Ageing population is a worldwide pattern. The population is getting older this has social, political and economic impact on all societies. New Zealand's ageing population is a consequence of many factors. It raises many issues with the policies of New Zealand. The factors that contribute to New Zealands increase in elderly are clear. High fertility rates, low mortality rates and the ageing of the immigrants that came to New Zealand in the first two decades of the century. This demographic change is putting increasing demand on New Zealands social services.
             Higher fertility rates occurred during the early nineteen hundreds. This is when most of today's elderly were born. This period is referred to as the "Baby boomers". "This is where an extra large cohort of people were born between 1946 –1962". (Easton, 1980 p 71). Fertility now is on the decline and women are having on average one child less than in the 1950's. This is causing a generation gap, between the youth, working-age and the elderly. " Variation in fertility is usually regarded as the predominant cause of change in age structure." (Heenan, 1993). Census forms taken every five years in New Zealand are the current source of research, and these may predict that generational inequality can occur.
             The second factor contributing to New Zealands Ageing population is Immigration. "Historically immigration has always been important, and for a long period it to also regarded as the predominant, cause of population ageing in New Zealand." (Heenan, 1993). Immigration affects the elderly more than the younger age groups. Foreign born represent a large share of elderly New Zealanders. Census forms have been used to find out the number of immigrants in New Zealand. I question the validity of the testing and the results. Consequently ageing immigrants also brought about the change from a male dominant population to a f
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