KEY POINTS:
Latest estimates put New Zealand's population at 4.24 million.
Figures released today by Statistics New Zealand showed the resident population increased by 42,700 (1 per cent) in the year ended September 2007, to an estimated 4,239,300.
The rate of increase was slightly down on the September 2006 year, when the population increased by 50,700 (1.2 per cent). Population growth during the latest period was mainly due to natural increase (an excess of births over deaths) of 34,400.
The natural increase was greater than in the previous year because of a higher birth rate.
Permanent and long-term arrivals exceeded departures by 8300 in the latest year, down from a net migration gain of 13,200 in the September 2006 year.
At September 30, the median age for males was 35.3 years and for females 36.9 years, increases of 2.8 years and 2.9 years respectively since 1997.
The rate of population growth was highest in the 65 years and over age group, at 2.9 per cent, followed by a 1 per cent increase for the 15-64 year age group.
The number of children (aged under 15) remained about the same as last year.
- NZPA
