For many years, the drift of people northwards has been a topic of interest. More people were moving north than were moving south. The northerly drift was often couched in terms of the attraction of Auckland. But it was more than just a drift to Auckland. There was also a drift northwards within the North Island and the South Island, with gains to the sunny Nelson region, for example, from regions to the south.
This was true for internal migration up to the 1990s. At the 1991 Census more people had moved from the North Island to the South Island than the other way. However, the draw of Auckland continued through the 1990s, but by 2001 the net flow reversed. Auckland region was contributing slightly more people to other regions than it was gaining from other regions. By 2006 internal migration flows resulted in a significant net southward flow of population moves from the north of the North Island.
This does not mean that people have stopped moving north. Nearly 60,000 people chose to move to Auckland from other parts of New Zealand. However, this was offset by 76,700 people who moved from Auckland. Consequently, Auckland region lost a net 16,700 people due to internal migration.This gives some indication of the very high level of mobility among New Zealand's population.
This myth is out of date
Although there was a drift of population northwards it is not currently the case.
Where did this myth come from?
There was a drift north prior to 2001, as people moved to Auckland in particular. However, the North Island lost population to the South Island throughout the 1990s. Now, population growth in Auckland is from natural increase (births minus deaths) and migration from overseas (including returning New Zealanders), rather than from people living in New Zealand moving there. Despite the shifts in internal migration, the northern North Island, especially Auckland, still grows faster than the rest of New Zealand.
For further information about where New Zealanders are moving, a report on Internal Migration is available on the Statistics New Zealand website. This report includes a topic on the drift north and south.
Provided by Statistics New Zealand, 18 July 2008.