New Zealand’s natural population increase falls to lowest level since World War II
New Zealand's population growth from births minus deaths has hit its lowest point since the Second World War, with 18,700 added in the year to June 2026.
New Zealand's natural increase in population—the difference between births and deaths—has reached its lowest level since World War II. The natural increase added 18,700 people to the population in the year to June 2026. A former Chief Science Advisor has suggested the sluggish growth is not necessarily alarming but something the country needs to adjust to.
Covered byNZ HeraldNewstalk ZBNot covered byRNZStuff1NewsOtago Daily TimesNewsroomThe SpinoffBusinessDeskinterest.co.nz
Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.
What outlets are saying
NZ Herald
New Zealand population growth: Natural increase lowest since World War II
Births minus deaths added 18,700 people in the year to June 2026.
Newstalk ZB
New Zealand population growth: Natural increase lowest since World War II
New Zealand’s estimated natural increase in population is at its lowest since World War II.
Newstalk ZB
Sir Peter Gluckman: former Chief Science Advisor on New Zealand's population increase being the lowest since World War II
Reassurance our sluggish population growth isn't cause for alarm – but instead something to adjust to.