Migration added 17,625 people to New Zealand's population in the year to June

New Zealand had a net population gain of just 1475 people due to migration in the June quarter (Q2), according to Statistics NZ's latest provisional estimates.

This was driven by 28,616 people who arrived in the country long-term during the quarter, while 27,140 departed long term, giving the net gain of 1475.

It is usual for net migration to be low in the second quarter of the year. Last year there was a net loss of 1475 in Q2 as long-term departures exceeded long-term arrivals.

However, the annual numbers show strong migration growth, with a net gain of 17,625 in the 12 months to June, up 71% from the 12 months to June last year.

There continues to be a substantial loss of NZ citizens, with 63,901 leaving the country long-term in the year to June. This was partially offset by 26,183 NZ citizens returning after an extended stay overseas, giving a net loss of 37,718 NZ citizens for the year. 

The number of NZ citizens moving overseas has declined by 5.5% from the June year peak 0f 67,539 in 2024, while the number of NZ citizens returning has increased by 18.6% over the same period.

The loss of NZ citizens has been more than offset by the long-term arrival of 104,497 foreign citizens in the June year, while 49,156 foreign citizens left long-term, giving a net gain of 55,341 non-NZ citizens for the year.

The biggest source country for foreign migrants was India, with a net gain of 11,046 Indian citizens in the June year, closely followed by China 10,207, the Philippines 7982, Sri Lanka 4070, Nepal 1970, USA 1666, Samoa 1143 and Australia 1074.

There was a net loss of 564 UK citizens in the year to June, as more UK citizens left than arrived long-term.

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