Waikato University Researchers Highlight Urgent Need for National Population Planning

New Zealand stands at a demographic crossroads, with University of Waikato experts leading the charge for a comprehensive long-term population strategy. In a timely analysis published in The Conversation, Professor Tahu Kukutai, Research Associate John Bryant, and Associate Professor Polly Atatoa Carr from Waikato underscore the pressing challenges of an ageing society, fluctuating migration patterns, escalating housing demands, and impending workforce shortages. Their commentary builds on a recent Koi Tū Centre for Informed Futures report, emphasizing that without proactive planning, these trends could strain public services, economic productivity, and social cohesion.

The researchers argue that governments worldwide have grappled with similar issues through incentives for higher birth rates, migration policies, and retirement reforms, yet New Zealand lacks a unified framework. Waikato's deep expertise in demography positions it uniquely to inform this debate, drawing from decades of population studies that reveal how ethnic diversity, urbanisation, and longevity are reshaping Aotearoa.

Deciphering New Zealand's Evolving Demographics

Stats NZ projections paint a vivid picture: New Zealand's population, currently around 5.3 million, is expected to surpass 6 million by 2040 and approach 8 million by the late 2070s, largely propelled by net international migration. However, natural increase—births minus deaths—is waning, with the total fertility rate dipping to a record low of 1.55 births per woman, below the replacement level of 2.1 needed for population stability without migration.

This shift marks a departure from historical patterns where births drove growth. By 2048, nearly 22% of the population will be aged 65 or older, up from 17% today, pushing the median age into the late 40s by the 2060s. Regional disparities amplify the challenge: metropolitan hubs like Auckland and Hamilton swell with immigrants, while rural areas face depopulation.

Waikato's Te Ngira Institute for Population Research has long tracked these dynamics, providing data that informs national discourse on how demographic transitions intersect with Māori demographics, health equity, and economic resilience.

The Inescapable Rise of an Ageing Society

Population ageing in New Zealand is accelerating faster than in many peer nations. The over-65 cohort is projected to double to 2 million by 2070, comprising one in four people by 2060. This structural shift elevates the old-age dependency ratio from four workers per retiree today to just two by 2065, straining New Zealand Superannuation (projected to consume 8% of GDP) and healthcare, where seniors incur five times the costs of younger groups.

Waikato researchers note that while policy levers like raising retirement ages exist, deeper adaptations are required. Māori and Pacific populations, with median ages of 26.8 and around 25 years respectively, offer a younger demographic dividend, but socioeconomic inequities mean earlier health burdens. The NZIER's 2026 report further reveals older Kiwis already contributing significantly—217,400 employed over-65s in 2024, forecasted to nearly double by 2074—reshaping consumption and labour markets.

Higher education plays a pivotal role here, training gerontologists, health professionals, and policymakers. Waikato's population health programs equip graduates to tackle these inequities head-on.

Migration as the Linchpin of Growth

With fertility below replacement, migration sustains growth, accounting for two-thirds of projected increases. Stats NZ's median scenario assumes a steady 42,000 net gain annually, but volatility persists—net citizen loss hit 44,000 in 2024, the highest in 25 years, largely to Australia. Waikato demographers highlight New Zealand's drop to 18th in global talent competitiveness, urging strategies to attract and retain skilled workers amid international competition.

Immigrants bolster key sectors: 43% of specialists and 40% of aged care nurses are foreign-born. Yet, integration challenges and 'brain drain' persist. Universities like Waikato, through CaDDANZ projects, have mapped how migrant diversity enhances innovation, contributing $50 billion to Auckland's GDP alone in 2023.

Housing and Infrastructure Under Siege

Demographic pressures exacerbate New Zealand's housing crisis. Population growth demands infrastructure investment rising from $20 billion annually today to $30 billion by the 2050s (5.8% of GDP). Metro areas face acute shortages, with Auckland's minority-majority status (42% Asian by 2043) intensifying demand. Rural decline hollows out communities, while uneven growth risks service mismatches.

A national strategy could synchronise housing supply with projections, incorporating regional plans. Waikato's research on urban-rural shifts informs sustainable development, linking population data to land-use planning.

Photo by Marcus Ganahl on Unsplash

Workforce Shortages: A Ticking Time Bomb

By 2045, New Zealand could face a 250,000-worker shortfall, per Business NZ, as labour force growth stalls post-2045 due to fewer young entrants and ageing exits. Participation rates may dip to 63% by 2073. Ethnic minorities—Māori (19% by 2043), Pacific (11%), Asian (31%)—hold the key to replenishing the workforce, yet face barriers like discrimination (16% report racial bias).

Upskilling, childcare expansion, and migration alignment are critical. Higher education must pivot: Waikato's demography graduates analyse these gaps, training future planners for sectors like healthcare and tech.

Waikato University's Leadership in Demography

The University of Waikato anchors New Zealand's population research via Te Ngira Institute for Population Research, Aotearoa's sole dedicated centre. Focusing on Indigenous demography, migration, health equity, and change, Te Ngira informs policy with rigorous data. Past initiatives like CaDDANZ (2014-2021) explored diversity dividends, mapping migrant settlement, ageing, and urban impacts.

Professor Kukutai's work on Māori data sovereignty exemplifies Waikato's culturally grounded approach, bridging academia and iwi needs.

Pathways and Programs in Population Studies

Waikato offers specialised degrees in Population Studies and Demography, blending quantitative methods, policy analysis, and cultural contexts. Students tackle real-world issues like ethnic projections—Pākehā to 55% by 2043—and Māori fertility trends. Graduates pursue roles in government, NGOs, and universities, addressing NZ's talent needs.

This aligns with calls for evidence-based strategies, positioning Waikato as a hub for future demographers.

Charting a Bipartisan Population Roadmap

The Koi Tū report advocates an independent population commission, akin to Treasury's fiscal models, to craft a strategy encompassing resilience, human capital, infrastructure, and spatial planning. Waikato experts stress Te Tiriti o Waitangi foundations, Māori/Pacific inclusion, and data sovereignty amid census shifts.

Feasible levers: migration tuning, upskilling, aged-care innovation. Avoid overreach on fertility, as South Korea's $200 billion efforts failed.

Higher Education's Role in Demographic Adaptation

Universities must adapt curricula for diverse learners, boost research funding, and supply skilled migrants—international students fill 43% of specialist roles. Waikato's programs exemplify this, fostering intercultural competence amid 48% non-European projections by 2048.

Explore opportunities at AcademicJobs NZ university jobs or research positions to contribute.

Photo by Frantzou Fleurine on Unsplash

Global Lessons and NZ's Unique Outlook

Japan's hyper-ageing (29% over 65) and Europe's migration debates offer cautions; NZ's youth bulge in Māori/Pacific cohorts provides buffers if inequities addressed. A strategy could harness diversity for productivity gains, securing prosperity.

Waikato's ongoing research ensures NZ navigates this wisely.