Components of population change
Changes in population size are driven by two factors: natural increase (births
minus deaths) and net external migration.
Births exceeded deaths by 29,700 in the December 2004 year, an increase
from 28,600 in 2003. Historically, natural increase (births minus deaths) has
been the main component of population growth in New Zealand, but its contribution is slowly declining as the population ages and fertility
declines.
The number of people coming to live in New Zealand in 2004 exceeded those
leaving the country to live elsewhere by 15,100, less than half the net migration
gain of 2003 (34,900). In the December 2004 year, the net gain from permanent
and long-term migration accounted for 34 percent of population growth, down
from 55 percent in 2003.
Figure P2 Components of population change, 1982–2004
Source: Statistics New Zealand
Note: Prior to 1991, estimated population change was based on the de facto
population concept. From 1991 onwards, population change was based on the resident
population concept
Almost 70 percent of New Zealand nationals returning home in 2004 after a long-term absence came from either Australia or the United Kingdom. These two countries were also the most popular destinations for New Zealand citizens departing for a permanent or long-term absence.
The net inflow of non-New Zealand citizens
more than doubled between 2000 and 2002 (from 26,600 to 54,900), then fell
to 46,100 in 2003 and to 33,200 in 2004. The main contributing countries in
2004 were the United Kingdom (9,100), China (2,900), India (2,500), Japan
(2,100), Australia (1,900) and Fiji (1,800). Auckland is the destination of
the largest group of new migrants.
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