Forum looks at people leak

Professor Paul Spoonley

A demographic transformation which could have Hawke's Bay looking overseas to replenish a young workforce is set to be a key topic at the New New Zealand Forum in Hastings today.

Massey University researcher Professor Paul Spoonley, a sociologist and media commentator on population, migration and employment issues, says "demographic transformation" is having a major impact on Hawke's Bay and other regions, and could be the basis for building a new form of "muscular regionalism".

"Why not address the issues with innovative options?" he said.

"Immigration policy settings address national needs but why shouldn't Hawke's Bay develop a more pro-active - even aggressive - approach to attracting immigrants?"

It comes with projections that Hawke's Bay will continue to lose people from the late teens to the late 30s as they seek higher education or employment elsewhere, and that those in the region aged over 65 will make up 20 per cent of the population.

"The key point is that Hawke's Bay is facing a different future because of the demographic changes that are underway," he says, and adds the key to creating what he terms "muscular regionalism" and coming up with workable solutions is "to understand how important these changes are for service provision, for employment and as underpinning econ-omic growth".

Mr Spoonley will share findings from his recent research on demographic changes for New Zealand regions during the 4-6pm forum at Vidal Estate.

Massey University Vice-Chancellor Steve Maharey will introduce the event, and head of Massey's politics programme, Associate Professor Richard Shaw, will speak on practical solutions.

A panel discussion will include Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule, Hawke's Bay Today editor Andrew Austin, MPs Craig Foss, Stuart Nash and Meka Whaitiri, and Max Cooper, school leader at Havelock North High School.