Migration Trends and Outlook 2010-2011
FOREWORD
The global economic slowdown continues to have an impact on migration, especially migration driven by labour demand. Like other OECD countries, New Zealand has not been immune to the decrease in skilled migration. Globally, the demand for skilled migrants is expected to increase as economies recover and other demographic challenges such as ageing populations emerge. Over the last 12 months, a series of natural disasters has also had a significant influence on migration and tourism activity.
This report overviews New Zealand's migration trends in the 2010/11 financial year. It highlights the effect that the economic slowdown has had on temporary and permanent migration to New Zealand, and other events that have influenced migration over the past 12 months, in particular the impact of the ongoing seismic activity in the Canterbury region.
Looking forward, the rebuild of Canterbury will increase the demand for skills, and this will influence migration where those skills cannot be met from the domestic labour supply. New Zealand's immigration focus will continue to be on attracting and retaining migrants who contribute economically and settle successfully in New Zealand. Temporary workers and permanent migrants invest their skills and capital while visitors and students bring significant revenue, all of which help drive New Zealand's economic recovery.
Jeremy Corban
Deputy Chief Executive Policy and Research
