Omar Bennett
The population threshold for a city in New Zealand has changed over time. In 1886, a city was defined as any borough with a population of 20,000 or more. This number was increased to 50,000 in 1989, as per the Local Government Act. As of 2023, New Zealand's population was approximately 5 million people, with the majority (76.3%) living on the North Island. The country's largest city is Auckland, with a population of 1.5 million in its urban area, or 1.72 million in the wider region. Other major cities include Christchurch, with 400,000 residents, and Wellington, with 412,500 people.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of a city | Any borough with a population of 50,000 or more |
| Previous definition of a city | Any borough with a population of 20,000 or more |
| Population of New Zealand | 4,993,923 (2023 Census); 5 million (2023 estimate); 5.1 million (June 2021 estimate) |
| Number of cities with more than a million people | 0 |
| Number of cities with between 100,000 and 1 million people | 10 |
| Number of cities with between 10,000 and 100,000 people | 33 |
| Largest city | Auckland (1.5 million in its urban area; 1,570,100 in the city); 1.72 million in the region |
| Second-largest city | Wellington (412,500) |
| Third-largest city | Christchurch (400,000-404,500) |
| Other major cities | Hamilton, Tauranga, Dunedin (128,900)-122,000, Invercargill (51,200) |
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What You'll Learn
Population thresholds for city status
The population thresholds for city status in New Zealand have changed over time. Before 1876, there was no official definition of a city in the country, and the criteria for city status were sporadic when it came under central government control in 1867. From 1886, a city was defined as any borough with a population of 20,000 or more. This threshold was increased to 50,000 in 1989, as per the Local Government Act, and remains the same as of 2021.
Under Section 27 of the Local Government Act 2002, a district can become a city by either a "reorganisation scheme" with the Local Government Commission or by applying for a change in status under Schedule 3, Clause 7. The new city must have "a population of not less than 50,000 persons", be "predominantly urban", and be "a distinct entity and a major centre of activity within the region".
In 2023, New Zealand had a population of around 5 million people, with 76.3% living on the North Island. The country's largest city is Auckland, with a population of 1.5 million in its urban area, or around one-third of the country's total population. Other major cities include Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Dunedin.
In addition to population size, Statistics New Zealand defines urban areas based on population density and geographical boundaries. Small urban areas have a population of 1,000 to 9,999, while main urban areas have a population of 30,000 or more. Rural settlements are defined as having a population of 200 to 999 people or at least 40 dwellings.
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Historical changes to city status requirements
The historical changes to city status requirements in New Zealand have evolved over time, with the definition of a city being fluid and adapting to the country's changing demographics and governance.
Prior to 1876, there was no official definition of a city in New Zealand, and no uniform system of local authorities existed. The concept of city status was traditionally associated with a special designation granted by the monarch in the United Kingdom, the former colonial power in New Zealand. This was typically done through the issuing of letters patent.
In 1867, the schedule of cities in New Zealand came under central government control, although it was sporadically applied. This marked the beginning of a more standardised approach to defining cities in the country.
A more concrete definition emerged in 1886, when a city was defined as any borough with a population of 20,000 or more. This threshold was significantly higher than the previous understanding, and it set a clear population benchmark for cities in New Zealand.
Over a century later, in 1989, this population threshold was increased to 50,000. This change was implemented by the Local Government Commission, which also undertook reorganisations of local government during this period. As a result of these reorganisations, some cities were merged into larger cities or redesignated as districts. Despite these official changes, many New Zealanders continue to refer to some of these areas as cities.
The Local Government Act 2002 further refined the criteria for a district to become a city. Under Section 27 of this Act, in addition to a population of not less than 50,000 people, a city must be "predominantly urban" and "a distinct entity and a major centre of activity within the region". These criteria ensure that cities in New Zealand are not only defined by population size but also by their level of urban development and regional significance.
The most recent update to the statistical standard for geographic areas in New Zealand was in 2023, which replaced the 2018 standard. This update included definitions for "major urban areas" with populations of 100,000 or more and "large urban areas" with populations ranging from 30,000 to 99,999. These definitions provide a more nuanced understanding of urban areas in the country.
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Population estimates for New Zealand's largest cities
The definition of a city in New Zealand has changed over time. Initially, in 1886, a city was defined as any borough with a population of 20,000 or more. This number was increased to 50,000 in 1989. Under Section 27 of the Local Government Act 2002, a district can become a city if it has a population of not less than 50,000, is predominantly urban, and is a distinct entity and a major centre of activity within the region.
According to the 2023 Census of Population and Dwellings, there were 4,993,923 people living in New Zealand. The country's population has been slowly and steadily increasing and was estimated to be close to 5 million in 2023, up from 4.7 million in 2018.
Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand, with about one in three people (33.2%) living there. It had a population of 417,910 in 2025, although another source places its population at 1.5 million in the same year. Auckland witnessed the largest population gain from 2018 to 2023, with an additional 84,800 people, a 5.4% increase.
Wellington, the capital city, is the second-largest city in New Zealand, with a population of 412,500 residents in 2025. It is situated on the southern end of the North Island. The Statistical Standard for Geographic Areas 2018 (SSGA18) impacted Wellington the most, splitting it into four urban areas: the Wellington city and Lower Hutt city "major urban areas" and Porirua and Upper Hutt "large urban areas".
Christchurch, on the South Island, is the third-largest city in New Zealand, with a population of about 400,000 residents. Dunedin City is another major population centre, with 128,900 people living there as of 2023.
Territorial authorities with the highest population densities include Hamilton City, Tauranga City, Wellington City, Napier City, Porirua City, and Auckland City.
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Population density in cities
Population density in New Zealand is relatively low by international standards, with 18.9 people per square kilometre in 2023. Territorial authorities with the highest population densities include Hamilton City, Tauranga City, Wellington City, Napier City, Porirua City, and Auckland City.
Auckland is New Zealand's most populous city, with a population of 1.5 million in its urban area, and is home to the largest Polynesian population in the world. It is also one of the world's most expensive cities. Auckland is followed by Wellington, with 412,500 residents, and Christchurch, with 400,000 residents.
The definition of a city in New Zealand has changed over time. In 1886, a city was defined as any borough with a population of 20,000 or more. This value was increased to 50,000 in 1989. Under the Local Government Act 2002, a district may become a city if it has "a population of not less than 50,000 persons", is "predominantly urban", and is "a distinct entity and a major centre of activity within the region".
New Zealand's population was estimated to be approximately 5.1 million in June 2021. The country is made up of the North and South Islands, as well as approximately 600 smaller islands. The population is not evenly distributed, with 76.3% of the population living on the North Island in 2023. The North and South Islands have distinct features, with the North Island known for its farming heartland and the South Island offering outdoor recreation and natural scenery.
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Population growth in cities
The population threshold for a city in New Zealand has changed over time. In 1886, a city was defined as any borough with a population of 20,000 or more. This number increased to 50,000 in 1989, and a city must also be predominantly urban and a distinct entity and a major centre of activity within the region.
According to the 2023 Census, New Zealand's population was almost 5 million people, with 76.3% living on the North Island. The country's population has been slowly and steadily increasing, with a 6.3% increase from 2018 to 2023.
Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, with a population of around 1.5 million in its urban area, although one source places the number at 417,910. It is located on the North Island and is home to the largest Polynesian population in the world. Auckland is also one of the world's most expensive cities.
Christchurch, located on the South Island, is the country's second-largest city, with a population of around 400,000. Dunedin, New Zealand's first official city, has a population of 128,900, although another source states 122,000. Tauranga, which became a city for the second time in 2004, is one of the fastest-growing cities in New Zealand, with a projected growth of approximately 78,500 residents over the next 50 years.
Territorial authorities with the highest population densities include Hamilton City, Tauranga City, Wellington City, Napier City, Porirua City, and Auckland City.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the Local Government Act, a city in New Zealand must have "a population of not less than 50,000 persons".
No, the threshold has changed over time. Before 1876, there was no official definition of a city in New Zealand. From 1886, the definition of a city was changed to any borough with a population of 20,000 or more. This value was increased to 50,000 in 1989.
Some cities in New Zealand with a population of 50,000 or more include Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Tauranga, and Dunedin.
As of 2023, the population of New Zealand was approximately 5 million people.
