Net migration gain of 20,350 people in the 12 months to July more than double the 9592 in the 12 months to July last year

Population growth from migration more than doubled in the 12 months to July compared to the previous July year.

The latest figures from Statistics NZ show a net population gain, being long-term arrivals minus long-term departures, of 20,350 people in the year to July, up from 9592 in the 12 months to July 2025.

The figures show 134,434 people arrived in New Zealand long-term in the 12 months to July this year, while 114,084 departed long term, giving the net gain of 20,350.

Of the 134,434 July year long-term arrivals, 26,631 were NZ citizens returning after a long-term absence and 107,803 were non-NZ citizens. Partially offsetting that, 64,966 NZ citizens left the country long-term along with 49,118 non-NZ citizens.

That gave a net loss of 38,335 NZ citizens in the 12 months to July, and a net gain of 58,685 non-NZ citizens.

The number of NZ citizens leaving the country long-term is declining since hitting a July year peak of 67,267 in 2024, while the number of NZ citizens returning after an an extended stay overseas was at its highest level in the July year since 2021.

The biggest group of non-NZ citizens migrating here were from China, with a net gain of 12,057 in the 12 months to July, followed by India at 11,503, the Philippines at 8083, Sri Lanka at 3885, Nepal at 1935, USA at 1807 and Pakistan at 1082.

There was a net loss of 553 UK citizens in the year to July and a net loss of 218 citizens of Ireland.