New Zealand's population increased by double the historical rate in the past year - the country's biggest-ever annual leap - new figures show.
Net migration of 69,000 people boosted the country's population. Photo: 123rf
In the year to June 30, the population grew by 97,000 people, putting the total population at an estimated 4.7 million.
Statistics New Zealand said the increase was due to net migration of 69,000 people.
The figure was more than twice the historic increase, which had averaged 40,000 a year over the past decade.
The biggest population increases were among those aged 15 to 39 and those over 65.