Net migration remained at high levels last year — but were partly offset by a record number of New Zealand citizens leaving.
According to data released by Stats NZ, there was an annual net migration gain of 126,000 in the December 2023 year.
Stats NZ population indicators manager Tehseen Islam said the net gain comprised a gain of 173,000 non-citizens and a loss of 47,000 New Zealand citizens.
"The net migration gain in 2023 is similar to the population of the Taranaki region," he said.
"In 2023 a near-record net migration gain of non-New Zealand citizens more than offset a record net migration loss of New Zealand citizens.
"The net migration gain of non-New Zealand citizens averaged 474 a day in 2023, and the net migration loss of New Zealand citizens averaged 129 a day," he said.
The net migration gain last year was mainly driven by citizens from India, the Philippines, China, Fiji, and South Africa. This followed a progressive relaxation of Covid-19-related border restrictions from early 2022, as well as changes to immigration settings.
According to Stats NZ, 245,600 migrants arrived in the country in the year to October. (Source: 1News)
Record loss of NZ citizens
The provisional annual net migration loss of 47,000 New Zealand citizens last year marks a new annual record, according to Stats NZ.
Based on estimates, 53% of New Zealand citizen migrant departures went to Australia.
"New Zealand has usually had an annual net migration loss of New Zealand citizens, which averaged 26,600 a year in 2002–2013, and 4000 a year in 2014–2019."
Islam said: "Young adults are driving migration into and out of New Zealand."
Migrants aged between 18 and 30 years accounted for 39% of the 74,800 migrant departures of New Zealand citizens.
Meanwhile, migrants aged between 18 and 44 years made up 66% of the 226,900 migrant arrivals of non-New Zealand citizens.
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