Stats NZ · MBIE · updated automatically
New Zealand in numbers
Population, growth, rents, earnings and jobs for every region and district, from the official sources, refreshed as they publish. The figures behind where people are moving and where renting is strongest.
The read
Where New Zealand is growing
New Zealand had an estimated 5,357,300 people at 30 June 2026, up 3% since the 2023 Census. The fastest-growing regions since the Census are Auckland (+4.9%), Canterbury (+4.3%), Waikato (+3.7%). Marlborough, Nelson have fewer people than at the Census. Median rents run from $435 a week in West Coast to $650 in Bay of Plenty (MBIE bonds, July 2026).
| Region | People, June 2026 | Since 2023 Census | Latest year | Households renting | Median weekly rent | Median full-time earnings | Employment rate | Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland | 1,841,200 | +4.9% | +1.2% | 40% | $640 | $1,630 | 66.4% | 6.6% |
| Canterbury | 703,360 | +4.3% | +1.1% | 30% | $550 | $1,563 | 69% | 4.4% |
| Waikato | 532,050 | +3.7% | +0.9% | 34% | $570 | $1,518 | 64.7% | 5.2% |
| West Coast | 34,640 | +2.2% | +0.4% | 25% | $435 | $1,472 combined | 65% | 4.6% |
| Bay of Plenty | 356,640 | +1.8% | +0.5% | 30% | $650 | $1,537 | 65.6% | 7.1% |
| Otago | 254,850 | +1.8% | +0.4% | 31% | $580 | $1,500 | 70.3% | 3.6% |
| Southland | 104,650 | +1.8% | +0.4% | 29% | $500 | $1,464 | 65.2% | 5.3% |
| Northland | 201,400 | +1.5% | 0% | 29% | $560 | $1,455 | 56.4% | 5.1% |
| Tasman | 59,700 | +1% | −0.3% | 23% | $600 | $1,472 combined | 65% | 4.6% |
| Manawatū-Whanganui | 259,900 | +0.9% | −0.1% | 31% | $520 | $1,512 | 67.9% | 4.9% |
| Wellington | 541,850 | +0.7% | −0.1% | 34% | $575 | $1,841 | 71.1% | 6.3% |
| Hawke's Bay | 179,490 | +0.4% | −0.2% | 30% | $600 | $1,523 combined | 63.5% | 4.8% |
| Gisborne | 52,400 | +0.2% | +0.2% | 37% | $618 | $1,523 combined | 63.5% | 4.8% |
| Taranaki | 129,800 | +0.2% | −0.2% | 29% | $550 | $1,534 | 64.5% | 4.1% |
| Nelson | 54,200 | −0.2% | −0.2% | 29% | $550 | $1,472 combined | 65% | 4.6% |
| Marlborough | 50,300 | −1% | −0.6% | 26% | $585 | $1,472 combined | 65% | 4.6% |
Population: Stats NZ estimated resident population at 30 June 2026, provisional, with change since the 2023 Census; a region is the sum of its districts. Renting: share of households not owning their home, 2023 Census. Rent: MBIE median weekly rent of bonds lodged, July 2026. Earnings: Stats NZ median weekly earnings of full-time wage and salary earners, June year. Employment: Stats NZ Household Labour Force Survey, latest quarter.
Region
Northland in numbers
Population is the sum of the 3 districts listed below, each by Stats NZ, grouped under its main region.
People, June 2026
201,400
+1.5% since the 2023 Census, 0% in the latest year
Median weekly rent
$560
11,406 active bonds, MBIE July 2026
Households renting
29%
2023 Census
Median full-time earnings
$1,455 a week
June 2026, −3.4% on the year
Employment rate
56.4%
Unemployment 5.1%, employment −0.4 pp on a year ago, 2026 Q1
| District | People, June 2026 | Since 2023 Census | Latest year | Households renting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whangarei district | 100,600 | +1.4% +1,400 people | 0% | 30% |
| Far North district | 73,800 | +1.2% +900 people | 0% | 28% |
| Kaipara district | 27,000 | +2.7% +700 people | +0.4% | 26% |
Region
Auckland in numbers
Auckland is one council area; the local boards beneath it are listed below.
People, June 2026
1,841,200
+4.9% since the 2023 Census, +1.2% in the latest year
Median weekly rent
$640
170,511 active bonds, MBIE July 2026
Households renting
40%
2023 Census
Median full-time earnings
$1,630 a week
June 2026, +4.9% on the year
Employment rate
66.4%
Unemployment 6.6%, employment −1.5 pp on a year ago, 2026 Q1
| Local board | People, June 2026 | Since 2023 Census | Latest year | Households renting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Howick local board area | 174,700 | +5.8% +9,600 people | +1.7% | 34% |
| Henderson-Massey local board area | 142,000 | +7.1% +9,400 people | +2.1% | 43% |
| Hibiscus and Bays local board area | 122,400 | +3.2% +3,800 people | +0.7% | 26% |
| Manurewa local board area | 111,100 | +5% +5,300 people | +1.3% | 51% |
| Albert-Eden local board area | 104,100 | +2.6% +2,600 people | +0.4% | 46% |
| Ōtara-Papatoetoe local board area | 99,600 | +6.1% +5,700 people | +2.2% | 58% |
| Kaipātiki local board area | 96,700 | +4% +3,700 people | +1.3% | 37% |
| Waitematā local board area | 93,500 | +6.7% +5,900 people | +1% | 61% |
| Whau local board area | 92,100 | +5.9% +5,100 people | +1.3% | 45% |
| Franklin local board area | 91,500 | +4.1% +3,600 people | +1.6% | 27% |
| Māngere-Ōtāhuhu local board area | 89,600 | +7.7% +6,400 people | +2.3% | 59% |
| Maungakiekie-Tāmaki local board area | 88,600 | +6.2% +5,200 people | +1.1% | 54% |
| Ōrākei local board area | 86,800 | −0.1% −100 people | −0.5% | 31% |
| Papakura local board area | 85,600 | +9.5% +7,400 people | +2.3% | 43% |
| Rodney local board area | 85,100 | +5.5% +4,400 people | +1.3% | 25% |
| Upper Harbour local board area | 84,700 | +4.1% +3,300 people | +0.8% | 31% |
| Puketāpapa local board area | 63,400 | +3.9% +2,400 people | +0.6% | 46% |
| Devonport-Takapuna local board area | 61,800 | +2.1% +1,300 people | +0.3% | 36% |
| Waitākere Ranges local board area | 57,500 | +2.7% +1,500 people | +0.9% | 27% |
| Waiheke local board area | 9,210 | −2.3% −220 people | −1.4% | 26% |
| Aotea/Great Barrier local board area | 1,230 | −0.8% −10 people | −0.8% | 22% |
Region
Waikato in numbers
Population is the sum of the 10 districts listed below, each by Stats NZ, grouped under its main region.
People, June 2026
532,050
+3.7% since the 2023 Census, +0.9% in the latest year
Median weekly rent
$570
40,506 active bonds, MBIE July 2026
Households renting
34%
2023 Census
Median full-time earnings
$1,518 a week
June 2026, +1.6% on the year
Employment rate
64.7%
Unemployment 5.2%, employment +1.3 pp on a year ago, 2026 Q1
| District | People, June 2026 | Since 2023 Census | Latest year | Households renting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton city | 193,000 | +4.8% +8,900 people | +1% | 46% |
| Waikato district | 92,800 | +4.6% +4,100 people | +1.3% | 26% |
| Waipa district | 63,000 | +4.1% +2,500 people | +1.3% | 26% |
| Taupo district | 42,900 | +3.4% +1,400 people | +0.9% | 30% |
| Matamata-Piako district | 39,400 | +2.9% +1,100 people | +0.5% | 31% |
| Thames-Coromandel district | 31,900 | −1.2% −400 people | −0.6% | 22% |
| South Waikato district | 26,000 | +1.2% +300 people | +0.4% | 36% |
| Hauraki district | 22,200 | +1.8% +400 people | +0.5% | 28% |
| Ōtorohanga district | 10,850 | +2.8% +300 people | +0.5% | 35% |
| Waitomo district | 10,000 | +2.1% +210 people | +0.8% | 36% |
Region
Bay of Plenty in numbers
Population is the sum of the 6 districts listed below, each by Stats NZ, grouped under its main region.
People, June 2026
356,640
+1.8% since the 2023 Census, +0.5% in the latest year
Median weekly rent
$650
24,345 active bonds, MBIE July 2026
Households renting
30%
2023 Census
Median full-time earnings
$1,537 a week
June 2026, +3.8% on the year
Employment rate
65.6%
Unemployment 7.1%, employment +2.9 pp on a year ago, 2026 Q1
| District | People, June 2026 | Since 2023 Census | Latest year | Households renting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tauranga city | 162,100 | +2% +3,200 people | +0.6% | 31% |
| Rotorua district | 78,300 | +2.2% +1,700 people | +0.8% | 35% |
| Western Bay of Plenty district | 60,100 | +2.2% +1,300 people | +0.3% | 24% |
| Whakatane district | 38,200 | +0.3% +100 people | −0.3% | 30% |
| Ōpōtiki district | 10,400 | +2% +200 people | +1% | 31% |
| Kawerau district | 7,540 | −1.3% −100 people | −1.2% | 28% |
Region
Gisborne in numbers
Population is the sum of the district listed below, each by Stats NZ, grouped under its main region.
People, June 2026
52,400
+0.2% since the 2023 Census, +0.2% in the latest year
Median weekly rent
$618
3,129 active bonds, MBIE July 2026
Households renting
37%
2023 Census
Median full-time earnings
$1,523 a week
June 2026, +0.2% on the year (Stats NZ publishes Gisborne/Hawkes Bay Regions together)
Employment rate
63.5%
Unemployment 4.8%, employment −0.6 pp on a year ago, 2026 Q1
| District | People, June 2026 | Since 2023 Census | Latest year | Households renting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gisborne district | 52,400 | +0.2% +100 people | +0.2% | 37% |
Region
Hawke's Bay in numbers
Population is the sum of the 4 districts listed below, each by Stats NZ, grouped under its main region.
People, June 2026
179,490
+0.4% since the 2023 Census, −0.2% in the latest year
Median weekly rent
$600
10,587 active bonds, MBIE July 2026
Households renting
30%
2023 Census
Median full-time earnings
$1,523 a week
June 2026, +0.2% on the year (Stats NZ publishes Gisborne/Hawkes Bay Regions together)
Employment rate
63.5%
Unemployment 4.8%, employment −0.6 pp on a year ago, 2026 Q1
| District | People, June 2026 | Since 2023 Census | Latest year | Households renting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hastings district | 88,300 | +0.3% +300 people | −0.2% | 31% |
| Napier city | 66,300 | +0.2% +100 people | −0.2% | 31% |
| Central Hawke's Bay district | 16,000 | +1.6% +250 people | −0.3% | 24% |
| Wairoa district | 8,890 | 0% 0 people | −0.2% | 35% |
Region
Taranaki in numbers
Population is the sum of the 3 districts listed below, each by Stats NZ, grouped under its main region.
People, June 2026
129,800
+0.2% since the 2023 Census, −0.2% in the latest year
Median weekly rent
$550
8,034 active bonds, MBIE July 2026
Households renting
29%
2023 Census
Median full-time earnings
$1,534 a week
June 2026, +2.1% on the year
Employment rate
64.5%
Unemployment 4.1%, employment +0.6 pp on a year ago, 2026 Q1
| District | People, June 2026 | Since 2023 Census | Latest year | Households renting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Plymouth district | 89,800 | +0.2% +200 people | −0.1% | 28% |
| South Taranaki district | 29,600 | −0.3% −100 people | −0.3% | 33% |
| Stratford district | 10,400 | +1% +100 people | −0.5% | 26% |
Region
Manawatū-Whanganui in numbers
Population is the sum of the 7 districts listed below, each by Stats NZ, grouped under its main region.
People, June 2026
259,900
+0.9% since the 2023 Census, −0.1% in the latest year
Median weekly rent
$520
19,806 active bonds, MBIE July 2026
Households renting
31%
2023 Census
Median full-time earnings
$1,512 a week
June 2026, +7.4% on the year
Employment rate
67.9%
Unemployment 4.9%, employment +1.6 pp on a year ago, 2026 Q1
| District | People, June 2026 | Since 2023 Census | Latest year | Households renting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palmerston North city | 90,200 | +0.4% +400 people | −0.2% | 36% |
| Whanganui district | 49,200 | +1.2% +600 people | −0.2% | 30% |
| Horowhenua district | 38,200 | +1.6% +600 people | 0% | 29% |
| Manawatu district | 34,200 | +3% +1,000 people | +0.6% | 24% |
| Tararua district | 18,850 | −0.5% −100 people | 0% | 28% |
| Rangitikei district | 15,950 | 0% 0 people | −0.3% | 29% |
| Ruapehu district | 13,300 | −1.1% −150 people | −0.4% | 38% |
Region
Wellington in numbers
Population is the sum of the 8 districts listed below, each by Stats NZ, grouped under its main region.
People, June 2026
541,850
+0.7% since the 2023 Census, −0.1% in the latest year
Median weekly rent
$575
51,813 active bonds, MBIE July 2026
Households renting
34%
2023 Census
Median full-time earnings
$1,841 a week
June 2026, +10.3% on the year
Employment rate
71.1%
Unemployment 6.3%, employment +0.5 pp on a year ago, 2026 Q1
| District | People, June 2026 | Since 2023 Census | Latest year | Households renting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellington city | 208,300 | −0.7% −1,500 people | −0.6% | 41% |
| Lower Hutt city | 114,600 | +2.8% +3,100 people | +0.6% | 33% |
| Porirua city | 61,500 | +0.3% +200 people | 0% | 33% |
| Kapiti Coast district | 58,500 | +1.7% +1,000 people | 0% | 22% |
| Upper Hutt city | 47,600 | +1.1% +500 people | +0.4% | 25% |
| Masterton district | 28,900 | +2.1% +600 people | 0% | 29% |
| South Wairarapa district | 12,150 | +0.4% +50 people | 0% | 22% |
| Carterton district | 10,300 | +0.5% +50 people | 0% | 20% |
Region
Tasman in numbers
Population is the sum of the district listed below, each by Stats NZ, grouped under its main region.
People, June 2026
59,700
+1% since the 2023 Census, −0.3% in the latest year
Median weekly rent
$600
2,580 active bonds, MBIE July 2026
Households renting
23%
2023 Census
Median full-time earnings
$1,472 a week
June 2026, +4.5% on the year (Stats NZ publishes Nelson/Tasman/Marlborough/West Coast Regions together)
Employment rate
65%
Unemployment 4.6%, employment −1.9 pp on a year ago, 2026 Q1
| District | People, June 2026 | Since 2023 Census | Latest year | Households renting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tasman district | 59,700 | +1% +600 people | −0.3% | 23% |
Region
Nelson in numbers
Population is the sum of the district listed below, each by Stats NZ, grouped under its main region.
People, June 2026
54,200
−0.2% since the 2023 Census, −0.2% in the latest year
Median weekly rent
$550
4,323 active bonds, MBIE July 2026
Households renting
29%
2023 Census
Median full-time earnings
$1,472 a week
June 2026, +4.5% on the year (Stats NZ publishes Nelson/Tasman/Marlborough/West Coast Regions together)
Employment rate
65%
Unemployment 4.6%, employment −1.9 pp on a year ago, 2026 Q1
| District | People, June 2026 | Since 2023 Census | Latest year | Households renting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nelson city | 54,200 | −0.2% −100 people | −0.2% | 29% |
Region
Marlborough in numbers
Population is the sum of the district listed below, each by Stats NZ, grouped under its main region.
People, June 2026
50,300
−1% since the 2023 Census, −0.6% in the latest year
Median weekly rent
$585
2,598 active bonds, MBIE July 2026
Households renting
26%
2023 Census
Median full-time earnings
$1,472 a week
June 2026, +4.5% on the year (Stats NZ publishes Nelson/Tasman/Marlborough/West Coast Regions together)
Employment rate
65%
Unemployment 4.6%, employment −1.9 pp on a year ago, 2026 Q1
| District | People, June 2026 | Since 2023 Census | Latest year | Households renting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marlborough district | 50,300 | −1% −500 people | −0.6% | 26% |
Region
West Coast in numbers
Population is the sum of the 3 districts listed below, each by Stats NZ, grouped under its main region.
People, June 2026
34,640
+2.2% since the 2023 Census, +0.4% in the latest year
Median weekly rent
$435
1,515 active bonds, MBIE July 2026
Households renting
25%
2023 Census
Median full-time earnings
$1,472 a week
June 2026, +4.5% on the year (Stats NZ publishes Nelson/Tasman/Marlborough/West Coast Regions together)
Employment rate
65%
Unemployment 4.6%, employment −1.9 pp on a year ago, 2026 Q1
| District | People, June 2026 | Since 2023 Census | Latest year | Households renting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grey district | 14,550 | +2.1% +300 people | +0.3% | 24% |
| Buller district | 10,700 | +1.4% +150 people | +0.5% | 26% |
| Westland district | 9,390 | +3.1% +280 people | +0.4% | 28% |
Region
Canterbury in numbers
Population is the sum of the 9 districts listed below, each by Stats NZ, grouped under its main region.
People, June 2026
703,360
+4.3% since the 2023 Census, +1.1% in the latest year
Median weekly rent
$550
56,910 active bonds, MBIE July 2026
Households renting
30%
2023 Census
Median full-time earnings
$1,563 a week
June 2026, +1.8% on the year
Employment rate
69%
Unemployment 4.4%, employment −0.2 pp on a year ago, 2026 Q1
| District | People, June 2026 | Since 2023 Census | Latest year | Households renting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christchurch city | 422,400 | +3.6% +14,700 people | +0.9% | 35% |
| Selwyn district | 90,800 | +10.7% +8,800 people | +2.9% | 20% |
| Waimakariri district | 70,900 | +4.3% +2,900 people | +1% | 18% |
| Timaru district | 49,000 | −0.2% −100 people | −0.4% | 25% |
| Ashburton district | 37,400 | +3.6% +1,300 people | +0.8% | 32% |
| Hurunui district | 14,650 | +5% +700 people | +1.4% | 27% |
| Waimate district | 8,390 | +1.5% +120 people | +0.2% | 31% |
| Mackenzie district | 5,530 | +4.3% +230 people | +1.5% | 36% |
| Kaikoura district | 4,290 | +0.7% +30 people | −0.7% | 26% |
Region
Otago in numbers
Population is the sum of the 5 districts listed below, each by Stats NZ, grouped under its main region.
People, June 2026
254,850
+1.8% since the 2023 Census, +0.4% in the latest year
Median weekly rent
$580
22,137 active bonds, MBIE July 2026
Households renting
31%
2023 Census
Median full-time earnings
$1,500 a week
June 2026, −2.3% on the year
Employment rate
70.3%
Unemployment 3.6%, employment −3.4 pp on a year ago, 2026 Q1
| District | People, June 2026 | Since 2023 Census | Latest year | Households renting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunedin city | 131,200 | −0.1% −100 people | −0.5% | 32% |
| Queenstown-Lakes district | 53,700 | +4.3% +2,200 people | +1.9% | 37% |
| Central Otago district | 26,100 | +4% +1,000 people | +1.2% | 24% |
| Waitaki district | 24,900 | +3.8% +900 people | +1.2% | 26% |
| Clutha district | 18,950 | +2.2% +400 people | +0.8% | 28% |
Region
Southland in numbers
Population is the sum of the 3 districts listed below, each by Stats NZ, grouped under its main region.
People, June 2026
104,650
+1.8% since the 2023 Census, +0.4% in the latest year
Median weekly rent
$500
6,621 active bonds, MBIE July 2026
Households renting
29%
2023 Census
Median full-time earnings
$1,464 a week
June 2026, +1.9% on the year
Employment rate
65.2%
Unemployment 5.3%, employment −2.5 pp on a year ago, 2026 Q1
| District | People, June 2026 | Since 2023 Census | Latest year | Households renting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Invercargill city | 57,700 | +1.1% +600 people | +0.2% | 28% |
| Southland district | 34,100 | +4% +1,300 people | +1.2% | 32% |
| Gore district | 12,850 | −0.4% −50 people | −0.4% | 25% |
Sources and method
Where these numbers come from
- Population
- Subnational population estimates (TALB), by age and sex, at 30 June 1996-2026. Estimates after 30 June 2023 are provisional and built on the 2023 Census. Stats NZ, Aotearoa Data Explorer, CC BY 4.0.
- Households renting
- 2023 Census: households by tenure (CEN23_HOU_020). Share of households whose dwelling is not owned and not held in a family trust.
- Earnings
- Median weekly earnings, full-time wage and salary earners, by region (INC_INC_007). Stats NZ publishes some regions together (Gisborne with Hawke’s Bay; Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough and the West Coast together); those rows say so.
- Rents
- Rental bond data, monthly, by region, period ending July 2026, published 2026-09-10. Crown copyright, CC BY 3.0 NZ.
- Employment
- Household Labour Force Survey by regional council (CSV distribution by Figure.NZ, CC BY 4.0). Regional council estimates, not district figures.
New Zealand Realty refreshes these datasets every week and this page says the latest period each source has published. Nothing here is a forecast or advice; it is context for owners and investors weighing one part of the country against another. Page generated 2026-11-03.
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