Foreword
This report discusses how changes in New Zealand's population over the next 50 years are likely to impact on our future development and wellbeing. It is published as part of the Government's Sustainable Development series. The focus on children and youth and the development of cities has strong links to the Government's Sustainable Development for New Zealand: Programme of Action, which was released in January 2003.
The main themes of the report are that people both influence and are influenced by sustainable development in quite complex ways and that the opportunities, attitudes, skills and knowledge of New Zealand's people will be key determinants of our development path and future prosperity. The issues raised in the report include the changing nature of work and the workforce, immigration policies in a global context, our changing age and ethnic mix, and the importance of thriving communities and regions.
Good outcomes depend on the actions of all members of society. The Government has an important leadership role in co-ordinating and building consensus around our future direction. By taking a broad and long-term view, we can minimise the risk of unintended consequences. The report draws together information from a wide range of sources in order to raise issues for policy-makers and contribute to the public debate about New Zealand's future. We hope it is widely read and used.
Jim Anderton
Minister for Economic Development
Steve Maharey
Minister for Social Development and Employment
Margaret Wilson
Minister of Labour
Lianne Dalziel
Minister of Immigration
Marian Hobbs
Minister for the Environment
Minister with responsibility for Urban Affairs
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