As the New Zealand population ages People are dying off in greater numbers ,while there has also been a dip in the number of babies born, according to Statistics New Zealand.
There is a still a rising population, with 31,320 more births than deaths in the past year.
Births, less deaths, led to a population increase of 31,320 in 2011, down from a gain of 35,460 in 2010.
Annual deaths are expected to hit 40,000 by 2029 and 50,000 in 2042, Statistics NZ said.
