New data shows the nation saw the lowest number of births in over 80 years.

Stats NZ revealed there were 19,071 more births than deaths in 2023 in the lowest annual natural increase since World War II.

Massey University Sociologist Paul Spoonley says New Zealand's not alone- fertility and birth rates are declining across high-earning countries.

"When you look at countries like Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Poland... they're all down at about 1, 1.2. What's interesting is- has anyone been able to reverse it? The answer's no."

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• New Zealand's birth rate falls to lowest since World War II