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.