The population seminar series held January-February 2026 is now available to view online at the links below. The series explored what New Zealand’s future population might be, and how we best prepare for the changes ahead.
The seminars were 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 were held in person in Wellington, and also on Zoom.
Seminar 1: Exploring NZs future population numbers, demographics and location examined Aotearoa New Zealand’s future population numbers, demographics, and geographic spread, and featured Professor Paul Spoonley, Professor Michael Cameron and Associate Professor Kate McMillan, with the panel chaired by Deputy Government Statistician Rachel Milicich.
Seminar 2: Ensuring the wellbeing of New Zealand’s future population looked at future population wellbeing, and featured Professor Jacques Poot, Associate Professor Maja Krtalic, and Professor James Renwick, chaired by Nic Blakeley, Deputy Secretary, Labour, Science and Enterprise MBIE.
Seminar 3: Affording and investing in New Zealand’s future population was 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 was chaired by Sir Ashley Bloomfield.
Click here for the Policy Hub’s full landing-page for the seminars, featuring video links and presentation downloads.
Image: Sir Ashley Bloomfield investiture 2023
© Crown copyright: Government House, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
