Latest population trends point to ageing society

The movement towards an ageing population is one of the many trends reported in Demographic Trends: 2010, released today by Statistics New Zealand. 

The report contains information and statistics on the major demographic aspects of the New Zealand population. Topics covered include population change and structure, births, marriage, divorce, deaths, life expectancy, international travel and migration, and national and subnational demographic projections. The report is freely available from the Statistics NZ website (www.stats.govt.nz). 

"Demographic Trends: 2010 provides a wealth of information on New Zealand's changing demographics," Population Statistics manager Bridget Hamilton-Seymour said. "This information contributes to an understanding of New Zealand's society and the future implications." 

In 1961, there was one person aged 65 years and over for every three children (under 15 years of age). Now there are two for every three, and from the mid-2020s the older population is likely to exceed the number of children. 

The report is also a reminder of the value of the 2011 Census of Population and Dwellings, to be held on Tuesday, 8 March. "The census is widely used by central and local government, communities, and businesses. It is a critical information source for population estimates and projections," 2011 Census General Manager Carol Slappendel said.

"It is important that everyone who is in New Zealand on census day completes a census form. Billions of dollars of taxpayer money is spent every year in the community and the Government needs accurate information to make sure it goes to the right places."

Geoff Bascand 31 January 2010

Government Statistician

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