Retirees will rule in future age of leisure

Karoline Tuckey | 5th March 2010

South Wairarapa is rapidly heading towards having one of the oldest populations in New Zealand, and deaths in Carterton will outstrip births in 10 years if trends continue.
Latest population projections from Statistics New Zealand show what Wairarapa towns might be like in 2031, using 2006 census data and latest trends. As well as showing a few more wrinkles, we will be less likely to hear the pitter-patter of tiny feet, and fewer people will be working.
By 2031 South Wairarapa will have the country's highest median age _ 55 _ compared to the lowest median of 35 in Manukau City.
While all territorial authorities in New Zealand are projected to have a higher proportion of over 65-year-olds in their population by 2031, the proportion would be especially high in South Wairarapa. The district would be made up of 35 per cent over 65, the third highest proportion of the country, compared to Wellington city, which would have just 14 per cent over 65 by 2031.
Carterton is noted in the report to be among a handful of districts that would have more deaths than births by 2021, joined in 2031 by Masterton and South Wairarapa among other towns.
The lower proportion of births would be because of a lower proportion of women within child-bearing ages in the towns, while women throughout the country would also have have less births than 2006, on average.
Despite higher life expectancy, deaths would increase throughout New Zealand because of a population bulge of older people.
South Wairarapa may also notice less pay cheques, with only 48 per cent of the population within working-age; the second lowest proportion in the country, whereas 70 per cent of Wellington city's population would be in the working age bracket, the report said.

South Wairarapa Mayor Adrienne Staples said the statistics were significant and the council put serious consideration into population trends when deciding on current works, and planning for future infrastructure.