Population and People

Photo by Great South

At the end of June 2021, 102,700 people lived in Southland Murihiku. It is predicted that our population will continue to grow but at a lower rate than the past 20 years because our population is ageing rapidly.

Building on the Southland Regional Development Strategy (SoRDS) we will not only focus on attracting people to the region, but also retaining them. This means we need to understand their needs and wants, whether it be jobs, housing or lifestyle opportunities, and we have to work hard collectively to deliver this. Find out more information below on the three workstreams identified:

Murihiku Polyfest

Work Streams

Retention and Attraction

Attract and retain people to the region by actively promoting Southland Murihiku as an attractive and vibrant place for people to live, work and play.

Image by Architects - BOON Ltd Urban Culture and Development Image

Urban Culture and Development

To understand the interdependence of rural and urban communities in order to ensure a prosperous and aligned Southland Murihiku region.

Skilled Workforce Development

To ensure a joined-up approach to labour market planning which will see our workforce, education and immigration systems working together to better meet the differing workforce and skills needs in Southland Murihiku.

Population and People