NZ has recorded the largest increase in the number of registered deaths since the 1918 influenza pandemic, new data for the year ending Dec2022 from Stats NZ shows there were 38,574 deaths in 2022, 10.4 per cent (3642) more than in 2021.

This increase - attributed to Covid-19 and an ageing population - is the biggest year-on-year jump since the 55.4 per cent (5835) spike in deaths in the 1918 flu pandemic, and was mostly in older age groups.

Chart by @vizowl

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/new-zealand-records-biggest-increase-in-registered-deaths-in-100-years/BQERSTKIANCKRNNA7IL42RD52U/

New Zealand records biggest increase in registered deaths in 100 years

Stats NZ has released the latest yearly figures on births and deaths in New Zealand.

NZ Herald
@zl2tod @vizowl Remember that 2021 had an unusually low total deaths - one good effect of lockdowns. How does 2022 look against the long term trend?
@AndrewRiddell1 @zl2tod 2020 was the unusually low year - 2021 was normal - and 2022 is slightly above the general upwards - due to the aging population - trend.