Just 27160 people short! New Zealand’s population could reach 5,000,000 by year’s end
As at 19 July 2019, Stats NZ’s population clock showed a national population of 4,972,840. By the end of this year, New Zealand’s population could grow to 5,000,000.
Based on projections using births, deaths and net migration data, Stats NZ estimated that the country’s population would increase by one person every 5 minutes and 26 seconds.
Stats NZ senior demographer Kim Dunstan said that, given current trends, New Zealand’s population was expected to reach the significant milestone of 5,000,000 by the end of 2019 or early 2020.
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If overseas visitors were included, the actual number of people in New Zealand at a particular moment might already have reached 5,000,000.
Historical figures show that New Zealand’s population reached 1,000,000 in 1908, passed 2,000,000 in 1952, reached the milestone of 3,000,000 in 1973, and grew further to 4,000,000 in 2003.
Healthy Homes Guarantee Act takes effect
New Zealand’s Healthy Homes Guarantee Act officially took effect on 1 July.
The Act explicitly requires all rental properties to have ceiling and underfloor insulation at least 12 cm thick. Those breaching the requirements may face penalties of up to NZ$4000. In addition to insulation, all private rental properties must meet all the following healthy homes standards before 1 July 2021:
- Provide electric heating capable of bringing the main living area to 18°C;
- Equip kitchens and bathrooms with extractor fans or rangehoods;
- Install a moisture barrier beneath the floor to prevent damp entering the home;
- Install an effective drainage system to prevent water entering the house;
- Draught-proof the house to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
The healthy homes standards also stipulate that heating devices must be affordable to run.