In New Zealand's 2023 census, which region was least populous?

In New Zealand’s 2023 census, West Coast was the least populous region, with 33,390 usual residents.

The West Coast occupies the rugged western side of New Zealand’s South Island. It is known for the Southern Alps, dense native forests, high rainfall, and small settlements spread along a narrow coastal strip. Those geographic conditions help explain why it has far fewer residents than regions such as Canterbury or Auckland.

Among the options, Marlborough had 49,431 people, Gisborne had 51,135, and Tasman had 57,807. West Coast therefore remained clearly smallest, even though its population grew by 5.7% from the 31,575 recorded in 2018.

The census counted people who usually lived in New Zealand and were present on census night, rather than producing a continuously updated population estimate. West Coast’s largest urban centre is Greymouth, while Hokitika and Westport are other important towns. The region’s small population contrasts with its very large land area and distinctive mining, forestry, tourism, and conservation history.