Story: Nelson places

Nelson and Wellington population growth

Nelson and Wellington population growth

In the early 1860s Nelson and Wellington, both small port settlements, had similar populations. Wellington became the nation’s capital in 1865, and access to the rural hinterlands of Horowhenua and the Wairarapa also improved, resulting in strong population growth. Nelson meanwhile was not supported by a prosperous rural hinterland, and grew much more slowly.

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How to cite this page:

Carl Walrond, 'Nelson places - Nelson city', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/graph/28990/nelson-and-wellington-population-growth (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Carl Walrond, updated 22 Apr 2015