Fewer New Zealanders leaving the country and more migrants arriving is pushing up migration-driven population growth

New Zealand recorded its biggest quarterly increase in migration-driven population growth in two years in the first quarter of this year (Q1).

According to Statistics NZ, there was a net population gain from migration of 12,178 in Q1, up 182% from Q1 last year, and the most in any quarter since Q1 2024.

There were 38,699 people who arrived in NZ long term in Q1 and 26,521 who departed long term, giving the net gain of 12,178.

Of the 38,689 new arrivals, 6192 were NZ citizens returning after an extended stay overseas, and 32,507 were citizens of other countries.

Of the 26,521 long term departures, 15,681 were NZ citizens and 10,840 were citizens of other countries.

That meant an overall net loss of 9489 NZ citizens in Q1 this year, and a net gain of 21,667 citizens of other countries.

The exodus of New Zealand citizens leaving NZ long term continues to decline.

The the net loss was 9489 NZ citizens in Q1 this year, down 5% from Q1 2025, and down by 21% from Q1 2024.

Conversely, the number of citizens of other countries moving to NZ has been rising.

The net gain of 21,667 citizens of other countries in Q1 this year was up 38% compared to Q1 2025, but down 17% compared to Q1 2024.

Of the 38,699 people who arrived in NZ long term in Q1 this year, 10,729 (27.7%) arrived on student visas, 8653 (22.4%) on work visas, 7531 (19.5%) were NZ and Australian citizens, who do not require visas to enter the country, 6952 (18.0%) arrived on visitor visas and 4465 (11.5%) had residence visas.