The Auckland region's labour force is projected to grow by 40 percent to reach more than one million people by 2031. Mapping Trends in the Auckland Region, a new report by Statistics NZ, covers past trends and makes some projections for the region.
The report arose from discussions with the Auckland Regional Council, who were interested in more information about the demographic changes in the Auckland Region. Statistics NZ undertook this collaborative work in order to further the understanding of population changes in the region, and demonstrate leadership in this area.
Topics include its population density, ethnicity, education, and commuting patterns. It provides a more detailed geographical breakdown than previous reports and is enhanced with maps to display the data in a useful and accessible way.
Auckland region’s population may reach two million by 2031. This includes a 146 percent increase in the population 65 years and over, up from 133,800 in 2006 to 329,300 in 2031. The number of people aged 0–14 years is projected to increase from 297,700 in 2006 to 354,500 in 2031 (up 19 percent).
Other key findings of the report include:
• By 2031, some suburbs, such as those in the west of Manukau City, are projected to increase in population density and reach the same level that central Auckland had at the 2006 Census.
• The population of the Auckland region is becoming increasingly mobile, with new migrants from overseas boosting the population. The number of people leaving the Auckland region for other locations in New Zealand has been on the rise, although central Auckland continues to attract people from outside the region.
• Auckland’s cities are becoming more ethnically diverse. Increasing numbers of people are identifying with ethnic groups other than European and with more than one ethnicity.
• The proportion of adults with a tertiary qualification rose for the region as a whole, up from 12 percent in 1996 to 20 percent in 2006, but the rise is particularly evident in central Auckland.
• Travel to work by public transport increased slightly in North Shore and Auckland cities between the 1996 and 2006 Censuses. Over the whole region, bus and train use rose slightly between the censuses, up from 6.7 percent to 6.9 percent of commuters.
The report provides a one-stop shop for those wanting an overview of the broad Auckland region and for those seeking information by local authority area. Most results are presented in downloadable coloured maps that allow comparison of area trends over time.