Infrastructure Strategy Planning conservatively for medium/high growth also provides some future proofing for assets that may have a useful life in excess of 80 years. Marlborough has the highest proportion of elderly people in New Zealand. In the 2013 The increasing elderly population and fewer working people (50% rather than the census 20.5% of our population was aged 65 or more. This proportion is due to grow current 60%) needs to be taken into consideration in financial planning, particularly significantly. By 2046 about 35% of us will be aged 65 and over. The change in when setting rates. Marlborough’s age distribution between now and 2043 is clearly shown in the graph below. The trend for growing urban centres and fewer people living in rural areas is expected to continue, as older people generally prefer to live closer to the services provided in larger centres. The provision of infrastructure in smaller settlements and the method of funding may need to be considered in the light of these projections. Older people are also more likely to prefer smaller houses and sections near the urban centres. Providing for this market could lead to urban intensification through regeneration of the existing housing stock. The current urban settlement pattern consists of an average of 10-11 properties per hectare. The Development Contribution Policy helps to encourage urban infill by offering reduced charges for the subdivision of small residential sections. Urban intensification would help to reduce further urban spread and subsequent extension to the linear infrastructure. Costs per connection would decrease and improve the affordability of these services. Technology Technological developments have the potential to change many elements of infrastructure over the next 30 years, including: 2018-2028 Long Term Plan Page 174