Published: 21 October 2009

Migration data is sourced from Statistics New Zealand. Unless otherwise specified, all data refers to permanent & long-term (PLT, i.e., 12 months or more) migration, is not seasonally adjusted, and is rounded to the nearest 100.

• Net annual PLT migration rose to 17,000 in the year to September 2009
• This was largely driven by a significant 14.7% (or 12,100 people) fall in departures
• Net inward migration is expected to rise further over the remainder of 2009

Figure 1: Annual PLT migration

Source: Statistics New Zealand

Data table for Figure 1

Figure 2: Monthly net migration

Source: Statistics New Zealand

Data table for Figure 2

Net annual PLT migration continues rising…

In the year to September 2009, there were 17,000 more PLT arrivals than departures, a significant increase compared to the 4,400 recorded in the year to September 2008. Net annual inflows have reached their highest level since September 2004 (Figure 1).  

…due to a slight increase in PLT arrivals…

PLT arrivals rose slightly over the year to September 2009 (up by 0.6%). This was driven by a 10.2% increase in the number of New Zealanders returning home compared with a year ago. Arrivals of non-New Zealand citizens were down by 2.9% compared with September 2008 due partly to fewer arrivals on work permits as well as residence permits.

…and a significant decrease in PLT departures

A 14.7% fall in departures continues to be the main driver of the rise in net migration. Annual departures have fallen to their lowest level since February 2007. The decline in departures has largely been due to fewer New Zealanders leaving for Australia. In the year to September 2009, 32,900 New Zealanders departed for Australia, 22% less than a year ago.  

Monthly net inward migration increases

Seasonally adjusted net migration inflows rose to 1,800 in the month of September 2009 (Figure 2). This was driven by a decline in departures (down by 2.9%, or 150 people) while arrivals increased slightly (up by 0.6%, or 40 people).

Net inward migration is expected to rise further over the remainder of 2009

Net migration is expected to continue rising, driven largely by fewer departures. Increased migration will provide support to the housing market and economy in general. The significant fall in departures of New Zealanders to Australia over the last year, which has driven the net migration rise, may begin to turn as the economy and employment outlook continues to improve in Australia.