Nez Zealand annual migration rises to record high

New Zealand’s yearly net migration hit a record high in January as fewer Kiwis headed for Australia, while the number of Indian students arriving continued to rise.

The net migration of new arrivals increased from 4,100 in December to 5,500 in January on the back of two months of falling numbers. Meanwhile, the annual net inflow to the 12 months ending 31 January hit 53,800 – more than twice the number for the same period last year and the sixth consecutive month of annual records.

Annual departures of Kiwis to Australia (23,100) was less than half the number it was at for the same period a year ago, while nearly 12,000 Indians arrived in the country on a permanent or long-term basis to make a net gain of 10,800.

New Zealand’s improving economy has tempted many Kiwis to return from Australia, where the economic outlook is relatively bleak. The government has also increased its efforts with regards to attracting foreign students by broadening the education services it offers.

Just short of 57,000 new arrivals said education was their main reason for being in the country, an 8.2 per cent increase from 12 months ago and higher than any other reason provided.

As a result of the strong net migration, economic activity has been boosted, with demand for housing on the up and pressure on wage inflation reduced.