New Zealand’s population hits 4,444,444

New Zealand's population will enjoy a rare moment of symmetry tomorrow when it hits 4,444,444,

Statistics New Zealand said today.

According to population estimates, on 1 November, somebody will become New Zealand's 4,444,444th resident.

"While the new resident could be a New Zealander flying home after living overseas, or a new migrant, they're most likely to be a new baby, as that's where most of our population growth is coming from," population statistics manager Andrea Blackburn said.

"And who knows? That new boy or girl might even be born at 4.44 in the morning."

The symmetrical milestone matches one the Australian state of Queensland reached three years ago, and puts our population very close to that of Ireland or Croatia, Mrs Blackburn said.

"These types of landmarks are quite rare. Our population hit 3,333,333 in the mid-1980s and based on our projections, we probably won't get to 5,555,555 for another 30 years.

"It will also pass quite quickly. The population is currently growing by roughly 100 people every day, so it will only be at 4,444,444 for about quarter of an hour."

Mrs Blackburn said the population estimate is based on births, deaths, and migration since the census in 2006. At that time, the population was about 4.2 million.

Statistics NZ counts every person in New Zealand in the Census of Population and Dwellings. The census is usually held every five years, but because of the Canterbury earthquakes, the census that was planned for last year will now take place on 5 March 2013.

"It will be extremely interesting next year with the census to get new information on the location and composition of our population across the nation."