External migration factsheet - September 2011 [1] - Archive
Published: 21 October 2011
- Annual net PLT migration fell to 800 over the year to September 2011.
- Seasonally adjusted monthly migration decreased sharply to an outflow of 700 this month.
- Annual net migration is likely to ease further.
Figure 1: Annual net PLT migration
Source: Statistics New Zealand
Figure 2: Monthly net PLT migration
Source: Statistics New Zealand
Annual net migration eased further…
Annual net PLT migration eased to 800 for the year to September 2011, down significantly from 13,900 for the year to September 2010 (see Figure 1). This was the lowest annual figure in 10 years.
…driven by rising departures
Although PLT arrivals rose by 2.9% over the year to September 2011, PLT departures increased significantly more (up 22.7%). A total of 57,600 New Zealanders left the country, up from 42,700 a year ago (up 34.9%). Australia remains the most common destination for departing New Zealanders with 43,800 departing for Australia over the year to September 2011, up from 29,400 a year ago (up 48.9%).
Monthly net migration decreased sharply
After a short-lived net migration inflow of 100 people, seasonally adjusted monthly net migration fell to a net outflow of 700 people in September (see Figure 2). This was the lowest net monthly migration since February 2001 (a net outflow of 2,400 people). The September figure exceeded a recent low of a net outflow of 500 people in March 2011. The fall in September was driven by fewer arrivals (down 410 people) and more departures (up 370 people).
The rise in departures was not due to more people leaving the greater Christchurch area. Seasonally adjusted (by the Department of Labour) departures from the area in September were at the same level as in August (860 people).
Annual net migration is expected to ease further
Annual net migration is expected to ease further, mainly due to more departures. The strong Australian labour market conditions have been attracting more New Zealanders across the ditch. However, as New Zealand’s economy continues to strengthen, departures are expected to slow down.
[1] Migration data is sourced from Statistics New Zealand. Unless otherwise specified, all data refers to permanent and long-term (PLT, i.e. 12 months or more) migration and is rounded to the nearest 100.