Population estimates and projections
Estimates and projections give information about the number and types of people in the population, and how that may change.
Estimates describe the size and characteristics of the population on a past date. Projections describe trends to show what the population may be like in future.
Find out about:
- population growth
- the numbers of people in New Zealand and in different areas of New Zealand
- characteristics of these populations
- projections of how these populations will change.
Latest information releases about estimates and projections
Estimated resident population (2023-base): At 30 June 2023
These are the latest estimates of people who usually live in New Zealand based on the 2023 Census and 2023 Post-enumeration Survey (PES) and adjusted for net census undercount, residents temporarily overseas, and population change due to births, deaths, and migration, between census night (7 March 2023) and the mid-year reference date (30 June 2023).
Household labour force survey estimated working-age population: March 2025 quarter
The household labour force survey estimated working-age population table shows the population benchmarks used to produce household labour force survey estimates for the upcoming labour market statistics release.
Dwelling and household estimates: March 2025 quarter
National dwelling and household estimates are used for many purposes including planning, policy formation, business decisions, and as ‘bottom lines’ in the calculation of market coverage rates.
National population estimates: At 31 December 2024 (2018-base)
National population estimates give the best available measure of the population, by age and sex, usually living in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Latest publications about estimates and projections
Kua piki te taupori o Aotearoa ki runga ake i te 5.3 miriona tāngata
I whakataua tatatia kua tae te taupori e noho ana i Aotearoa mō te nuinga o te wā ki te 5,311,100 i te 31 Tīhema 2024.
Estimated population of NZ
Find the latest population figures for New Zealand.
North Island population passes 4 million while South Island population grows faster
The population living in the North Island now exceeds 4 million.
Aotearoa New Zealand’s population passes 5.3 million people
Aotearoa New Zealand’s estimated resident population was 5,311,100 as at 31 December 2024.
CSV files for download
CSV files for download has data from Infoshare and Stats NZ information releases.
Tools with estimates and projections data
Population clock
The population clock estimates New Zealand's population in real time.
Place and ethnic group summaries
Explore statistics about the population by region, district, and smaller areas, and by ethnic group.
Aotearoa Data Explorer
Our new data tool, replacing NZ.Stat, for searching data, creating filtered visualisations and downloadable data tables.
Interactive population pyramid for New Zealand
Use this interactive population pyramid to see our population history and what our future may look like.
2018 Census place summaries
Find stats about the population by region, city or district, Auckland local board area, and statistical area 2 (small area).
Infoshare
Build tables from our biggest range of datasets, including long-term time series. View on screen or download Excel or CSV files.
DataInfo+
Get statistical metadata – what we measure, definitions, and how we produce statistics.
Experimental initiatives
Experimental population estimates from linked administrative data
View experimental population estimates for New Zealand derived from linked administrative data in the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI).
Data Knowledge Centre
This prototype can help you find, use, and manage New Zealand government data.
Information about data
Get technical information such as classifications used, survey design, and a glossary of statistical terms.
Metadata in DataInfo+
DataInfo+ has metadata about our statistical collections and classifications, and questionnaires and forms.
DataInfo+ concepts gives definitions of terms used by Stats NZ.
Demographic estimates – DataInfo+ explains the general methodology used to produce population estimates, and definitions and related metadata.
Demographic projections – DataInfo+ explains the general methodology used to produce population projections, and definitions and related metadata.
Methods, sources, and user guides
Population statistics – user guide provides information about population statistics we produce.
Standard for population terms will help you understand and use Stats NZ's population measures.
