Regional Population Growth Drops

Subnational Population Estimates: At 30 June 2004

15 November 2004

Regional Growth Drops

Population growth for most regions was lower during the year ended June 2004, compared with the June 2003 year, according to the latest subnational population estimates for regional councils and territorial authorities released by Statistics New Zealand. The lower population growth of the New Zealand resident population was mainly due to a drop in net external migration (excess of arrivals over departures) during the June 2004 year. Net external migration was 22,000 during the June 2004 year, compared with 42,500 during the June 2003 year. Natural increase (excess of births over deaths) was 29,800 during the June 2004 year, compared with 27,500 during the June 2003 year.

At 30 June 2004, the estimated resident population of the North Island was 3,087,200, up 39,500 (1.3 percent), and the population of the South Island was 973,000, up 12,300 (1.3 percent) on June 2003. The North Island contained 76.0 percent of New Zealand's residents, compared with 75.3 percent in 1996.

Tasman Region had the highest growth rate (2.6 percent) during the June 2004 year; it was followed by Auckland (2.0 percent), Nelson (1.9 percent), Canterbury (1.5 percent), and Bay of Plenty and Marlborough (1.4 percent each). Of the remaining regions, Wellington (1.2 percent), Waikato and Otago (1.1 percent each), Northland (0.7 percent) and Hawke's Bay (0.4 percent) had population increases below the 1.3 percent national average. Gisborne, Taranaki, Manawatu-Wanganui, West Coast and Southland Regions had population decreases. ƒnƒnMedia Release Email: info@stats.govt.nz Toll free : 0508 525 525 www.stats.govt.nz Auckland Phone: 09 920 9100 Our Information Centres are at: Wellington Phone: 04 931 4600 Christchurch Phone: 03 964 8700 In the June 2004 year, 10 regions had estimated population increases due to gains in both natural increase and net migration (internal and external migration combined). Four of these regions received most growth through natural increase: Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Wellington. Six regions received most growth through net migration: Marlborough, Tasman, Nelson, Otago, Canterbury and Bay of Plenty. The remaining six regions had estimated net migration losses.

The combined population of New Zealand's 16 cities grew by 40,400 (1.7 percent), to reach 2,444,700 at 30 June 2004. In comparison, the combined population of the districts increased by 11,400 (0.7 percent), to reach 1,615,000. Cities are now home to 60.2 percent of all New Zealanders, compared with 59.3 percent in 2001.

Of the 74 territorial authorities, 44 (15 cities and 29 districts) were estimated to have experienced population growth in the year to 30 June 2004. Manukau City recorded the largest numerical increase (8,700), followed by Auckland City (5,600), Christchurch City (5,300), North Shore City (4,400), Waitakere and Wellington Cities (3,600 each), Hamilton and Tauranga Cities (2,800 each) and Rodney District (2,500). Other areas to show significant growth were Queenstown-Lakes, Waimakariri, Tasman and Franklin Districts, and Palmerston North City. Their population increases ranged from 1,500 down to 1,000.

Brian Pink

Government Statistician

ENDS

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