Population growth highest in years

New Zealand's population grew faster over the past year, reaching an estimated 4,331,600 at September 30, according to Statistics New Zealand.

Government Statistician Geoff Bascand said the figure was up 1.2 percent on the previous year – the highest growth in three years.

"Although the main contribution to population growth during the September 2009 year came from natural increase (excess of births over deaths), the higher growth compared with the September year was due to increased net migration," Mr Bascand said.

The median age for females was 37.5 years and men 35.5 – increases of 2.6 years for females and 2.2 years over 10 years ago.

The largest age group – 34 percent – was 15-39, while 13 percent were 65 and over.

- NZPA