Tasman populations

Press, 17 November 1977, Page 16

Tasman populations

Australia’s population, which now stands at 14.1 million, grew in the year which ended on June 30, 1977, by 158,000. The natural increase—that is, the number of births less the number of deaths—was 115,400, but the interesting figure as far as New Zealand is concerned is the net migration gain of 43,100. By contrast, New Zealand lost 24.876 longterm migrants in the year which ended on September 30. The figures are not inrelated: New Zealand’s loss of some of its people was Australia’s gain. The question that may be asked is why Australia is still gaining immigrants when the unemployment figures there must make any potential immi-

grant alarmed about the prospect of finding work. The answer may be that Australia’s problems are regarded as temporary and its long-term future looks more secure. New Zealand, on the other hand, faces an uncertain future. The cherished way of life in New Zealand will undoubtedly hold its appeal for many people from all over the world, but as the economic situation worsens, the features which make New Zealand attractive will be within the reach of fewer people. The answer lies in the hands of New Zealanders themselves and in their will to make New Zealand into a nation in which the skills associated with exporting take priority.