The Bay of Plenty region saw steady population growth as of June 30, Stats NZ says.

This growth reflects population increases and positive net migration.

The region remains attractive due to its coastal lifestyle, warm climate and economic opportunities, particularly in agriculture, forestry and tourism.

Tauranga attracts new residents and investments, contributing significantly to the region’s population surge.

Smaller Bay of Plenty communities such as Whakatāne have also seen gradual population growth, benefiting from improved infrastructure and local government initiatives promoting sustainable development.

A key factor driving growth in the Bay of Plenty is its appeal to retirees and young professionals, leading to a diverse demographic.

This has implications for housing demand, infrastructure and local services, challenging local authorities to keep up with the increased demand while preserving the region’s natural landscape.

International migration was the most significant growth contributor in 11 of New Zealand’s 13 cities, with Porirua and Upper Hutt being exceptions.

New Zealand’s net international migration for the years ended June 2023 and 2024 was provisionally estimated at 108,800 and 73,300, respectively.

Most cities recorded net losses in internal migration, with Tauranga, Upper Hutt, and Dunedin as notable exceptions gaining residents through internal migration.

Internal migration measures the net change in people moving into an area from other regions of New Zealand, minus those leaving for different regions.

In 2024, 14 regions had more deaths than births, with Thames-Coromandel, Dunedin, Kāpiti Coast, Nelson and Timaru having 110-200 more deaths than births.

The rise of natural-decrease areas highlights New Zealand’s ageing demographic, often found in regions with older populations and net migration of older individuals at the expense of younger ones.

– SunLive