Fewer New Zealanders leaving to live overseas pushed up population gain from migration in October
A strong decline in the number of New Zealand citizens leaving in October pushed the net population gain from migration to more than three times the monthly average over the previous 12 months.
Statistics NZ estimates 4491 NZ citizens left the country long-term in October, down 9.1% compared to October last year and the lowest number in any month of the year since October 2022.
That reduction in the number of New Zealanders leaving the country to live overseas helped push the estimated total increase in the population from migration to 3649 in October, up by 128.2% compared to October last year, but still less than half the net gain of 8470 people in October 2023.
Overall, 1820 NZ citizens arrived back in the country after an extended stay overseas in October, while 4491 left long-term, giving a net loss of 2671 NZ citizens for the month.
That was the lowest net loss of NZ citizens in any month of the year since December 2022.
There has not been a net gain of NZ citizens (more returning than departing) since October 2021.
The loss of NZ citizens has been more than made up for by the net gain of 6320 non-NZ citizens in October, which was up 41% compared to October last year.
That gave a total net population gain from migration of 3649 in October, compared to the monthly average over the 12 months to October this year of 994 a month.
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Net long term migration – annual 12-16
Net long term migration monthly gain or loss 12-16