Population plan: Too ambitious?

WAIRARAPA'S chances of bolstering its population by more than 10,000 within the next 20 years would seem to be akin to something from a script for Mission Impossible if debate at a Masterton District Council committee is anything to go by.
The population target is one of many included in a draft Wairarapa Economic Development Strategy prepared by Go Wairarapa and is linked to a desire to bring a parallel increase in business development.
Despite supporting the concept, some councillors at the Policy and Finance Committee meeting were highly sceptical of the reality of achieving it, particularly as many other regions have set similar population growth targets.
Councillor Judith Callaghan said she had calculated that if all districts of Wairarapa's size and larger wanted the same percentage increase then New Zealand's population would swell by 5 million.
The only way this could be possible would be through immigration.
"Bringing 10,000 immigrants into Wairarapa would change our demographics remarkably," she said.
Councillor Rod McKenzie said the main thrust of any council support for bolstering population had to be aligned to a drive for more industry and jobs, not just attracting people for the sake of it.
He was supported by councillor Derek Daniell, who had an answer to the problem, albeit tongue-in-cheek.
Mr Daniell said Wairarapa civic leaders should use reverse psychology, capping the district's population and sending out a message to newcomers that they would have to go on a waiting list to get here.
"The belief that someone would have to die before they could settle here, that it was a privilege to be allowed to, should create some publicity and interest."
The council's official response to the economic development strategy is likely to refer to the potential impact that 10,000 more people would have on towns and their infrastructure.
In-fill housing in the towns could harm their ambience and character, the very attributes that attract people in the first place.
Councillors also believe that although skilled, working age people should be encouraged to come to Wairarapa, older people also bring benefits.
Older people often have more time to put into social activities, the arts and culture, mentoring younger people and have disposable income.
Whereas research available to the council has not yet categorically determined whether extra people coming to the district would seek houses in town or lifestyle blocks, the trend towards lifestyle blocks shows potential for innovation and intensive use of the land.
A recent nationwide study of small holdings showed they could produce good financial returns, and supporting lifestyle block owners in making their blocks more profitable could potentially grow the Wairarapa economy.