The information shows that city growth is slowing, and is back to levels seen in the decade between 1981 and 1991. The growth rate in the latest Census period was 2.3 per cent, compared to just under 7 per cent between 1991 and 1996.

Christchurch’s 1996-2001 growth rate is in line with national trends, according to information from the Census. According to forecasts from Statistics New Zealand, the city’s resident population is expected to reach 358,000 by 2021. The prediction is that the rate of growth will slow over this time because fewer babies will be born in comparison to the number of people dying of old age, while the numbers of people moving to live here from other parts of the country and overseas will be relatively low.

Since 1996, the Census shows, the greatest increases in population in the city have been in the northern suburbs and Ferrymead. Housing development around the fringe of the city bear out that finding.

The inner-city areas of Phillipstown and west St Albans have seen the biggest falls in resident numbers. The Templeton area has also seen a big drop, likely due to the closure of Templeton Hospital.

Numbers of people living in the Central City rose over the period by 10 per cent, from about 6600 to almost 7300. More people are living in the areas surrounding the city.

Waimakariri District, with a rise of 14 per cent, had the greatest growth. Selwyn’s population was up by more than 10 per cent and Banks Peninsula saw its resident numbers rise by 3.3 per cent.

That has meant the total population of the three districts increased from 64,700 to more than 72,000.

According to Statistics NZ, the combined population of the city’s neighbouring districts is likely to reach 90,000 by 2021.