The number of New Zealand citizens leaving the country long-term hit a four year low for the month of April, according to the latest migration data.
Statistics NZ estimates 4797 NZ citizens left NZ permanently or long-term in April this year, which was 9.8% lower than April last year, and 17.4% down on April 2024.
It was also the lowest number of long term departures of NZ citizens in the month of April since 2022.
Partially offsetting that loss, an estimated 1423 NZ citizens returned in April this year after an extended stay overseas. That meant a net loss of 3374 NZ citizens for the month, down 8.4% compared to April last year and down 26.7% compared to April 2024.
The net loss of NZ citizens in April this year was also the lowest for that month since April 2022, continuing the recent trend of a decline in the loss of NZ citizens to other countries. However, there was still a net loss of 37,269 NZ citizens in the 12 months to April this year, meaning that loss is still having a moderating effect on the total population gain from migration.
Offsetting the net loss of 3374 NZ citizens in April was net gain of 4507 citizens of other countries, giving an overall migration gain of 1132 in April. That's up 6.3% compared to April last year.
In the 12 months to April this year, there was estimated net migration gain of 22,811 people of all citizenships, which was up 87.7% compared to the 12 months to April last year.
On an annual basis, the net population gain from migration has been increasing steadily and rapidly since September last year.
By country, the biggest net gains in migration in the 12 months to April this year were from China 11,975, India 11,169, Philippines 7985, Sri Lanka 4391, Nepal 2028 and USA 2026.
3 Comments
"On an annual basis, the net population gain from migration has been increasing steadily and rapidly since September last year."
No surprises there....one trick ponies.
Three thing happening:
the dinosaurs desperately seeking growth
Other folk seeing NZ as safe(r).
NZers ditto.
In the 12 months to April this year, there was estimated net migration gain of 22,811 people of all citizenships, which was up 87.7% compared to the 12 months to April last year.
The next property boom is brewing...

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