New Zealand’s population of 5.3 million grew by just 0.1% (7,000) in the second quarter of 2024 as the number of people leaving the country hit 100,000 in the first half of the year. Official figures were released on Monday.
Despite a virtual stagnation in population growth and record numbers of arrivals in recent years, the island nation’s reputation for high living and working standards remains a haven of safety in an increasingly complex world.
What did the statistics say?
According to Statistics New Zealand, there were 5,100 more births than deaths in the second quarter, accounting for 72% of the total increase.
Net migration during the quarter was 2,000, accounting for 28% of the total growth.
However, in the year to June, 130,000 New Zealanders and non-nationals left the country, including about 45,000 to neighboring Australia alone.
Figures released last week showed a record temporary net migration loss of 55,300 New Zealand citizens in June 2024.
A growing exodus amid slow economic growth, high living costs and high property prices is preventing many young New Zealanders from getting on the property ladder.
The loss of New Zealand citizens was offset by the arrival of non-citizens, with a temporary net migration gain of 128,500 non-New Zealand citizens in June 2024, according to Statistics New Zealand.
That gain is mostly driven by citizens of India, the Philippines, China and Fiji, the company said.