The line graph illustrates the proportion of New Zealand’s population in four age categories (0-14, 25-37, 38-45, and over 65) from 1950 to a projection in 2050.
Overall, the over-65 group consistently accounted for the largest share of the population throughout the period, despite a projected decline after 1990. In contrast, the proportion of those aged 25-37 is expected to drop dramatically after 1970, while the youngest group (0-14) will gradually increase in the future. The 38-45 category rises sharply until 1990 before experiencing a moderate decrease.
In 1950, older adults (over 65) made up just over 60% of the population, far surpassing the other groups. This figure rose slightly to peak at 70% by 1990, before declining steadily to around 55% in 2050. Meanwhile, the 38-45 age group started at roughly 25% in 1950, climbed markedly to nearly 50% by 1990, and is then forecast to fall moderately to about 40% by the end of the period.
The proportion of 25-37-year-olds began at approximately 15% in 1950, reaching a high of just under 30% in 1970. However, it is projected to decline sharply thereafter, hitting zero by 2050. By contrast, the share of children aged 0-14 remained low at under 10% until 1990, before rising steadily to reach around 20% in 2050.