Marie Hasler National Immigration and Population Spokesperson

31 October 2001

New Zealand is not replacing itself!

The disturbingly slow growth rate of New Zealand's population is the most worrying aspect of the new population figures released by Statistics New Zealand, says National's Immigration and Population spokesperson, Marie Hasler.

"If we take away the inflow of migrants, New Zealand is actually shrinking and it could take another four years for us to reach the four-million mark. Even with the inclusion of migrant figures, our population increase is only marginal.

"New Zealand has to question how long it can depend on the goodwill of its immigrants and their willingness to contribute to its prosperity and their commitment to become part of the national culture.

"Rather than relying on other countries to provide our citizens, we should be promoting policies for a more family-friendly society. We all have a common interest in sharing the economic and social costs of raising children.

"Children are the true wealth and intellectual capital of the New Zealand of the future," Marie Hasler said.

Ends

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