The People of New Zealand
In 2007 the population of New Zealand had reached 4.23 million (632,900 of whom are Maori) with an annual growth rate of 1.0%. This increase is made up of 33,700 through net natural increase (which is the net difference between births and deaths for the year) and 10,000 through net migration (being the difference between migrant flow in and out of the country over the year).
Our aging population
New Zealand’s population is ageing, as with most other OECD countries. 12.5% of the countries population is over 65 years old. In particular New Zealand’s women are living longer than ever before, averaging at 81 years where men are living until they are 77. Over a ten year period the over 90s group have grown by 74.8% (men) and 57% (women). Women massively outnumber men in the older age groups in New Zealand with over two thirds of the over 80s represented by women. The average age of men in New Zealand is 35, while the average age for women is 36. It is interesting to note that there is a considerable discrepancy in life expectancy between European New Zealanders and the Maori population whose average age is only 23.
New Zealand in urban areas
New Zealand is highly urbanised with numbers currently running at around 85% of the population living in urban areas. A third of New Zealand’s population live in the Auckland area while a staggering 75% inhabit the North Island. It is expected that 91% of the annual population growth of the country will occur in the north of the North Island, including the Waikato and Bay of Plenty and that Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Taranaki, the West Coast and Southland are going to experience decreasing populations.
New Zealand's ethnic breakup
New Zealand is becoming increasingly ethnically diverse. Although 80% of the population regard themselves as of European origin there is a growing trend across ethnic groups with 20% of children identifying with two ethnic origins. 15% of the population identified as Maori, 6.5% as Pacific Islander and 6.6% as Asian. Interestingly the Asian population has doubled since 1991 and individuals identifying as of ‘Other’ ethnic origin has increased by 300%.
The literacy rate in New Zealand
New Zealand has a 99% literacy rate. 96% of girls and 94% of boys attend secondary school and 63% of students go on to study some form of tertiary education. 76% of New Zealanders aged between 25 and 64 have some form of secondary or tertiary qualification. Compared with other OECD countries New Zealand has an above average employment rate of 73.5%.