New Zealand’s population increases in the first quarter as early signs suggest the outflow of residents (“Kiwi exodus”) is easing. Multiple reports say growth improves compared with prior trends, with figures pointing to a stronger year-on-year expansion. One outlet reports that the population grows by the largest amount since 2024 in the first quarter. Another provides the underlying estimate for the 12-month period ending in March, saying the population rises by 0.8%, adding about 43,500 people, to reach approximately 5.36 million. The reports collectively frame the change as evidence that departures are slowing, rather than a return to rapid expansion driven by new inflows. Together, the data indicate modest but measurable demographic growth, with the overall population level now sitting near 5.36 million. The coverage does not alter the broader context of population movements, but it highlights that the latest numbers show improvement from earlier quarters.