Population Growth Presents Challenges for Council

23 October 2007

Wellington’s Population Growth Presents Challenges for New Council

Wellington city was amongst the fastest growing areas in the country in the year to June 2007 according to population figures released today by Statistics New Zealand.

Wellington city grew by 2,790 people or 1.5% over the year. Of the 73 territorial local authorities this was 6th fastest by number and 13th fastest by percent. The New Zealand population grew 1% over the year. The Wellington region grew 0.9%.

“Population growth is a good thing. Not only it is a vote of confidence in Wellington, it is a crucial component of the increasing vibrancy and business vitality of the city,” said Wellington Regional Chamber of Commerce, Chief Executive Charles Finny.

“The new council has an important job in capitalising on this population growth, ensuring infrastructural development keeps pace, and providing an environment so that growth can sustainably continue.

“The Chamber’s latest survey of business confidence, currently underway, shows that Wellington businesses are still crying out for more people to fill positions and they will welcome growth in the working age population.

“Both the city’s and the region’s population growth has exceeded most expectations and we hope that the various agencies responsible for infrastructure development take account of the latest numbers in their planning.

“For example the strong growth in both the Wellington city and Kapiti Coast population strengthens the case for Transmission Gully, an improved roading connection between the CBD and the airport, and improvements in public transport.

“To meet the demand from projected economic and population growth the region needs to significantly increase investment in infrastructure generally,” Mr Finny concluded.

ENDS

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