Northland's population rises by 1400 in a year

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Northland's population grew by 1400 during the year ending June 30, according to Statistics New Zealand estimates.

The 0.8 per cent increase brought the estimated population of Northland to 166,100.

Natural increase was the biggest factor affecting increases, boosting the population by 800. Net migration lifted the population by 500.

The most significant population growth was in the 65+ age group, which increased by 1300 to 30,200.

The 40-64 age group had a 200 increase to 56,700. The 15-39 age group had no change at 42,900, and the 0-14 group decreased by 100 to 36,300.

The national average regional growth rate was 1.5 per cent.

Most regions experienced population growth in the past year, due largely to an increase in New Zealand's net gain from permanent and long-term migration, which grew from 7900 in the June 2013 year to 38,300 in the June 2014 year.

"New Zealand experienced a rise in net migration in the June 2014 year because of more people arriving and fewer people leaving the country on a permanent or long-term basis," population statistics manager Vina Cullum said.

"The rise in net migration, together with natural increase, has bolstered population growth in most of New Zealand's regions."

Regionally, Auckland and Canterbury's populations grew the fastest in the country in the past year.

In the 12 months to June 30, Auckland's population grew by 34,000 or 2.3 per cent, while Canterbury's grew by 11,400 or 2 per cent.

Selwyn remained the fastest-growing territorial authority area, increasing 2700 or 5.8 per cent.