Population Estimates at 30 June 2006–2007

Introduction

The estimated resident population provides the best measure of how many people live in a given area at a given date.

The estimated resident population at 30 June 2006–2007 is based on the 2006 Census usually resident population count, updated for:

1. net census undercount (based on the 2006 Post-enumeration Survey)
2. residents temporarily overseas on census night
3. births, deaths and net migration between census night and the date of the estimate
4. reconciliation with demographic estimates at ages 0–4 years.

The estimated resident population is not directly comparable with the census usually resident population count because of these adjustments.

Table Builder tables

Estimated Subnational Population (RC,AU) by Age and Sex at 30 June 2006–2007	Estimated resident population of regions and area units by age (broad age groups and five-year age groups) and sex, at 30 June 2006–2007.
Estimated Subnational Population (TA,AU) by Age and Sex at 30 June 2006–2007	Estimated resident population of territorial authority areas and area units by age (broad age groups and five-year age groups) and sex, at 30 June 2006–2007.

Subnational areas

The population estimates are based on 2006 boundaries.

There are 16 regional council areas (regions). The population of the North Island is the sum of the population of North Island regions. The population of the South Island is the sum of the population of South Island regions.

There are 73 territorial authority areas (16 cities, 56 districts and Chatham Islands Territory).

There are 1,927 area units. Area units are non-administrative areas intermediate in size between meshblocks and territorial authorities. Area units within urban areas generally coincide with suburbs or parts thereof.

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Information about rounding

Within the tables, individual figures may not sum to stated totals due to rounding.

The rounding of figures is determined by the total population size of the geographic area.  The rounding rules that have been applied are shown below.

Total population size of geographic area	Rounding of five-year age group cells	Rounding of broad age group and total (all ages) cells
Less than 2,000	5	10
2,000 to 9,999	10	10
10,000 to 19,999	10	50
20,000 or more	10	100

For example, if a geographic area has a population of 15,000 then five-year age group cells will be rounded to the nearest 10, and broad age group and total (all ages) cells will be rounded to the nearest 50.

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Limitations of subnational population estimates

Statistics New Zealand produces subnational population estimates using a component methodology, where the components of population change (births, deaths and net migration) are used to update a base population.

There is some uncertainty associated with component data, particularly the estimation of net migration (external and internal migration combined) for subnational areas. As the time period between the reference date of the base population (30 June 2006) and the date of the estimate increases, the uncertainty associated with the estimate also increases.

It is also important to note that population estimates for area units are more uncertain than estimates released at broader geographic levels. This added uncertainty arises because:

• information on external and internal migration is not readily available at the area unit level
• localised developments (eg greenfield subdivisions) can have a significant impact on the population structure of an area unit, but this impact can be difficult to discern.

In order to maintain the quality of subnational population estimates, Statistics New Zealand requests information from territorial authorities on an annual basis. In addition, Statistics New Zealand continues to search for ways to improve its subnational estimation techniques. At present, the method that is used to produce subnational population estimates, by age group and sex, is under review. Depending on the outcome of this review, subnational population estimates at 30 June 2007, by age group and sex, may be revised at a later date.

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Additional information

More information about population estimates.

More information about the methods used to produce subnational population estimates.

More information about Table Builder (including minimum client requirements and help notes) is available. 

If the data you require is not available in published tables, you may wish to consider requesting some customised data.

If you have any queries, contact our Information Centre staff on 0508 525 525 or email info@stats.govt.nz.  Our hours are 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).