North Islanders flock to the West Coast, new data shows

According to Stats NZ’s 2023 Census data, 7.5 percent of West Coast residents — around 2,500 people — were living in the North Island in 2018.

It’s part of a broader population turnaround for the region, which had been in decline between 2012 and 2018, losing around 700 residents during that period.

Since 2018, however, the Coast has gained 1,900 people — reaching a population of 34,300 in 2024, as more people look to the region for lifestyle, affordability, and work.

Stats NZ Census spokesperson Dr Rosemary Goodyear said housing affordability and increased flexibility around working from home were likely key factors driving inter-island migration trends nationwide.

“We saw a large spike in house prices nationally between the 2018 and 2023 Censuses. This, combined with increasing flexibility for people to work from home, likely contributed to people moving out of cities and into more affordable areas,” she said.

While Otago and Canterbury recorded the highest share of residents who had moved from the North Island, the West Coast was not far behind, with one in every thirteen residents now a recent North Island transplant.

Development West Coast chief executive Heath Milne said the figures highlight a shift in perception.

“After a period of population decline, it’s encouraging to see the West Coast attracting new people and renewed energy,” he said.

“We’re seeing more families and professionals choosing to move here to escape big city pressures, enjoy a more affordable lifestyle, and the chance to tap into emerging job opportunities.”

The West Coast remains New Zealand’s most affordable region, with an average house value of $402,691 (compared to the national average of $881,338) and mortgage payments accounting for just 21.8 percent of household income — significantly below the national figure of 39.3 percent.

The region is also on the cusp of a mining-led jobs boom, with more than 1,200 new roles projected across a range of projects currently in the pipeline.

“With increasing activity across several sectors, there’s real momentum building on the Coast — and that brings both opportunities and challenges,” Milne said.

West Coast Population (2000-2024)