The population in New Zealand grew 1.3% (or 55,100 people) in 2009, with the population clock sitting at 4,346,700 people on 31 December 2009.
This was the country’s biggest population growth since September 2004, when the population increased 1.4%, with 56,000 new people.
The main contributor to this growth was natural increase (excess of births over deaths). However, the higher growth compared with previous years was due to fewer permanent and long-term departures. In fact, New Zealand saw the biggest migrant growth since 2004, with over 20,000 new permanent and long-term migrants arriving in the country during 2009.
Statistics New Zealand has also found that the largest percentage increase was recorded in those aged 65 and over. Additionally, the 40-64 age group is growing faster than the total population.
