New Zealand: Population

Between 2000 and 2023, New Zealand's estimated population rose from 3.9 million to 5.2 million. That was an absolute change of 1.3 million and 34.1%.

The 2023 estimate is the fixed baseline for this WPP 2024 analysis. Under the UN Medium projection, the population is projected at 5.4 million in 2028, 5.5 million in 2033, and 5.7 million in 2043. From the estimate baseline through the 20-year horizon, it is projected to increase by 498.2 thousand (9.6%).

In the latest estimate year, births numbered 59.2 thousand and deaths 37.7 thousand. Natural change was 21.6 thousand, while net migration was 21.4 thousand. These values are reported as demographic components and are not an explanation of the policies or events behind the series.

Age structure is also projected to shift. People aged 65 or older represented 16.8% of the 2023 estimate and are projected at 23.0% in 2043. The share aged 0-14 changes from 18.4% to 15.4% over the same comparison.

Total fertility was estimated at 1.67 births per woman in 2023, compared with 1.98 in 2000. Under the Medium projection it reaches 1.62 in 2043. Birth totals are shown separately; fertility rates and the number of births do not measure the same thing.

Life expectancy at birth increased from 78.7 years in 2000 to 82.1 years in 2023. The latest infant mortality rate was 4.3 per 1,000 live births. Crude death rates are presented with age and longevity measures rather than interpreted alone.

With 5.2 million people, New Zealand ranked 123rd of 237 WPP countries and areas by population in 2023. Its regional and peer comparisons use the same release, year, and country/area eligibility rules.