Net permanent and long term migration is the difference between ...

- overseas migrants who arrive in New Zealand intending to stay for a period of 12 months or more (or permanently), plus New Zealand  residents returning after an absence of 12 months or more, and
- New Zealand residents departing for an intended period of 12 months or more (or permanently), plus overseas visitors departing New Zealand after a stay of 12 months or more.

The first chart shows the monthly net result of these tow movements, while the second chart shows the annual flow to/from Australia.

Usually, we have a net inflow from all countries except Australia, where the outflow is quite strong. New Zealand is a major source of legal immigrants for Australia.