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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18 Comments
NZ Super get less affordable each day
It depends on their age profile.
I'm sure you will find we are letting more old parent in here, not exporting them.
Probably, but it'd be interesting to know the facts
Plus the rules for super have changed and you need to be a citizen or resident for 20 years now.
If you are not eligible for super you get put on the emergency benefits.
(Info from a Wellington Russian taxi driver)
Civil service wonderfulness can solve any problem.
20 years total residing in NZ after the age of age 20 if born on or after 1 July 1977, including at least 5 years after age 50, and doesn't need to be consecutive. No wonder people born beforehand come here to retire. Come here for a total of 5 years after decades abroad, maybe summers apart through the 50's between continents, claim super, healthcare and keep working in NZ.
So far since I arrived there were 11 years earning rather meagrely and then there were 11 years of Super. Now just hoping for another 11 years and minimal final hospital/hospice care. What a naive govt NZ has had for the last 22 years. But I was a skilled immigrant - I think the Kiwi policy is to bring in young workers from countries without a welfare state so they are trapped and then work them to death in unpleasant manual jobs.
Yours is a pretty small sample size of one.
NZ Super is easily affordable. Just offer 13 years of Super - i.e. adjust date of entitlement to average lifespan. Then simple maths to know what will be paid out year by year. Who will complain about there retirement date being postponed if it matches increased lifespan.
You grossly underestimate the battle between logic vs the entitlement mentality of NZ’ers XD
No allowance for it at all. But why can Denmark manage it and NZ can't. Do they trust their politicians more than we do?
As I say, NZ entitlement mentality where nobody wants to feel like something has been 'taken away' from them or they'll feel 'robbed' by the government. Precisely why they will vote in anyone who rejects change to anything related to this, and change will likely be forced on us at the last second before collapse. Unless the youth actually vote, and vote wisely...
Speculord investment get less renters everyday. Stupid housing cost are a big reason to exit, at work we have lost a bunch of good working immigrants because of this. Agree it also reduces out tax take and puts more pressure on finding more tax. Where to look...
Look at Straya to see the promise of unrealized capital gains tax.....
Some NZ citizens might actually be able to find a job.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/566556/rise-of-the-underemployed-ne…
Gilreg: given some believe many immigrants just stay long enough to get citizenship, then immediately move to Australia, do we have any info on that?
Is it a factor. How big a factor?
They only need to get permanent residency, not citizenship. Then they can leave with good ole NZ as a backstop for their old age or if the have a health crisis.
'Hi I'm a Kiwi'
'Pleased to meet you, do you live on the North Island, South Island or the West Mainland?
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