Components of Usually Resident Population Growth

Statistics New Zealand have provided the City Council with resident population estimates for Christchurch for the years between the 1991 and 1996 Censuses. These figures are different from total population counts (previously mentioned) in that they estimate the number of people who usually live in a particular area[3]. They also provide insight into the rate of population growth and the factors contributing to that growth (ie. natural increase and internal and external migration).[4]

According to Statistics New Zealand’s annual usually resident population estimates, the recent rapid population growth is largely a result of increased overseas migration, including departing and returning New Zealand citizens (external migration) and higher net migration from other parts of the country (internal migration). This surge is partly attributable to the success of central government policy in attracting immigrants to New Zealand and the strength of the local economy which has provided employment and business opportunities. The general ambience of the Garden City and its lifestyle must also receive credit for encouraging increasing numbers of people to Christchurch.

 

In the four years to March 1995, net external and internal migration contributed just under 11,000 people to the City’s usually resident population growth. This represents almost two thirds of the total growth during this period (Table 1.2).

 

Table 1.2 Components of Population Change (Usually Resident Population)
	1992	1993	1994	1995
Natural Increase	1,712	1,314	1,528	1,600
Net Internal Migration From Other Parts of New Zealand	-200	1,300	1,990	2,300
Net External Migration From Overseas	700	1,000	1,700	2,200
Total Increase	2,212	3,614	5,218	6,100
Estimated Usually Resident Population	291,200	294,700	299,900	306,000

Source: Statistics New Zealand, Population Estimates

During 1995 net external migration[5] alone resulted in growth of 2,200 people. This accounted for 36 percent of Christchurch’s population growth, the highest estimated contribution from external migration this decade. Nationally, the net population gain from external migration was around 20,400 people or about 40 percent of total growth during the same period.

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