A new series of hybrid seminars starting 21 January 2026 will explore what New Zealand’s future population might be, and how we best prepare for the changes ahead.
The seminar series is organised by the Policy Hub (Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington) and the Population Association of New Zealand, in conjunction with MBIE, Statistics New Zealand and the Treasury. The three seminars will be held in person in Wellington, and also on Zoom.
Seminar 1 on 21 January will explore Aotearoa New Zealand’s future population numbers, demographics, and geographic spread, and will feature Professor Paul Spoonley, Professor Michael Cameron and Associate Professor Kate McMillan, with the panel chaired by Deputy Government Statistician Rachel Milicich.
Seminar 2 on 28 January will look at future population wellbeing, and will feature Professor Jacques Poot, Associate Professor Maja Krtalic, and Professor James Renwick, chaired by Nic Blakeley, Deputy Secretary, Labour, Science and Enterprise MBIE.
Seminar 3 on 11 February will be on state spending and investment implications, featuring Associate Professor Polly Atatoa Carr, Geoff Cooper, Chief Executive of the Infrastructure Commission, and economist Julie Fry. This session will be chaired by Sir Ashley Bloomfield.
Full details and registration links below, or download the schedule here.
Seminar 1: Exploring NZs future population numbers, demographics and location
Date/Time: 21 January 9:00–10:30
Venue: MBIE, 15 Stout Street, Wellington
In-person registration: Eventbrite
Online registration: Zoom
Programme:
09:00 – Welcome & Introduction: Rachael Milicich, Deputy Government Statistician, Stats NZ
09:10 – The Changing Shape of Our Population: Professor Paul Spoonley, Massey University
09:30 – Changing, Ageing & Urbanisation Trends: Professor Michael Cameron, Waikato University
09:50 – International Drivers of Immigration: Associate Professor Kate McMillan, VUW
10:10 – Discussion Chair: Rachael Milicich
10:30 – Close
Seminar 2: Ensuring the wellbeing of AoNZ’s future population
Date/Time: 28 January 9:00–10:30
Venue: MBIE, Stout Street, Wellington
In-person registration: Eventbrite
Online registration: Zoom
Programme:
09:00 – Welcome & Introduction: Nic Blakeley, Deputy Secretary, Labour, Science and Enterprise MBIE
09:10 – Economic Implications of Immigration: Professor Jacques Poot, Waikato University
09:30 – Conditions for Good Social Outcomes: Associate Professor Maja Krtalic, VUW
09:50 – Immigration & NZ’s Emissions Targets: Professor James Renwick, VUW
10:10 – Discussion Chair: Nic Blakeley
10:30 – Close
Seminar 3: Affording and investing in NZ’s future population
Date/Time: 11 February 9:00–10:30
Venue: Victoria University Wellington, Rutherford House
In-person registration: Eventbrite
Online registration: Zoom
Programme:
09:00 – Welcome & Introduction: Sir Ashley Bloomfield
09:10 – Healthcare for Our Future Population: Associate Professor Polly Atatoa Carr, Waikato University
09:30 – Infrastructure & Education Needs: Geoff Cooper, Chief Executive, Infrastructure Commission
09:50 – Fiscal Implications of Population Change: Julie Fry
10:10 – Discussion Chair: Sir Ashley Bloomfield
10:30 – Close
Image: Sir Ashley Bloomfield investiture 2023
© Crown copyright: Government House, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
