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Smarter plans for growth and future potential can now be made, thanks to the Census 2006 results announced last week.

So says Hamilton West MP Martin Gallagher, highlighting new information he says will be jumped on by decision-makers in the private sector, local and central government.

"Hamilton City is expanding. With a headline population of 129,249, we have 11.2 percent more people than in 2001," said Martin Gallagher.

"Of that number, many are likely to gain from tax relief through the Working for Families policy; Hamilton City has 13,110 are couples with children and 7,041 one-parent families."

Hamilton City families are also becoming more ethnically diverse, with 24,576 Maori (compared with 21,357 in 2001), 80,619 European (87,738), and 13,047 Asian (8,055). A new category not available in 2001 shows 13,026 local people now regard themselves simply as 'New Zealander.'

Mr Gallagher says the government is planning announcements in the New Year to offer more help ethnic communities, encouraging a social environment that celebrates and rewards their contributions, and improves cultural understanding.

"Welcoming more migrants can be an economic boon as well as a social benefit. The Census reveals that 26,859 locals were born overseas. Many of them will be the skilled and talented migrants that local employers have been calling for, attracted to New Zealand by the government's targeted immigration policies."

Businesses have also been calling for better quality Internet access, and although the census didn't survey business web use, it did find many more Hamilton City households now have Internet access, up from 15,402 in 2001 to 26,793 this year.

"We're big Internet users – amongst the best in the world – and the government has just passed a new law to open up faster broadband access, allowing competing ISPs hardwire access to homes and businesses, and encouraging investment in wireless. Clever use of technology will determine our future prosperity and make economic transformation a reality."

For more Census information: www.stats.govt.nz or phone 0508 525 525.

Eds: Local statistics relate to the area covered by Hamilton City Council

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