The Pacific nation’s population rose significantly since 2013, with half a million people added in just over the last six years to hit a provisional 5,002,100 at March 31, 2020, it said in a statement.
New Zealand’s population topped 4 million in 2003, taking it 30 years to add one million to its tally, but ticked up 1.8% a year on average since 2013, driven by net migration.
Statistics NZ said the new coronavirus outbreak has also contributed to a rise in residents over the last few months with net migration getting a boost by more New Zealand citizens returning home after living overseas and fewer New Zealanders moving offshore.
New Zealand closed its borders to all foreigners in mid-March but allowed citizens and permanent residents to return to the country, to contain the spread of the new coronavirus in the country.
Source: Economy - investing.com
