Statistics NZ estimates that this country had a net population gain of 14,808 in the 12 months to May this year, almost unchanged from the 14,978 gain in the 12 months to April, but down a whopping 81.5% from the gain of 80,282 in the year to May 2024.
The huge decline in the net migration gain was caused by a strong decline in the number of migrants arriving in the country and a significant increase in the number of people leaving long term.
In the 12 months to May this year, 139,356 migrants arrived, down from 189,557 in the previous 12 months (-26.5%), while the number of migrants departing long term increased to 124,548 in the year to May 2025, from 109,275 (+14.0%).in the previous 12 months.
In the month of May this year total estimated departures exceeded total estimated arrivals, giving a net population loss of -119 for the month.
In the 12 months to May 2025, there was net gain of 16,415 people from India, 8885 from China, 8871 from The Philippines and 5687 from Sri Lanka, and a net loss of 46,334 NZ citizens
Of the 139,356 migrant arrivals in the year to May, 33,170 had work visas, 30,157 had student visas, 29,208 were NZ or Australian citizens, 25,382 had visitor visas and 19,963 had residence visas.
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Net long term migration
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