The gap between the number of births and deaths is narrowing. 

Latest Stats NZ data shows there was about 15 hundred fewer births in the year ending in March, and 170 more deaths. 

The fertility rate has dropped from 1.58 births per woman to 1.53 and the infant mortality rate is also down.  

Massey University sociologist Paul Spoonley told Mike Hosking at some point the number of births will equal the number of deaths. 

He says that's never happened before, except for during one-off events like the Black Death in Europe. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

The gap between the number of births and deaths is narrowing.&nbsp;
Latest Stats NZ data shows there was about 15 hundred fewer births in the year ending in March, and 170 more deaths.&nbsp;
The fertility rate has dropped from 1.58 births per woman to 1.53 and the infant mortality rate is also down. &nbsp;
Massey University sociologist Paul Spoonley told Mike Hosking at some point the number of births will equal the number of deaths.&nbsp;
He says that's never happened before, except for during one-off events like the Black Death in Europe.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

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Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show. Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda. The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion, delivers the best talent, and always leaves you wanting more. The Mike Hosking Breakfast always cuts through and delivers the best daily on Newstalk ZB.

Open your mind to the world with New Zealand’s number one breakfast radio show.Without question, as New Zealand’s number one talk host, Mike Hosking sets the day’s agenda.The sharpest voice and mind in the business, Mike drives strong opinion,...

The Mike Hosking Breakfast

Paul Spoonley: Massey University Sociologist on NZ's population increasing by 0.8% as the gap between birth and death rates narrow

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/ee0615d9-c335-43ad-9f5d-b44e015b5bcf/transcript