Population in New Zealand - Data and Analysis (1991-2034)

IBISWorld expects the population of New Zealand to increase 0.6% during 2026-27, to total 5,384,300 people. This is expected to primarily be driven by the number of births outweighing the number of deaths by over 20,000 across the course of the year. Net migration is also expected to remain positive at above 15,000 people, further supporting population growth. In the June 2026 quarter, the population only marginally expanded by 5,400, according to data from StatsNZ. If this rate continues, thoughout the remainded of the year, the annual population growth rate is likely to decline from the currently forecasted 0.6%.Over the past five years, the population of New Zealand has risen, albeit at a slower rate than the preceding decade. Over the longer term, improving medical technology and advances in healthcare have driven an increase in the life expectancy of New Zealand residents. This trend has driven an increase in the number of people aged 65 and over. However, this growth has been limited by declines in the New Zealand birth rate. Additionally, New Zealand's strong economy and pristine environment makes the country a desirable destination for migration, supporting positive levels of net migration.New Zealand's population growth rate has tanked since reaching 5.0 million people in 2019-20. Global migration flow collapsed during the pandemic, a situation that was accentuated by the New Zealand Government's border restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As pandemic restrictions wound down, including in New Zealand, net migration rebounded strongly, driving an uptick in population growth across 2022-23 and 2023-24. Across this period, cumulative net migration saw over 170,000 new residents enter New Zealand, setting an all-time record for a two year period. However, tigher visa requirements implemented in 2024-25 caused net migration to plummet to below 14,000 people. This trend has continued across 2025-26 and 2026-27, resulting an a sharp slow-down in the population growth rate. Overall, IBISWorld forecasts the population of New Zealand to grow at a compound annual rate of 1.2% over the five years through 2026-27.