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Story: Population change

Percentage of population born overseas by gender, 1866–2013

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The percentage of the New Zealand population born overseas declined over time, and natural increase became the driver of population growth. Birth overseas reached its lowest point in the mid-20th century and increased slowly from the 1960s. The gender gap narrowed significantly from the 1930s, and closed entirely in the late 20th century.

Using this item

Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

Source: Statistics New Zealand

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How to cite this page

Ian Pool and Natalie Jackson, Population change – Migration, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/graph/28727/percentage-of-population-born-overseas-by-gender-1866-2013 (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Ian Pool and Natalie Jackson, published 21 April 2011, reviewed and revised 23 August 2018 with assistance from Natalie Jackson.