The line graph illustrates the birth and death rate patterns in New Zealand from 1901 to 2001, with projections reaching up to 2101.
Overall, there are significant differences between the number of births and deaths. It is evident that birth rates are higher than death rates during most of the given period, but this is anticipated to change after 2041.
At the outset, birth figures were noticeably higher than deaths—20,000 births compared to under 10,000 deaths. The next 60 years saw a dramatic leap in birth numbers, peaking at nearly 70,000 in 1961, rapidly widening this gap. However, following minimal fluctuations, a sharp decline to 50,000 in 1981 abruptly broke this upward trend. Despite a slight recovery between 1982 and 2001, it is estimated that the figures will continue to shrink steadily and remain stable at under 50,000 in 2101.
In contrast, death rates demonstrated a consistent upward trajectory from 1901 and reached around 25,000 in 2001. Despite being relatively lower than birth figures at this point, it is expected that there will be a massive boom to exceed 60,000 in 2061, which eventually surpasses the births. From 2061 onward, the figures are predicted to remain unchanged.