| 2001 | |
|---|---|
| Auckland | 228 999 |
| Canterbury | 126 525 |
| Waikato | 98 223 |
| Wellington | 87 396 |
| Bay of Plenty | 67 044 |
| Manawatu-Wanganui | 63 921 |
| Otago | 48 324 |
| Hawke's Bay | 42 201 |
| Northland | 40 302 |
| Taranaki | 32 670 |
| Southland | 30 897 |
| Gisborne District | 13 146 |
| Marlborough District | 11 811 |
| Tasman District | 11 193 |
| Nelson City | 11 076 |
| West Coast | 10 530 |