National Population Estimates: June 2005 quarter

Population Growth Eases

The estimated resident population of New Zealand was 4,098,200 at 30 June 2005, Statistics New Zealand said today. In the June 2005 year, population growth was estimated to be 36,800 (0.9 percent), compared with 52,200 (1.3 percent) in the June 2004 year. The June 2005 year estimate is below the average annual increase of 42,500 (1.1 percent) for the June years from 1995 to 2005.

The lower population growth during the June 2005 year was mainly due to a fall in net permanent and long-term migration. Permanent and long-term arrivals exceeded departures by 8,600 (23 percent of population growth) in the June 2005 year, whereas in the June 2004 year the net migration gain was 22,000 (42 percent of population growth).

Natural increase (excess of births over deaths) was 28,200 in the June 2005 year, slightly lower than the natural increase recorded in the June 2004 year (30,200).

The population aged 65 years and over (65+) continues to be the age group with the highest growth. The 65+ age group has grown by 74,100 (17.5 percent) over the last decade, to reach 497,500 at 30 June 2005.

The working-age population (15–64 years), which accounted for 66.4 percent of the population in the June 2005 year, was estimated to be 2,721,200 at 30 June 2005. This is an increase of 318,700 (13.3 percent) compared with the June 1995 year. The number of children (0-14 years) grew by 32,000 (3.8 percent) during the same 10-year period, to reach 879,500 at 30 June 2005.

At 30 June 2005, half New Zealand's female population was over the age of 36.4 years and half the males were over the age of 34.6 years. The median age increased by 3.1 years for women and 2.7 years for men between the June 1995 and 2005 years.

New Zealand's next general election will be held on 17 September 2005. The estimated eligible voting population was 2,990,300 at 30 June 2005.

Brian Pink

Government Statistician

ENDS

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