Population and
Sustainable Development

Population faq

Ask a question or request information.

Question

How do I know which population data to use?

Answer

The Which population? page provides information on which population data to use when.

Question

Where do I find key facts on the current population?

Answer

Statistics New Zealand's Population Indicators summarises key population measures.

Question

What is the latest estimated population of New Zealand?

Answer

The latest population estimates can be found from a link on the population clock page of the Statistics New Zealand website. This page provides an approximate indication of the current population of New Zealand, whereas the link from that page provides the latest official population estimates in detail.

Question

Where can I find the latest census data?

Answer

The latest census information is available from Statistics New Zealand's Table Builder.

Question

How many New Zealanders live overseas?

Answer

The number of New Zealanders living overseas is not known precisely, though various estimates have been attempted ranging from 700,000 to more than 1 million. There is current (2009) research underway to try to answer some of the questions about the diaspora. The term New Zealander may mean a number of things – for example people born in New Zealand or people with New Zealand citizenship. In 2008, there were estimated to be 495,000 people born in New Zealand living in Australia. Some information on New Zealanders living in OECD countries is available from the OECD expatriate database.

Question

How many Māori live in Australia?

Answer

Recent work by Paul Hamer suggests that in 2006 between 115,000 and 125,000 Maori live in Australia.

Question

Is the "man drought" real?

Answer

There are fewer men than women in younger adult age groups, but the deficit is not as large as has been reported. The 2006 Census recorded 39,150 more females aged 20-39 years usually resident in New Zealand than males. In 2006, the census counted 97,708 more female than male New Zealand residents. For more information see this article on sex ratios.

Population Statistics Unit | Statistics New Zealand Statistics House, The Boulevard, Harbour Quays, PO Box 2922, Wellington, New Zealand. Ph: 0508 525 525 Fax:+64 4 931 4079