Band 7+: The graph below gives information about changes in the birth and death rates in New Zealand between 1901 and 2101.Summarize the information be selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The graph illustrates the changes in the birth and death rates in New Zealand since 1901 and then forecasts their tendencies until 2101.

Overall, these opposing trends show that the death rate will probably overtake the birth rate in around 2041. The birth rate occupied a much higher position than the death one; however, the large gap between the two levels will be reversed in the later part of this century.

Looking at the details, between 1901 and the present day, the birth rate has been consistently soaring. It stood at 20,000 at the start of this period and reached its peak at nearly 70,000 in 1961. After this time, it fluctuated and is anticipated to gradually decrease its number, remaining at around 45,000 in 2101.

In contrast, the death rate started below 10,000 and has increased steadily until the present time. This increase is expected to be more dramatic between 2021 and 2061 when the rate will probably plateau at around 60,000, before dropping negligibly in 2101.