What are population estimates?
Population estimates are the estimates of the number of people and/or dwellings at a particular point in time. They are the primary source of information on the size and structure of the population at both national and subnational levels.
What are population estimates used for?
If we want to know how many people usually live in the country or in an area, or age-sex structure or composition by ethnicity, the estimated resident population should be used.
The estimated resident population includes New Zealand residents temporarily overseas, but excludes overseas visitors temporarily in New Zealand. The estimated resident population is derived from a census base, which is adjusted for net census undercount, and updated for population change due to births, deaths and net migration.
Estimated resident populations provide the most robust measure of population and have been basis of all official estimates and projections since 1996.
Population estimates - resources
When to use estimates
Information on when to use estimates, counts and projections. Created for Population and Sustainable Development website, 2004.
Residents temporarily overseas
Information on New Zealand residents temporarily overseas at census date. Created for Population and Sustainable Development website, 2005.
Total resident population estimates
Quarterly national population estimates, March 1999 quarter on, from Statistics New Zealand.
Māori resident population estimates
Quarterly population estimates by single year of age and sex, from Statistics New Zealand.
Subnational resident population estimates
Annual subnational population estimates for Territorial Authorities, Regional Councils and Main/Secondary Urban Areas, from Statistics New Zealand.
National ethnic group estimated resident populations
Available as at 30 June of census year on request from Statistics New Zealand (contact the Demography Division, see link below).
Subnational ethnic group estimated resident populations
Available on request from Statistics New Zealand (contact the Demography Division, see link below).
Subnational population estimated by ethnic group
Available as at 30 June of census year on request from Statistics New Zealand (contact the Demography Division, see link below).
Experts
For further information email the Demography Division of Statistics New Zealand or write to:
Robert Didham
Demography Division
Statistics New Zealand
Dollan House
401 Madras Street
Private Bag 4741
Christchurch.
Back to Population