NZ population up 25,000 since hitting 4 million in April

Migration continues to boost New Zealand's population, which increased by almost 25,000 in the five months since it hit the four million milestone, latest figures show.

Statistics New Zealand (SNZ) said today the resident population at September 30 was 4,024,4000 -- an increase of 1.7 per cent or 68,300 since September 2002.

The increase was the largest recorded in a September year since 1992.

SNZ said 60 per cent of that growth was due to a net migration gain, with permanent and long-term arrivals exceeding departures by 40,4000.

This compares with a net gain of 37,100 in the year to September 30, 2002.

The balance of the population growth, 27,800, was due to natural increase (excess of births over deaths) and was 2000 higher than the previous year.

The figures also show the New Zealand population is ageing, with half of all New Zealanders now aged over 35, compared with a median age of 32 in 1993.

The median age for women is now 35.9 years while for men it is 34.2. The higher median age for women reflects their higher life expectancy -- 80.9 years compared with 76 for men.

- NZPA