Today’s release by Stats NZ of the first results from the 2018 Census of Population and Dwellings confirms that Auckland’s population continues to grow at a strong rate. At the time of the 2018 Census there were 1,571,718 people living in Auckland, an increase of 156,168, or 11 per cent, since the 2013 Census.
Auckland Council’s Chief of Strategy, Megan Tyler, says that it’s more important than ever to make the best use of our land and existing infrastructure.
“Auckland is a really desirable place for people to live, as the census data released today shows. Auckland now accounts for a third of New Zealand’s population. We are taking a quality compact approach to growth and development to better deliver redevelopment and intensification in areas that are already developed. We want to create new communities in future urban areas and limit residential growth in rural areas.”
“Our intention is for two-thirds of Auckland’s growth to be in existing urban areas. Increasing density in existing urban areas reduces the need for greenfield areas to provide new housing and means that people can live closer to employment, schools, recreation and entertainment opportunities while providing improved public and active transport options.”
Alison Reid, from the council’s Research and Evaluation Unit (RIMU), notes that all of Auckland’s local board areas experienced population growth, except for Aotea / Great Barrier which didn’t change.
“Auckland’s fastest population growth was in the Papakura Local Board area up 26.3 per cent and in the Rodney Local Board area which was up 21.0 per cent.”
Ms Reid says the council uses census data to assist with future planning needs for Auckland.
“I welcome the release of this data and look forward to further releases by Stats NZ to help us understand where and how our population and communities are changing. The census is an invaluable tool in our planning for Tāmaki Makaurau.”
New Zealand’s population was 4,699,755 on Census day 2018. Auckland accounted for 34.1 per cent of New Zealand’s population increase between 2013 and 2018.
