Stats NZ says the country's population grew by 105,900 people in the year to June, with Auckland's population up 47,000; migration responsible for three-quarters of Auckland growth

Economy / news

[updated]

25th Oct 23, 11:57am by David Hargreaves

Source: 123rf.com

The country's population grew by 105,900 people in the 12 months to June 2023, according to new estimates from Statistics NZ. Auckland led the growth, fuelled by migration.

Stats NZ estimates the population at 5.223 million as of June 30. The population of the North Island is now just short of 4 million.

The 105,900 extra people in the whole country in the 12 months to June 2023 represented 2.1% growth.

"The population grew in all 16 regions of New Zealand in the year ended June 2023, according to provisional estimates," Stats NZ said.

Nationally, the natural increase in the population (19,100) was the lowest since World War II, but high net international migration gains (86,800) led to high population growth.

This follows two years of lower growth when several regions decreased in population.

“Auckland was the fastest growing region in 2023, reversing a population loss in 2022,” Stats NZ's estimates and projections manager Michael MacAskill said.

Auckland grew by 47,000 people, or by 2.8%, in the year ended June 2023. The estimated population as of June was 1.739 million people.

“Otago, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty regions also grew faster than the New Zealand average,” MacAskill said.

Nationally, the population growth of 2.1% was a significant increase from the growth of 0.1% in the previous year (5,800 people).

Net migration was the main contributor (78%) to Auckland’s growth with the remainder attributed to natural increase (births minus deaths).

Numerically, Auckland's net gain from international migration was 47,800. The contribution of natural increase (births minus deaths) in Auckland (10,400) was offset by a net loss of residents moving to areas outside Auckland (11,200).

Net migration for subnational areas includes internal migration (people migrating within New Zealand) and international migration (people migrating between New Zealand and other countries).

“Auckland gained people through international migration, but lost people through internal migration, continuing the pattern since the late 1990s,” MacAskill said.

Otago’s high growth rate (2.7%) was driven by population growth in Queenstown-Lakes district, New Zealand’s fastest-growing territorial authority area over the year.

Queenstown-Lakes grew by 8.0% (or 3,900 people) in the year ended June 2023, following lower growth in 2022 (1.5%). This growth was driven by a net international migration gain of 2,500 people, with net internal migration (1,100) and natural increase (340) making smaller contributions.

Other territorial authority areas growing faster than the New Zealand average include Selwyn district (5.2%), Mackenzie district (3.6%), Hamilton city (3.4%), Auckland and Western Bay of Plenty district (both 2.8%), Waikato and Central Otago districts (both 2.6%), Tauranga city (2.5%), and Waimakariri district (2.2%).

These areas all had population gains through net international migration and natural increase, and all but Auckland and Hamilton city had gains through net internal migration.

“A record 16 out of 67 territorial authority areas experienced natural decrease, or more deaths than births, in the year ended June 2023,” MacAskill said.

The areas with the largest natural decreases included Dunedin city (190 more deaths than births), Thames-Coromandel district (170 more), Kapiti Coast district (160 more), Nelson city (100 more), Whanganui district (90 more), and Timaru district (80 more).

All territorial authority areas with natural decrease, apart from Buller district, still had population growth in the year ended June 2023 due to net migration gains exceeding the natural decrease.

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122 Comments

by 1689 Baptist | 25th Oct 23, 12:00pm 1698188443

2.8% is insane.

by Blackbeard | 25th Oct 23, 12:07pm 1698188865

Is it time to buy a rental? National has given you the green light.

by 1689 Baptist | 25th Oct 23, 12:15pm 1698189351

Not sure about that, but existing Auckland landlords will have little hesitancy in raising rents an extra $30-50pw or so at the next rent review. Whatever tax break renters will receive with this government will be going straight to rent.

by redcows | 25th Oct 23, 12:18pm 1698189527

All of my family have been dead against the idea forever. But after the election some are seriously considering it.

One family member recently sold a business, part of the wind up is the paying of tax on capital gain( livestock values) if they had put their money into houses instead they'd have been so much better off . Productive enterprises don't pay.

2.8% . Insanity.

Is there any point in the history of Aotearoa other than the first landing of Maori when we have grown at this rate?

by Flying high | 25th Oct 23, 12:22pm 1698189741

Rent the cows out and that makes them a capital asset.

The cost to raise an animal is basically all you can sell it for anyway. So where's the taxable profit ?

by redcows | 25th Oct 23, 12:25pm 1698189939

Difference between livestock values(herd value scheme) set by ird and sale price. Complicated but captures CG.

by Flying high | 25th Oct 23, 1:00pm 1698192035

Compare CV values with market price herd values more generalised than CV. However I wonder if by leasing out the herd, its possible to claim that the increased selling prices are simply capital gains. A tax accountant or ird auditor may be able to confirm.

by Hans Brink | 25th Oct 23, 1:22pm 1698193367

A nearby dairy farmer has sold his farm and is buying houses to rent out. He is in his late forties.

by HeavyG | 25th Oct 23, 4:09pm 1698203390

If it is livestock it is the trading stock of the business and therefore a revenue, not capital item. All trading stock is held on revenue account and movements in the trading stock balance during the tax year (i.e. opening trading stock value less closing trading stock value) may result in income (closing > opening) or a deduction (opening > closing). When the trading stock is sold as part of a business sale a portion of the sale price is allocated to trading stock and determines whether there is a gain or loss made on sale.

by M0ralHazard | 26th Oct 23, 1:39pm 1698280780

According to the NZ political consensus, it is always time to buy a rental

by False economies | 25th Oct 23, 1:23pm 1698193401

Some might say any increase is insane

by Uncle Bulgaria | 26th Oct 23, 9:18am 1698265104

Kiwis always use to go on about how 'we don't have enough people'. Now there's a sense there is too many. I wonder what the sweet spot is?

by 1689 Baptist | 25th Oct 23, 12:17pm 1698189469

visited Queenstown a couple of months back and I was horrified at the number of people sleeping in cars or shanty towns in the reserves. I am beginning to wonder if it is the canary in the coalmine for the rest of NZ.

by K.W. | 25th Oct 23, 12:46pm 1698191197

Just watched a documentary on the decline of South Africa. NZ appears to be heading the same way.

by Te Kooti | 25th Oct 23, 12:49pm 1698191382

When I was skiing the Remarkables last month it did cross my mind that Jacks Point looked like the Cape Flats. Except every second car wasn't a late model Ranger in the Flats so I guess not.

by J.C. | 25th Oct 23, 1:23pm 1698193397

visited Queenstown a couple of months back and I was horrified at the number of people sleeping in cars or shanty towns in the reserves.

QT is too cold for favela communities. Mind you, so is Auckland. You could probably say favela life in Whangarei would be miserable too.

I'm out of ideas and options.

by interesting1234 | 25th Oct 23, 3:23pm 1698200603

Whangarei is tropical compared to Queenstown in the winter - and Q'town is attracting ever more travellers who want to stay and will work wherever to do so, as well as live wherever to do so. It is well known since pre-covid that the only way to be able to afford to travel NZ on a low budget is buy a van and sleep in it, as the accommodation will such the budget dry otherwise. We have so many wanting to come here, but we charge so much they revert to the van life for good reason.

by J.C. | 25th Oct 23, 3:54pm 1698202442

It is well known since pre-covid that the only way to be able to afford to travel NZ on a low budget is buy a van and sleep in it

I'm not just referring to backpackers.

Whangarei is tropical compared to Queenstown in the winter

Sure. But Whangarei can still be cold, particularly if you have to live in makeshift accommodation.

by FlipFlopper | 25th Oct 23, 4:10pm 1698203434

by rastus | 25th Oct 23, 12:19pm 1698189557

Disgusting state of affairs.

Where are the Maori leaders on this? This is sale of the century stuff and surely is a Treaty issue?

The world is overburdened with bodies, yet we throw away one of our major attributes as country.

by Te Kooti | 25th Oct 23, 12:47pm 1698191253

Wait, what? I have news for you, the anti-Tiriti parties you just elected are about to turbo-charge immigration and house prices with it so please have the decency to own it and not complain.

by JustAnOpinion | 25th Oct 23, 1:17pm 1698193036

Harsh! But fair. As one who voted for the incoming government I will take that on the chin. I will how ever point out that this human tsunami was started by our departing commrades and these ridiculous numbers relate to this government not the incoming one. I do understand that they are not likely to change this situation tho unfortunately.

Even by continuing with this stupidity they basically cannot do worse than the departing cluster.

by Te Kooti | 25th Oct 23, 2:05pm 1698195924

I voted for them as well. I had to hold my nose, but it was time for a change and for Ardern/Hipkins to be held accountable. I also personally benefit from their policies. That doesn't mean I rate Luxon at all, Seymour is an odious individual (I can't say what I really think). I don't think they will deliver much change at all but let's see.

by rastus | 25th Oct 23, 1:52pm 1698195161

by rastus | 25th Oct 23, 2:02pm 1698195734

My remarks was not an attack on Maori but a question as to why they do not seem to care.

You know as well as I do that Maori leaders could really make this issue a problem for any govt They have power they can use but don't. I can't quote the Treaty.

Being at the bottom of the pile Maori are suffering the most.

Why the lack of concern. perhaps you can answer?

And if they made it an issue they wold have joe NZer right behind them.

Maoridom is as greedy as an any Pakeha when it comes to self interest.

by Te Kooti | 25th Oct 23, 1:59pm 1698195589

So let me get this straight, Maori are not allowed to be profit-motivated and should speak-up on issues that adversely affect you?

Just so I know. I will call you Massa Rastus from now on.

by rastus | 25th Oct 23, 2:11pm 1698196280

Read and learn to not jump.

Maori are at the bottom of the social group.

I am surprised that M leaders cannot see that immigration may not be a very good thing for Maori.

Maori grizzle constantly about Pakeha.

So you like Pakeha immigration or not????

Immigration does not financially adversely affect me.

But I think wider than financial.

by Te Kooti | 25th Oct 23, 2:58pm 1698199096

Maori do not grizzle constantly about pakeha, do you realise how ridiculous that sounds? You just raised the issue of Maori and immigration. No Maori come on here and grizzle, I periodically defend Maori but I rarely start it.

Like most, Maori are just trying to survive and get ahead. As a generalisation, Maori would be less impacted by high immigration due to having a higher proportion living in rurally.

by rastus | 25th Oct 23, 4:50pm 1698205830

Maori grizzle about all sorts of stuff - and fair enough. That is not a criticism..we ll grizzle on int.co

Immigration is diminishing Maori further from what is left of their asset base.

Why should I care....... I just wonder why they don't. A reasonable question you still haven answered.

Maori could use the Treaty if they don't like it.

So I assume Maori are happy to be further disenfranchised?

by Yvil | 25th Oct 23, 3:25pm 1698200703

It's not a Pakeha immigration rastus, it's an asian immigration, the 3 top source countries are India, the Philippines and China. (I'm not casting a judgement if this is good or not, I'm simply stating a fact)

by rastus | 25th Oct 23, 4:58pm 1698206303

..some Maori call all of non M as Paheha. You know what I mean I'm sure.

Weird how me wondering why Maori are not concerned about a wave of 'imports' assumes I am anti M?

I really don't understand why they are not worried and wonder what reason it might be. Some of these new imports are incredibly intolerant and we are now all fighting over limited resources. Maori may well come off even worse.

by JimboJones | 25th Oct 23, 2:48pm 1698198538

Te Pati Maori were the only ones to say they didn't want immigration at the minor leaders debate.

by rastus | 25th Oct 23, 5:00pm 1698206417

That's encouraging. I hope they run with it, they will be supported by many Kiwis.

by rastus | 26th Oct 23, 8:29am 1698262166

by HeavyG | 25th Oct 23, 9:02pm 1698220926

The time for Maori to oppose immigration was 180 years ago. That horse has bolted and Joe NZer is no different from Chen or Mohammed NZer. Interesting to see Pakeha squirm as they realise soon they too will be a minority in NZ. Welcome to our world.

by J.C. | 25th Oct 23, 1:24pm 1698193471

Where are the Maori leaders on this?

Looking for property-related opportunities to feather their own nests. Not the nests of Maori people.

by JustAnOpinion | 25th Oct 23, 1:27pm 1698193639

To be fair in the podcast on logistics here at Interest last week TGH are doing exactly what they said they would do and are investing for the long haul with the inner port. Walking the walk, admittedly just one group but hat tip and respect to them.

by Te Kooti | 25th Oct 23, 3:01pm 1698199301

So pakeha are permited to be profit maximising but Maori are not and instead must act as a collective unit. It's ok for pakeha to leave politics and use those connections to make money in the private sector, but not Maori.

Anything else JC, can we go to the local swimming pool?

by J.C. | 25th Oct 23, 5:51pm 1698209504

Not my point. The Maori elite are making out like bandits as much as the non-Maori elite. The Cantillon Effect is color blind.

I will also say is that it makes sense for iwi resources to benefit people within that iwi and should not be weighted towards those who have the power and the purse strings.

by Te Kooti | 25th Oct 23, 7:11pm 1698214314

I'll let you in on a little secret but don't tell anyone, there isn't a "Maori Elite".

by J.C. | 25th Oct 23, 8:13pm 1698218004

I suspect you're more knowledgeable than me. But I disagree with you. Traditionally, we have 3 social strata: gentry (rangatira), commoners (tauwareware), and slaves (taurekareka). Even in iwi corporate structures, 'elites' exist.

by 21Trillion | 25th Oct 23, 11:55pm 1698231330

When a local Iwi executives can blow $30,000+ on a dinner with expensive wines, I'd call that elite. This same iwi executive group do this often.

At the same time local businesses in this district have to pay the iwi for using their bed of waters for commercial activities.

by Uncle Bulgaria | 26th Oct 23, 9:24am 1698265477

It is so annoying that people buy in to this 'elite' nonsense. The world's elite are white people who earn over 100 grand USD. Plenty of em on this site. You may not feel like elite but you are, so just please stop moaning and recognise that if you have that pay packet plus your health, your life is amazing.

by tuisbest | 26th Oct 23, 10:44am 1698270262

The world's elite are white people who earn over 100 grand USD.

Wow, racist statement revealing an inconceivable and tragic level of ignorance.

by Zwifter | 26th Oct 23, 2:59pm 1698285545

I think Māori need to be asked a simple question. "Is it possible for a Māori to say, write or do anything that would be considered racist ?"

by FCM | 25th Oct 23, 1:25pm 1698193507

I think they are too busy polishing their Mercedes.

by Flying high | 25th Oct 23, 12:19pm 1698189567

3.4 percent growth for the un-mighty Hamilton

It might be time for me to reconsider the waikato region as its close to Auckland and more central

by Flying high | 25th Oct 23, 1:04pm 1698192265

Now completing less than 1000 homes when the population has increased 6,000 from 174k to 180k

Breathe in and make room everybody!

by JustAnOpinion | 25th Oct 23, 1:18pm 1698193128

And don't think there are any motel rooms here ether they have been well stocked by Labour.

by Flying high | 25th Oct 23, 1:50pm 1698195022

Well stocked with people who don't "labour"

by Yvil | 25th Oct 23, 12:29pm 1698190167

Many more people, less building of new dwellings, rents can only go one way. (I'm not suggesting it's a good thing)

by Baywatch | 25th Oct 23, 12:48pm 1698191315

Come on Yvil..more people..more emergency housing ..more $$$ in your bank account?

by Flying high | 25th Oct 23, 1:01pm 1698192089

Hahaha love it

by JustAnOpinion | 25th Oct 23, 1:20pm 1698193246

Love to see a TikTok of that conversation.

Yvil "the daily charge will now be $2,000.00..."

MSD " :| " <sound of sucking it up>

by Yvil | 25th Oct 23, 3:30pm 1698201016

Glad you guys can have an ignorant laugh at my expense ;-)

by Yvil | 25th Oct 23, 3:48pm 1698202113

Some would say that rents will stay higher for longer.

by Te Kooti | 25th Oct 23, 4:22pm 1698204178

It's in the scrolls

by HouseMouse | 25th Oct 23, 1:16pm 1698192987

Yep, especially when the surge in house building truly dies away

by Neddludd | 25th Oct 23, 2:37pm 1698197876

Heres my lower hutt rental hunt experience this month,I expect more pain the longer it takes.

The new builds have stairs with bedrooms upstairs which we cant do(mobility). Wainuiomata/Taita/Kelson is too far, increases fuel cost getting to station and rent is no lower. This leaves us about 7 properties to choose from.

1 x Petone 1910s no heatpump,3 bedroom, huge lounge,old radiators disconnected but left in place, fire place in kitchen, all 3 sheds in backyard in use by LL $680
1 x Waterloo nicely refurbished 3 small bedroom, one bedroom straight off lounge,landlord using half the double garage near Waterloo station $770
1 x Viewing changed with 30min notice, luckily partner could make it
1 x Viewing changed to next day, wasting my time bringing in the car to get there after work twice.$730 3bedroom,boulcott, no garage or carport or shed
2 x No response to request to view on new private listing, probably too many for them to process
1 x No response suddenly
4 x older listings with no response

Wohoo!

by JustAnOpinion | 25th Oct 23, 2:58pm 1698199117

All the best with the search, if mobility is an issue then you are really facing against it my sympathies. Bar the access this area might be worth a look too https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/property/residential/rent/wellington/lower-…

by Flying high | 25th Oct 23, 6:03pm 1698210218

As IT GUY says buy a crapper, meaning an old house on full section.

by interesting1234 | 26th Oct 23, 8:18am 1698261516

This is why wee are seeing the greatest shift in demographics around the country in decades. People leaving the centres where they can get better value for money for the lifestyle they want. Many corporate and govt jobs can be done remotely now irrespective of location. Great to see everywhere getting mixed up so that closed minded ways of thinking can be challenged and different opinions considered. Variety is the spice of life after all

by K.W. | 25th Oct 23, 12:48pm 1698191292

Just wait until you see the October net passenger numbers. It seems Immigration NZ's policy of approving every visa request with no checks is working. The floodgates are open.

by JustAnOpinion | 25th Oct 23, 1:22pm 1698193373

It really is comical, they are literally just arriving and holding their hand out...

https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/09/08/govt-steps-in-to-help-migrant-worker…

The land of curds and vinegar.

by ACB | 25th Oct 23, 2:53pm 1698198793

Why is the taxpayer fronting this? The companies/directors of those who imported them should be charged (and jailed/deported where appropriate).

by JimboJones | 25th Oct 23, 2:58pm 1698199135

Mass immigration was never the right answer to inflation. I thought Stuart Nash did a good job, but Michael Wood caved.

by Hans Brink | 25th Oct 23, 1:31pm 1698193887

And Federated farmers are still complaining the the visa process is to slow, officials need to start ticking the yes box faster.

by agnostium | 25th Oct 23, 7:44pm 1698216283

Exactly, this came about due to pressure on Labour from lobby groups typically aligned with National - business lobby, agricultural lobby, tourism lobby

by agnostium | 25th Oct 23, 7:46pm 1698216404

Maybe there should be a direction to immigration NZ to not approve a single new visa until the new government is in power. I know similar decisions around funding for projects approved under Labour have been put on hold pending new govt. being formally formed.

by tuisbest | 25th Oct 23, 1:41pm 1698194511

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/immigration/132853434/shambles-of-our-visa-regime-immigration-staff-reveal-their-truth

Yep. Resounding success for INZ, right?

by Yvil | 25th Oct 23, 3:37pm 1698201468

Tragic !

by Sam Bridgman-Smith | 25th Oct 23, 12:53pm 1698191581

In the 21st century, humans in the developed world have a significantly extractive, negative effect per capita on the planet in terms of our environmental impact.

Given what we now know about climate change and other planetary issues, perhaps we should consider growing the population at such a rapid rate only when humans somehow have a positive effect on the environment?

This isn’t going to happen anytime soon given our dependence on cheap, fossil-fuel energy so we’d better collectively find ourselves a worthy goal instead of growth for the economy’s sake.
Otherwise we’ll simply end up accelerating into a number of tipping points, which will impose change upon us… bacterial population crash after exponential growth in a Petri dish comes to mind.

It’s a bit frustrating since the current batch of primates who run the country aren’t even debating the rapid population growth and we certainly don’t have a say.

by interesting1234 | 25th Oct 23, 3:36pm 1698201390

I agree, however the second everyone realises that life never changes after high-school. It is all the same: countries are like different social groups with leaders as the heads of the groups. All trying to outplay each other, best each other, deceive each other, form ties to benefit each other, all have agendas, but anything can happen at any moment to throw the cohesion to the wind. Growth is the last 50years' buzzword, with all countries trying to have higher numbers than each other to look good in front of their peers, however we have descended from having national pride and national unity to help our fellow man, to extracting as much out of each other as possible for our own personal gain, and rebuffing any inkling of implementing effective change that redistributes wealth for the betterment of everyone. Free childcare 20hrs per week, the business puts up the cost of the remaining hours to compensate and sucks from the state. Minimum wage increases, and the cost of all the goods and services increase with minimal delay resulting in the same levels of earnings/cost difference. Accomodation supplement? Well well Mr your rent will go up and you can hand that over thanks. We are parasites to each other on too larger scale. The only hope would be a government with spine to make hard decisions that those with wealth would not like: Businesses, property investors, those with political influence. Until that happens, the best we can do is try and benefit our community as individuals and the collective effort will at least amount to something.

by blobbles | 25th Oct 23, 3:36pm 1698201394

How dare you suggest going against the obviously impossible and clearly mad idea of infinite growth in a finite system. HOW DARE YOU!

by HouseMouse | 25th Oct 23, 12:55pm 1698191709

I try to avoid the motorway as much as possible, but the congestion is noticeably worse this year, even in the middle of the day.

No surprise when immigration is this high.

by JustAnOpinion | 25th Oct 23, 1:25pm 1698193504

Driving out of TGA yesterday the queue was 8km long and moving at a crawl. Probably close to a year worth of time in total wasted by the unfortunates in that queue.

by JimboJones | 25th Oct 23, 2:51pm 1698198716

Yet you said the other week that Labour were wrong to even think about Light Rail when they had health, education etc to worry about.

by nktokyo | 25th Oct 23, 2:57pm 1698199021

Why not extend heavy rail? Is there a business case for two separate rail systems?

by JimboJones | 25th Oct 23, 3:04pm 1698199446

The business case is that light rail is significantly cheaper to build, especially surface level. But then Labour turned it into tunnels and made it stupidly expensive instead of just building what they promised (before the last America's cup I believe!)

by JustAnOpinion | 25th Oct 23, 4:03pm 1698203027

Yes, I can't help but think of Buzz Lightyear when I hear the Labour minister's talk about actually doing things.

by HouseMouse | 25th Oct 23, 3:10pm 1698199857

So what?

Light rail would make jack-all difference to motorway traffic. The Labour proposal is all about urban regeneration on the isthmus ie. Mt Roskill. You live there, is that why you like it.

And just because I don’t support light rail doesn’t mean I don’t support PT. I do. And I use it most of the time.

by JimboJones | 25th Oct 23, 3:21pm 1698200462

You can build up to 6 stories close to a rapid transit station, and Light Rail was going to have 22 stations. Instead all of those people will be living at the end of the motorway under National's policy, and there is no real fix for that.

by ACB | 25th Oct 23, 3:28pm 1698200926

None of which would be necessary without mass immigration...

by HouseMouse | 25th Oct 23, 3:37pm 1698201420

And have you seen how much potential for 6 storey apartments near train stations has been enabled by plan change 78? It’s huge. We don’t need the light rail, nor the density along its intended route

by agnostium | 25th Oct 23, 7:52pm 1698216750

Going to have to disagree with you on this one HM. Having a reliable mass transit line will mean people are much more willing to trade space for transport accessibility. Without LR developers will not commit to a specific route and future residents will not commit to less space. LR will help congestion because it enables a shift to policies that can address congestion - like congestion charges. No LR, no political will to bring in congestion charges "because public transport isn't good enough yet".

by HouseMouse | 25th Oct 23, 8:50pm 1698220220

Well the train lines are reliable mass transit lines aren’t they? I usually catch the train into the cbd 3 times a week, not perfect but generally pretty reliable.

Why do you think we won’t see lots of high density development around Mt Eden, Kingsland, Mt Albert stations etc etc? When so much will be enabled.

It’s not that I detest the light rail, or even dislike it, but it’s hugely expensive and as I say PC78 will enable LOTS of apartment and townhouse development near existing train stations. And if Kainga Ora get even 50% of their way in their submission, we will see a lot more density in those and other locations.

And as I have said before, I would much prefer the many billions spent on our dire health system, in particular. But then I am an old fashioned ‘leftie’ - I care a lot about people and their pressing health needs. More so than people getting around a bit more easily within central Auckland, one small part of a very big city.

by interesting1234 | 26th Oct 23, 8:22am 1698261747

It's a conundrum indeed, however what good is well funded and resourced healthcare if the ambulance can't get you to a hospital before you cark it or get some irreparable damage or condition due to the delay. On the other, if you got there quickly and had to wait so long to get treated you may be up the same creek without a paddle.

by agnostium | 25th Oct 23, 7:48pm 1698216509

And yet light traffic volumes are low according to the breakfast briefing.

by HouseMouse | 25th Oct 23, 9:42pm 1698223328

Maybe there was an incident today that made it bad. Coming home, the traffic was ridiculously light, like mid morning on a Sunday, at a time (6 pm) when it’s usually heaving

by FCM | 25th Oct 23, 1:23pm 1698193429

Seeing it in the job market place, advertised the other day, only about 2 in the 36 CV's had been in NZ for more than a year.

by Sluggy | 25th Oct 23, 2:57pm 1698199060

We are the same, advertised a couple of weeks ago, we had about 60 applicants, of these we will be interviewing one. If you cant be bothered to write a covering letter I cant be bothered to look at your CV.

by Smudge02 | 25th Oct 23, 1:35pm 1698194140

Absolute insanity but it is more often than not politicians generic answer to all of our problems!

by Cheetahlegs66 | 25th Oct 23, 1:48pm 1698194909

The growth in Otago Queenstown-Lakes is partly white flight. Folk wanting to get out of the mess Auckland has become. A work colleagues is quitting her townhouse in St Heliers for QT and a family member is looking for a house within 25min of QT (she is priced out of a 4BD 2 bathroom in immediate vicinity).

by Zwifter | 25th Oct 23, 2:40pm 1698198007

Yawn so predictable, said the floodgates would open post Covid. Who doesn't think that property will not go up at least 3 to 4% in 2024 now ? its my last tickbox.

by JimboJones | 25th Oct 23, 2:55pm 1698198942

Crazy immigration and the return of tax incentives, it will be a "good" year for house prices (just like this year was a "good" year for food prices).

by nktokyo | 25th Oct 23, 2:47pm 1698198434

Transformational

by HouseMouse | 25th Oct 23, 3:12pm 1698199952

And promoting ‘wellbeing’.

Remember ‘The Wellbeing Budget’? Lol

by JimboJones | 25th Oct 23, 3:17pm 1698200246

We have the same old infrastructure and 2% more users. Maybe the wellbeing of those new users has improved compared to their old country - even that may be debateable.

by Independent_Observer | 25th Oct 23, 3:11pm 1698199861

We will reap what we sow.

Inflation and high unsustainable immigration (not supported by increased infrastructure - hospitals, transport etc) is going to reduce living standards across the nation - ie it makes the future look worse than the present.

The DGMs are those state agencies manufacturing this mess.

Who is really running this country - honest question as it doesn’t appear to be our politicians (as representatives of we the people of society) and if it isn’t them, who is? Or are just sleep walking towards an unrecognisable NZ - one that doesn’t seem that appealing to me.

by ACB | 25th Oct 23, 3:35pm 1698201334

Immigration never comes up in the media (other than here) except sad stories about migrant exploitation or alleged racism. No discussion means lobbyists e.g. dairy farmers, big business, property developers get to call the shots. Cheap labour and more people means more profits with costs sheeted home to taxpayers and existing citizens. Example - monopoly Fullers Ferries, allegedly a poor payer, importing boat hands when we've got thousands perfectly capable of doing the job.

by HouseMouse | 25th Oct 23, 3:42pm 1698201750

And if you even try and discuss the matter of the *quantum* of immigration, you are ‘at best’ labelled small minded or xenophobic, and at worst racist. Very convenient slurs for vested interests to throw around.

by interesting1234 | 25th Oct 23, 3:38pm 1698201532

Agreed, I'm seeing a LOT of FB posts on certain groups off families looking for advice around moving to Australia and there seems to be so much support form other Kiwis there who would help them get a job etc. Sad but true that this is the real kiwi spirit, but we are only seeing it in those looking to leave

by JustAnOpinion | 25th Oct 23, 4:10pm 1698203443

The country is truely dysfunctional, the government is unable to provide basic services. The true extent of the lack in our government services would cause a real upset and so it is deliberately kept quiet. I am party to some of this detail and I can assure you would be absolutely astounded at the level of front line police per capita, and the skeleton crews keeping ER's lights on. There is literally, and I mean literally no-one to come to your aid if a small number of crimes are being managed or help you if the Ambulances are all full and waiting to off-load at ER. (can't offload, no one to admit them)

The country is running on a culture that is being diluted by 2.8% immigration and a rabid academia.

I have an alternate passport and nationality, if you are a serious person, you should have one too.

by interesting1234 | 26th Oct 23, 8:27am 1698262078

I have an alternate passport and nationality, if you are a serious person, you should have one too

That's assuming you are fortunate enough to have gainer citizenship in another country by means of marriage, ancestry, living abroad etc, or happen to have so much wealth you can buy a passport by investing in one of the many schemes like in several carribean islands. Sadly I don''t fall into any of these and are too kiwi. Hint, if you marry someone with another nationality your children may have this advantage long term.

by JustAnOpinion | 26th Oct 23, 8:47am 1698263222

Sorry to hear that, there is still time and while the easiest route is via a money exchange there are many that allow for time and employment in other countries to allow citizenship. Still worth thinking long and hard about.

by agnostium | 25th Oct 23, 7:56pm 1698216981

"The DGMs are those state agencies manufacturing this mess"

This is a political decision, not a state agency decision. There is no secret bureaucracy hiding in the shadows deciding we need high immigration. We have high immigration because politicians are lobbied by organisations like the Auckland Chamber of Commerce and Federated Farmers to bring in cheap labour. If you voted National or Act this is the gameplan, they have been pretty open about it.

by HouseMouse | 25th Oct 23, 8:52pm 1698220361

Obviously it was a big part of Labour’s game plan too.

by SimonRo | 25th Oct 23, 3:36pm 1698201397

We currently employ about 250K people in the healthcare sector, from what I read.

So hopefully of the 100K added this year, we have at least 4000 people added to the healthcare workforce to keep a lid on that whole meltdown in progress...

by interesting1234 | 25th Oct 23, 3:39pm 1698201589

I struggle to see even another 4000 workers making a dent in the impending health demands with the baby boomers medical needs in creasing

by HSL | 25th Oct 23, 3:37pm 1698201478

I hate the floodgates being open but could it have something to do with the boomers retiring, and not enough workers (paying tax) to support them and the others receiving benefits, as well as the government spending which seems to have got out of control under labour. Long term of course there will be issues of lack of housing, infrastructure etc but short term it will goose the economy.

by Squishy | 25th Oct 23, 3:49pm 1698202192

Social spending is high, if you look at infrastructure New Zealand continues its legacy of underinvestment compared to other countries. Not only have we fallen a long way behind but we are still underspending.

by Squishy | 25th Oct 23, 3:40pm 1698201616

Regions experiencing high population growth should really have additional development funding based on population growth, this "not a pound to the ground" mentality of central government towards urban development has never been great policy. We are subsidising existing ratepayers through Ten Waters when we should be subsidising new development.

by KH | 25th Oct 23, 3:40pm 1698201630

".....a net loss of residents moving to areas outside Auckland (11,200)....."

Been that way for many many years now. It's important to know the pressures that drive it.

by Yvil | 25th Oct 23, 3:46pm 1698201996

Yet still... "Auckland grew by 47,000 people, or by 2.8%, in the year ended June 2023"

by WellingtonInvestor | 25th Oct 23, 4:05pm 1698203150

As we have a shortage of houses and a housing crisis, where are they all living? Or did we have a lot of vacant houses that they previously denied being vacant?

by JustAnOpinion | 25th Oct 23, 4:19pm 1698203965

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/492618/more-than-25-people-sharing-…

by HouseMouse | 25th Oct 23, 4:28pm 1698204535

Luckily we have built a shitload of housing over the past 2-3 years. That is going to slump, but so might immigration numbers.

by Zwifter | 25th Oct 23, 4:57pm 1698206244

Immigration numbers are not going to slump unless the new government put a lid on it. It is far easier to control immigration numbers than it is to build new houses. Immigration is easily controlled and it can be done overnight, just raise the bar and the skills required, New Zealand had this 50 years ago when it was way harder to get here than it is now.

by HouseMouse | 25th Oct 23, 7:33pm 1698215588

What if job opportunities slump? (Which I think they will, if not in all sectors then in many)

by agnostium | 25th Oct 23, 7:59pm 1698217156

50 years ago in 1973 I'm pretty sure you could just turn up from the UK and become a citizen. Not sure it was harder to get here ... Other than cost of travel.

by Eschaton | 26th Oct 23, 7:11am 1698257480

Shocking, too high.

by Neddludd | 26th Oct 23, 1:09pm 1698278993

So 2.8% net migration gives us net externalities perhaps twice that per capita which cant easily be measured and will be politically minimized? Can the Wellington Town hall or library be used for sleeping when its refurbished - Id like my moneys worth($329M,$188M)

These are edge cases but my guess is well see more of these in the coming few years