Join Professor Paul Spoonley, academic and author, as he discusses his book on New Zealand's demographic past and future challenges. They cover topics such as population growth, immigration, national identity, starting your own business, smart decline, hyperaging, and the growth of Auckland as a primate city.
New Zealand's population has experienced dramatic growth followed by a decline, with implications for the economy and policymakers.
Auckland's growing diversity, with about 43% of its residents born overseas, contributes to its multicultural reputation.
The paradox of density in Auckland is the increasing demand for low-density housing despite the benefits of denser urban areas.
Deep dives
New Zealand's Population Growth and Decline
New Zealand's population has experienced dramatic growth followed by a decline, with fertility rates plummeting. The implications for New Zealand's economy and policymakers are discussed.
The Historical Population Growth of New Zealand
Since 1860, New Zealand's population has grown exponentially, with significant increases occurring from 1908 to 1952 and again from 1973 to 2003. Currently, two-thirds of population growth comes from net migration.
The Increasing Diversity in New Zealand
Around 27% of New Zealanders were born overseas, with Auckland having a higher percentage. The growing diversity of Auckland, with around 43% of Aucklanders born overseas, contributes to its reputation as a highly multicultural city.
The Impact of Population Decline on Regional Areas
Many regions in New Zealand are experiencing decline or stagnation in population growth, with only a few areas, such as Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga, seeing significant growth. The challenges and strategies for managing this population decline are discussed.
The Paradox of Density and Urbanization
The paradox of density refers to the increasing demand for more space and low-density housing by wealthier individuals, despite the benefits of denser urban areas. Auckland, as a primate city, is facing challenges due to its rapid growth and struggle to accommodate the demand for housing.
Professor Paul Spoonley has spent a lifetime in academia; as an academic, administrator as well as a prolific author and commentator. In his 2020 book, The New New Zealand Spoonley looks at our nation's recent demographic past and the challenges for our future. In this discussion we discuss his book and the policy implications of a falling populaitons in the regions and an accelerating growth in Auckland.
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