The number of Catholic nuns in New Zealand is dwindling.

Vatican Directory figures show there are only 182 sisters left across the country, divided into 24 religious orders.

It follows a trend of decreasing numbers worldwide - especially in the west.

The Vatican women's magazine blames the drastic drop in the number of nuns globally, on poor working conditions and abuse at the hands of superiors.

Saint Joseph Sister Ann Gilroy says young women don't find the church an easy place to be.

She says there are now many groups which women can belong to.

"Women have far more options of belonging to groups or professions that help change the world than they did in my time." 

Gilroy says the way nuns are treated is a reflection of the societies they live in. 

"In places like New Zealand there are lots of laws which help women find their place in society. It's no so in some countries."

Religious History Professor Peter Lineham says the drop shows the changing ways religion is expressed.

"50 years ago every Catholic family felt an obligation to supply at least one of their daughters to a religious order."

He says today things are very different. 

"There are many devout Catholics today who would never ever consider the possibility of entering a religious order."