Distribution of selected native species
Since the 1970s, the distribution of all seven indicator species continued to decline.
Biodiversity sustains the natural ecological processes on which life depends. It also underpins industries such as tourism and fishing. This indicator measures distribution changes of seven native species over time.
- Four species – the short-tailed bat; dactylanthus (a flowering plant); and two bird species, the mōhua (yellowhead) and kōkako – are now found only in 5 percent or less of their pre-human range.
- The distribution of five species (kōkako, möhua, dactylanthus, short-tailed bat, and kiwi) has further declined since the 1970s.
Net greenhouse gas emissions
New Zealand’s net greenhouse gas emissions have grown since 1990.
There is convincing evidence that, due to industrial and other human activities, gases are being emitted in such quantities that the composition and dynamics of the atmosphere are changing. This indicator measures net annual emissions of greenhouse gases – the emissions resulting from human activity minus those removed, primarily by forests.
- New Zealand’s net greenhouse gas emissions increased 18 percent between 1990 and 2007. Total emissions increased 22 percent.
- A total of 23.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents was removed from the atmosphere in 2007, equivalent to 32 percent of New Zealand’s total greenhouse gas emissions in that year. This represents a 31 percent increase in ‘removals’ since 1990.
Nitrogen in rivers and streams
Levels of nitrogen at monitored sites in rivers and streams have increased since 1989.
Nutrients such as nitrogen occur naturally in fresh water and are needed by aquatic plants for growth. However, increased levels of nutrients caused by human activity can result in excessive growth and algae blooms. In urban waterways the main source of introduced nutrients is sewage, while in rural areas it is run-off of agricultural fertilisers, and stock manure and urine.
- The graph shows that nitrogen levels increased fastest in rivers which already had higher levels of nitrogen.
- Between 1989 and 2007, the median level of nitrogen in monitored rivers increased 4.6 percent (an average annual increase of 1.4 percent).
Educational attainment of the adult population
The proportion of adults with at least secondary qualifications has increased since 1990.
Educational attainment is an indirect measure of human capital. A higher level of human capital can improve economic efficiency by providing organisations and individuals with knowledge and skills for economic development. Educational attainment is also important for participation in society as well.
- The proportion of adults (aged 25–64) with at least secondary school-level qualifications increased steadily from 65 percent in 1990 to 75 percent in 2008. The proportion was above 78 percent in 2003.
- The number of adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher rose from 8 percent in 1990 to 21 percent in 2008.
Real net stock of total assets per person
Net capital stock per person rose 29% from 1988–2008.
Real net stock of total assets is a measure of New Zealand’s wealth through productive assets. This includes fixed assets such as machinery, equipment, buildings, and infrastructure that can be used continuously in the production process for more than one year. Ensuring that a broad base of assets is maintained can increase future options.
- The volume of net capital stock rose 65 percent from 1988 to 2008.
- The increase per person, which takes into account the population increase over the same period, was 29 percent.
Speakers of te reo Māori
The proportion of Māori able to hold an everyday conversation in the Māori language decreased slightly between 1996 and 2006.
Language is intrinsic to expressing and sustaining culture as a means of communicating values, beliefs, and customs. As the indigenous culture of New Zealand, Māori culture is unique to New Zealand and forms a fundamental part of the national identity. Māori language is central to Māori culture and an important aspect of cultural participation and identity.
- Between 1996 and 2006, the proportion of the Māori population able to converse in Māori decreased from 25.0 percent to 23.7 percent.
- Although in 2006 there were more Māori speakers in younger age groups, the proportion of speakers in older age groups was much higher.