0.7%pa in June 2025 quarterNet migration eases to 13,700 for year ending June 2025