Auckland's population predicted to hit 2 million within 10 years

Wednesday, 31 March 2021

Auckland’s population could expand by another 300,000 people by 2033.

Auckland’s burgeoning population could rise from around 1.7 million people to 2 million by the early 2030s, according to Stats New Zealand.

Information released by Stats NZ on Wednesday stated how the country's most densely populated city is growing at a swift rate, and may have 2 million residents by early next decade.

Information released by Stats New Zealand shows how Auckland's population could hit 2 million by the early 2030s.

That milestone could arrive earlier or later, depending on the levels of migration over the coming years, it was predicted.

“Auckland will likely have the highest average annual growth of New Zealand’s 16 regions over the next 30 years, from net migration and natural increase – more births than deaths – in relatively equal shares,” said Hamish Slack, Stats NZ’s population estimates and projections manager.

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“The medium-growth projection suggests Auckland’s population could expand by another 300,000 people by 2033 – an average of about 60 extra people every day, or 1,900 a month,” he said.

Slack said the city will account for half of New Zealand's population growth over the next 30 years, which is similar to its share of the country's growth over the last 30 years.

Auckland is currently home to just over one-third of New Zealand’s population, but by 2048 it could make up 37 per cent, and its rising numbers are coming with concerns.

Worries have been voiced over population growth playing a role in environmental damage and climate change, alongside undersupply in housing.

But economists have previously said the rising population was key in growing the New Zealand economy.

Stuff recently launched a new publication, The Monitor, which will show the speed of growth across different parts of the economy, using data from Infometrics.