The table presents demographic data regarding the population of New Zealand, segmented by age groups from 2011 to 2012.
Overall, while there was a modest increase in the total population, specific age groups exhibited varying trends, with notable growth in the older demographic.
In 2011, the total population of New Zealand stood at 4,381,269, marginally increasing to 4,410,284 in 2012, reflecting a growth rate of 0.6%. Notably, the age group under 15 experienced a slight decline, decreasing from 898,160 to 896,364, which corresponds to a reduction of 0.2%. Similarly, the 15-39 age group also saw a decrease, with numbers diminishing from 1,577,256 to 1,574,102, maintaining the same rate of decline at 0.2%. This indicates a possible stagnation in the younger demographic, suggesting potential implications for future population sustainability.
Conversely, the older segments of the population exhibited positive trends, particularly among individuals aged 65 and above, who increased from 573,946 to 596,903, a significant growth of 4.0%. The 40-64 age cohort also saw an increase, rising from 1,331,907 to 1,339,898, which translates to a growth rate of 0.6%. These patterns indicate that while the younger population is dwindling, the senior demographic is not only growing but also potentially impacting the socio-economic landscape of the country.