New Zealand's population growth has been characterized by steady increases over the past several decades, driven by both natural increase (births minus deaths) and significant net migration. As of 2023, the population was estimated at around 5.2 million, a notable rise from approximately 3.8 million in 1990. While birth rates have gradually declined, migration—particularly from Asia and the Pacific Islands—has played an increasingly important role in boosting numbers. Urban areas, especially Auckland, have seen the most rapid growth, contributing to a diverse and multicultural society. Government policies, global events, and economic opportunities continue to influence the rate and composition of population growth in New Zealand.
| Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 1,908,310 | 7.2 |
| 1955 | 2,136,168 | 8.1 |
| 1960 | 2,371,746 | 9 |
| 1965 | 2,640,400 | 10 |
| 1970 | 2,828,050 | 10.7 |
| 1975 | 3,117,800 | 11.8 |
| 1980 | 3,170,150 | 12 |
| 1985 | 3,323,811 | 12.6 |
| 1990 | 3,413,677 | 12.9 |
| 1995 | 3,642,182 | 13.8 |
| 2000 | 3,802,400 | 14.4 |
| 2005 | 4,048,224 | 15.3 |
| 2010 | 4,269,245 | 16.1 |
| 2015 | 4,525,113 | 17.1 |
| 2020 | 4,925,334 | 18.6 |
| 2022 | 5,053,004 | 19.1 |
| 2023 | 5,109,702 | 19.3 |
| 2024 | 5,161,211 | 19.5 |
| 2025 | 5,207,259 | 19.7 |
| 2030 | 5,412,025 | 20.5 |
| 2035 | 5,591,053 | 21.1 |
| 2040 | 5,746,399 | 21.7 |
| 2045 | 5,879,696 | 22.2 |
| 2050 | 5,990,813 | 22.6 |
| 2055 | 6,084,413 | 23 |
| 2060 | 6,165,734 | 23.3 |
| 2065 | 6,236,554 | 23.6 |
| 2070 | 6,297,435 | 23.8 |
| 2075 | 6,345,523 | 24 |
| 2080 | 6,376,941 | 24.1 |
| 2085 | 6,390,765 | 24.2 |
| 2090 | 6,392,377 | 24.2 |
| 2095 | 6,388,293 | 24.1 |
| 2100 | 6,381,409 | 24.1 |
Data from US Census International Database