INTERNAL MIGRATION IN NEW ZEALAND

Northward Drift

Before 1900 more people lived in the South Island than the North Island because…

SI not troubled by land wars like NI

Gold rushes (Otago and Westland) provided pull factors of $$$ and jobs

Farms quickly established (less forest to clear)

However, in the 1900’s there has been a steady migration of people north because…

Better climate

Better conditions for farming (fertile soil, flatter land, more sunshine hours)

Increased urbanisation and growth of Auckland and other cities in the NI

Increased variety and number of jobs in the north

Limited opportunities for growth and access to services in small towns

Counter Movement

There is always a small counter movement to any migration trend. Since 1991 some people have migrated south because of cheaper land, housing and a quieter lifestyle.

Effects of Internal Migration In NZ

Overburdening of services and facilities in areas of high growth e.g. Auckland

Difficulties in national allocation of funding for roads etc

Large scale emigration from rural areas and the SI lead to these areas struggling economically

Overcrowding in large uban areas leads to rising house prices and difficulties for young families to buy property

Facilities in rural areas decline due to lack of population to keep them running e.g. schools

Uneven population distribution between north and south, rural and urban

Maori Migration within NZ

Before WWII the Maori population was mostly rural. After WWII Maori were migrating to urban areas, especially those under 25 because….

Shrinking land resources which meant that there were fewer jobs in rural areas

Many jobs in factories during WWII

Young people moving in search of a greater variety of leisure and social activities

1951 = 20% Maori urbanised, 1971 = 58%, 1996 = 85% (nearly the same as the national average)

Recently however small numbers of Maori are migrating back to tribal rural areas because…

Loss of traditional cultural values and identity away from tribal elders and culture

Recent re-birth of Maori values and a growing awareness of the importance of Maori culture

E.g. many young people are returning to tribal areas such as Tolaga Bay and Hokianga.

Rural to Urban Drift

In the late 1800’s the development of farming in the SI meant most people lived in rural areas. In 1871 78% of NZers lived in rural areas. Since the 1900’s NZers have become increasingly urbanised and in 1996 85% of NZ’s population lived in urban areas. Name 5 push and pull factors for Rural to urban drift.

Stepwise Pattern of Migration

Northward drift e.g Dunedin – Christchurch – Welington – Auckland

Rural to Urban Drift e.g Dairy farm in the Waikato – Huntly – Hamilton - Auckland