Wellington’s population at last count was 209,800, with the new forecast estimating growth of only 0.3% annually to 228,900 by 2048. Photo / Mark MitchellThe lack of population growth was a key concern often mentioned by Wellington’s new mayor, Andrew Little, during his leadership campaign. Little believes affordability in the city is one of the major factors behind Wellingtonians leaving and outsiders not coming. WellingtonNZ, the capital’s council-controlled organisation tasked with the city’s economic development, is optimistic things will improve. Chief executive Mark Oldershaw said while the city’s population had slowed, Wellington still had “strong fundamentals and sustained appeal as a place to live, work and invest”.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 04, 2026 16:23 UTC