The people of New Zealand
The population of New Zealand is approximately 4.3 million, with an annual growth rate of 1.1%. This increase is made up of 34,400 through net natural increase (which is the net difference between births and deaths for the year) and 12,500 through net migration (being the difference between migrant flow in and out of the country over the year).
New Zealand’s ageing population
New Zealand’s population is ageing, as with most other OECD countries. Thirteen percent of the country’s population is over 65 years old. The 80+ population reached 146,000 at 30 June 2009, an average annual increase of 4,200 (3.5 percent) over the decade In particular New Zealand’s women are living longer than ever before, averaging at 82 years, whereas men are living until they are 78, on average.
The median age for males and females are currently sitting at 35.5 and 37.4, respectively.
The average age for men in New Zealand is 36, while the average age for women is 37. It is interesting to note that there is a considerable discrepancy in average age between European New Zealanders and the Maori population, the latter of whose average age is only 23.
New Zealand in urban areas
New Zealand is highly urbanised, with numbers currently showing that around 87% of the population living in urban areas. A third of New Zealand’s population lives 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, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, the West Coast and Southland are going to experience decreasing populations.
New Zealand's ethnic diversity
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. Fifteen percent of the population identify as Maori, 6.9% as Pacific Islander and 9.2% as Asian. Interestingly the Asian population has doubled since 1991, while individuals identifying as of ‘other’ ethnic origin has increased by 300%.
The literacy rate in New Zealand
New Zealand has a 99% literacy rate. Ninety-six percent of girls and 94% of boys attend secondary school and 63% of students go on to study some form of tertiary education. Seventy-six percent 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, even in the current economic climate. A May 2009 survey put unemployment in New Zealand at 5%.
