Trends and Issues - 2005

Population growth creates demand for housing
Over 62,000 dwellings will be required for 120,000 extra people.

The population is ageing
By 2041 more than 20% of us will be aged 65 and over (14% today).

Small towns are getting bigger
The populations of both Waimakariri and Selwyn districts are expected to double over the next 40 years.

Traffic congestion is growing
Traffic is forecast to grow by 40% by 2021, and increase 320% by 2041, unless over $2 billion is spent on roading improvements.

Water quality and quantity are being threatened
Between 1998 and 2001 pollution was detected in 50% of shallow wells within Christchurch City.

Our sense of place may be eroded by poor development
Growth and development is an opportunity and a threat for the character of our communities.

Expensive infrastructure needs building / replacing
New development requires water supply, wastewater and roading and none of this is cheap to provide.

Councils and communities need to work together
These issues do not respect council boundaries – communities must work together to achieve great results and to avoid poor outcomes.

Introduction to Issues booklet (February 2005) [PDF, 961 KB]  [PDF 950KB]
(external link)