Our take on the latest National population estimates (Thu 17 Feb 2022)
Total NZ population estimate
5,127,200
As at December 2021
Population growth steady at 0.5%pa
Annual net migration -4,000
The key numbers...
- New Zealand’s estimated resident population was sitting at 5,127,200 in December 2021, having grown by 0.5% during 2021.
- Revisions have turned annual net migration negative, with a net outflow of 4,000 people over the year to December 2021.
- Natural increase is the only positive contributor to population growth, with a natural increase of 27,500 during 2021, a 3.8% lift from the previous year.
- The working age population has continued to decline, falling for the third straight quarter. The resident population aged 15-64 is down 0.1% from the same quarter a year ago.
Estimate NZ resident population
Annual % change
...and our reaction
- International migration remains halted in New Zealand, with the closed borders stopping non-New Zealand citizens from entering the country. As a result, we have seen more New Zealand residents leave the country than enter.
- The labour market in New Zealand is currently extremely tight, with the unemployment rate at a record low. The lack of immigration and the shrinking working age population are only adding fuel to the fire.
- With New Zealand’s borders looking to reopen in the coming months, we could see some relief with an increased inflow of people into the country. However, downside risks exist of more New Zealand citizens heading overseas as the rest of the world opens up.
Latest updates
Premium
National population estimates
Slight pick-up in population growth
Tue 18 Aug 2026
Quarterly
5,357,300 Total NZ population estimate as at June 2026
0.7%pa Population growth in June 2026 quarter
17,600 Net migration gain over the year to June 2026Premium
National population estimates
Population growth lifted by increasing migration
Mon 18 May 2026
Quarterly
5,361,300 Total NZ population estimate as at March 20260.8%pa Population growth in March 2026 quarter24,200 Net migration over the year to March 2026National 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 quarter14,200 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 2025