Net migration gain for September year at its lowest level since 2013

Migration added 12,434 people to New Zealand’s population in the 12 months to September this year, according to the latest Statistics NZ estimates.

There were an estimated 138,871 long term arrivals in the year to September, offset by 126,437 long term departures, giving a net gain of 12,434 for the year.

That was down from a net gain of 42,436 in the 12 months to September last year, and a net gain of 132,723 in the 12 months to September 2023 and was the lowest net gain for a September year since 2013.

The number of New Zealand citizens leaving the country long term continues to have a significant impact on the net migration gain.

In the 12 months to September, Statistics NZ estimates 72,684 NZ citizens left the country long term, while 26,316 arrived back in the country after an extended stay overseas, giving a net loss of 46,368 NZ citizens for the year to September.

The number of NZ citizens leaving the country long term has been rising steadily since 2022 when there was a net loss of 19,703.

The 46,368 NZ citizen departures in the year to September 2025 was offset by the 112,555 citizens of other countries who arrived in New Zealand long term in the year to September, while 53,753 departed long term, giving a net gain of 58,802 non-NZ citizens for the year.

The biggest source country for migrant arrivals in the year to September was China which provided 18,550 in the year to September, plus another 662 from Hong Kong.

That just pipped India with 18,256 arrivals for the year, followed by the Philippines 10,574, Sri Lanka 6005, Australia 4734, UK 4551 and USA 3723.