Population to Reach 4million on Thursday 24 April

New Zealand's Population to Reach Four Million on Thursday 24 April

New Zealand's population will reach four million at approximately 5:30pm on Thursday 24 April 2003, according to estimates from Statistics New Zealand. Government Statistician, Brian Pink, said: "This is a significant event for New Zealand. It has taken nearly 30 years to reach this milestone, after reaching three million in 1973."

The history One million was reached in 1908.
l Two million was reached in 1952.
l Three million was reached in 1973. This was the 'fastest' million, achieved in 21 years.

How we got there Nearly all of the population growth from three to four million was due to natural increase – an excess of births over deaths. Migration did not contribute significantly to this growth.

Growth is slowing Lower birth rates and an ageing population mean that the population is likely to grow at a slower pace in the future. The latest population projections indicate that the population is unlikely to reach five million, unless New Zealand's birthrate or net migration increases. The population is currently projected to peak at 4.81 million in 2046.

Brian Pink

Government Statistician

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