The average New Zealander is older than ever before, according to the latest Statistics New Zealand estimated resident population results.

New Zealand’s population grew by 46,900 in the June 2009 year to reach 4,315,800 people, a 1.1% increase for the year.

The population growth for the June 2009 year resulted from a natural increase (excess of births over deaths) of 34,400 and a net permanent and long-term migration gain of 12,500.

The level of net permanent and long-term migration was the highest for a June year since 2004 when it was 22,000.

But most of the population gain was from natural increase and this was a result of people living longer rather than lots of babies being born.

The number of New Zealanders under 15 years old increased only slightly (0.2%) in the year to June, nudging up from 889,400 to 891,100.

There was also little growth in the 15-39 year age group, with just a 0.6% increase from 1,475,700 to 1,484,600.

However, the number of 40-64 year olds rose by 1.6% from 1,365,900 to 1,387,400 and the number of people aged 65 and over jumped by 2.8% from 537,900 to 552,700.

This means 12.8% of the population is now old enough to receive New Zealand Super.

New Zealand’s median age is now 36.5 years, compared with a median age of 34.0 years only a decade ago.

The median age for men is now 35.5 years, while for women it is 37.4 years, reflecting the longer life expectancy for women.

Over the past decade the median age has increased 2.3 years for men and 2.7 years for women.