Masterton grows by 100 people

An 0.4 per cent increase has brought the estimated population of Masterton to 24,200.

Masterton's population grew by 100 during the year ending June 30, according to Statistics New Zealand estimates.

The 0.4 per cent increase brought the estimated population of Masterton to 24,200. Net migration in the 15-39 and 65+ age groups accounted for the increase. The national average regional growth rate was 1.5 per cent.

Carterton was up 2.3 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 area, increasing 2700 or 5.8 per cent in the year to June.

- NZME.