Internal Migration Patterns 1986-95

Internal migration is an important factor in the dynamics of population change in Christchurch. It directly affects the size of the population and also influences age structure and fertility levels. In general, Christchurch residents are a mobile group. While the majority of movement is within the City, there are significant flows of residents to and from other parts of New Zealand.

 

Annual population estimates for Christchurch provide the only official information relating to internal migration for the years between the 1991 and 1996 censuses. In the first part of this decade, net internal migration increased significantly from a net loss of approximately 200 people in 1992 to a net gain of approximately 2,300 in 1995[11]. During this period internal migration contributed approximately 5,400 people to the City or nearly one third of total growth (Table 1.2, page 4). There is no information available detailing inter-regional migration for the 1991-95 period.

 

Between 1986 and 1991, 36,612 people moved to Christchurch from other parts of the country. At the same time the City lost 31,182 residents to other parts of the country. The resulting internal migration gain was 5,430 people.

 

12,765 people moved from Christchurch to North Island areas between 1986 and 1991, while 13,731 people shifted from the North Island to Christchurch. The resulting net gain to the City was 966 people. However, during this period Christchurch gained it’s greatest share of New Zealand residents from other parts of the South Island (Table 1.4).

 

 

 

Besides inward and outward internal migration there was considerable movement within the City. During the 1986-91 census period, nearly 88,000 residents changed their address within Christchurch boundaries.

 

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