Ruapehu district was also dropping in numbers, from 14,050 in 2006, to 13,400 this year, with an estimated 140 people leaving the area since the numbers recorded in 2010.
The population statistics were the first since the Christchurch earthquakes, and revealed Christchurch city's population had decreased by 8900 people, or 2.4 per cent, in the past year.
This was due to a net migration loss of 10,600 people, partly offset by a natural increase (more births than deaths) of 1,700 people.
The 2010/11 Canterbury earthquakes, along with a 22 per cent rise in international migrant departures - people leaving New Zealand permanently or long-term - had a major effect on local population change in the June year, Statistics New Zealand statistician Geoff Bascand said.
For some parts of the country, population growth was accelerated as people relocated from the earthquake-affected areas.
The five territorial authority areas with the fastest rate of population growth in the June year were Selwyn, Queenstown-Lakes, Ashburton, Waimakariri, and Hurunui, all which are located in the South Island and close to Christchurch city.
However, for many parts of the country, population growth slowed as an increase in international migrant departures was only partly offset by an inflow of people from the earthquake-affected areas.
Of New Zealand's 67 territorial authority areas, 43 had a lower level of net migration in the June 2011 year than in the previous June year.
