Gisborne’s population continues to rise

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Gisborne’s population increased by 1.2 percent from 52,000 to 52,630 in the 12 months to June 30.

This is according to provisional estimates released by Stats NZ earlier this week.

The population grew in all 16 regions of New Zealand over the 12 months to June at an average increase of 2.1 percent, (105,900 people).

It follows two years of lower growth when several regions decreased in population.

The country’s population only increased by 0.1 percent (5800 people) in the year ending June 2022.

Gisborne recorded a natural increase of 270 (births over deaths) and 360 in net migration (from overseas and elsewhere in New Zealand) for a net population gain of 630.

“Auckland was the fastest growing region in 2023, reversing a population loss in 2022,” Stats NZ estimates and projections manager Michael MacAskill said.

Auckland grew by 47,000 people, or 2.8 percent.

Other fast-growing regions were Otago (2.7 percent), Waikato (2.3 percent) and Canterbury (2.0 percent).

The slowest growing region was West Coast with a 0.4 percent increase, up by just 120 people to 32,900.

The North Island population increased by 2.1 percent to 3,914,600 while the South Island went up by 1.9 percent to 1,201,800

The New Zealand population at June 30 was 5,223,100.