New Zealand’s population reaches 5 million
New Zealand’s population reached the 5-million mark in March, the country’s official data agency announced on Monday.
Stats New Zealand’s population insights senior manager Brooke Theyers said in a press release it was a “significant event” for the country.
“It is also the fastest million in our history, taking 17 years after reaching 4 million in 2003.”
A precise date for the milestone would be available after population estimates were revised later in the year, she said.
“It is most likely the 5 million milestone was reached by a migrant arriving by plane, but could have been reached by a newborn baby.”
Theyers said that, on average, New Zealand’s population had grown by 1.8 per cent a year since 2013, driven by net migration.
“The global Covid-19 pandemic has caused unusual international travel and migration patterns in recent months,” she said.
Theyers said net migration had been boosted by more New Zealand citizens returning to the country after living overseas.
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“At the same time, New Zealand citizens may have been unable or reluctant to head offshore.”
New Zealand’s population reached 1 million in 1908, 2 million in 1952 and 3 million in 1973.
Stats New Zealand estimates the country will hit the 6-million mark sometime in the 2040s. (dpa)
