New Zealanders getting fatter, report shows

A snapshot of New Zealand shows people are getting fatter and there is greater income inequality and voter apathy.

The Government's 2005 Social Report reveals New Zealanders are wealthier and healthier with longer life expectancy, fewer suicides and more education.

But 21 per cent of adults are now classed as obese, which project manager Conal Smith puts down to cheaper access to high-calorie foods.

He said diets now include more high fat, high energy foods.

International competition has pushed up high incomes, widening the gap between rich and poor.

There is also bad new for politicians with a marked increase in voter apathy.

The report, an annual publication, is a score card which shows how New Zealand is faring compared with the other developed countries.

It covers indicators ranging from income, housing, and employment to road safety and child abuse.

This year's report, prepared by the Ministry of Social Development, shows there has been improvement across 16 of 22 measures aimed at gauging New Zealanders' social wellbeing.

Social Development Minister Steve Maharey said it was evidence of solid progress on social issues.

He said: "The good news from this report is that we're continuing to climb through the top half of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Development and Cooperation) on two thirds of the measures where there is comparable international data."

But he said further investment in health, education and family assistance was necessary if positive trends were to continue.

Positive:

* An increase in real median earnings;

* A decline in childhood poverty from 27 per cent in 2001 to 21 per cent in 2004;

* More children in early childhood education;

* An increase in life expectancy;

* Declines in smoking, road casualties and suicides.

Negative:

* New Zealanders are getting fatter -- with higher obesity rates;

* A drop in students leaving high school with bursary or level 3 National Certificate of Educational Achievement;

* A slightly bigger gap in the incomes of the rich and poor;

* Lower voter turnout and less women MPs.

- NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB