Our take on the latest National population estimates (Tue 17 Aug 2021)
Total NZ population estimate
5,122,600
As at June 2021
Population growth slows to 0.6%pa
Annual net migration 4,700
The key numbers...
- New Zealand’s resident population is estimated to be 5,122,600 as at June 2021. The population has grown by 32,400 (0.6%pa) over the past year.
- Annual net migration remains incredibly muted, with a net inflow of only 4,700 migrants over the past 12 months.
- Population growth remains strongest for those aged above 65, with the estimated population growing 3.4%pa. In contrast, the working-age population grew by 0.1% over the same period.
- The median age of the population continues its slowly increasing trend, sitting at 38 years of age.
Population growth by age
Annual % changes
...and our reaction
- Throughout much of the 2010s, population growth relied on high levels of migration. With borders closed for the time being, we do not expect population growth to pick up significantly any time soon.
- Slow population growth, particularly for the working-age population, is providing little relief for businesses looking for more workers in such a tight labour market.
- The government has recently announced changes to allow Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE) to bring some migrant workers into the country without requiring quarantine, which well help labour shortages in some industries. However, these changes will not address the large labour shortages felt across the broader economy.
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 20250.6%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 quarter
Net migration eases to 13,700 for year ending June 2025