Auckland’s population is projected to reach around 2 million by 2033, according to new data released by Stats NZ. The city had an estimated population of 1.82 million in June 2025.
The growth is largely driven by international migration, which has become the main contributor to population increases in the region. Around 43% of Auckland’s population was born overseas, with migrants from Asia and the Pacific.
Stats NZ stated that Auckland’s population has doubled since the early 1980s. Over the longer term, the population could reach between 2.2 million and 2.7 million by 2053, depending on migration trends.
Between 2000 and 2025, Auckland’s population grew at an average rate of 1.7%per year, higher than the national average of 1.1 percent. However, future growth is expected to slow due to an ageing population.
Migration trends have fluctuated in recent years. From 2019 to 2023, Auckland recorded an average net migration gain of 7,900 people per year, lower than the 18,600 annual gain seen between 2014 and 2018. The decline included periods of migration loss during the COVID-19 pandemic when international travel was restricted.
At the same time, natural population increase, defined as the difference between births and deaths, has been declining and is expected to continue falling over the next three decades.
This trend shows the projected decline driven more by increasing deaths than falling birth rates.
Despite population gains from overseas, Auckland continues to see a net outflow of residents to other parts of New Zealand. Between 2019 and 2025, the city lost an average of 8,900 people per year through internal migration, although this was offset by an average annual gain of 19,800 people from international migration.
Population growth is expected across all Auckland local board areas through 2053. Franklin is projected to record the largest increase, with its population expected to rise by 77,200 people to reach 165,100.
It is also forecast to be the fastest-growing area, with an average annual growth rate of 2.1%.
Other areas such as Rodney, Papakura, and Upper Harbour are also expected to grow faster than the regional average, indicating continued expansion beyond central Auckland.
Shahriena Shukri is a journalist covering business and economic news in Malaysia, providing insights on market trends, corporate developments, and financial policies. More about Shahriena Shukri
