Net migration falls slightly but remains high overall

ANNUAL net migration inflows eased for the year to July by 8600, but remain historically high, Statistics New Zealand data shows.

However, much of the decline in overall migration during the past year was due to an increase in departures, not solely to Australia, but elsewhere.

Migrant arrivals were 129,000 and migrant departures 65,200 — leaving 63,800 net migration for the year to July.

SNZ population insights senior manager Brooke Theyers said the annual decrease was mainly driven by more nonNew Zealand citizen migrants leaving the country, having been here for at least a year.

‘‘NonNew Zealand citizen migrant departures were up 20% from the July 2017 year, to 31,300,’’ Mrs Theyers said.

ASB senior economist Mark Smith said the annual net immigration had eased to 63,800 people in July, the lowest since November 2015.

He noted the departure lift was led by nonNew Zealand citizens leaving the country and that data, by country of next permanent residence, showed departures to Asia, Europe, and the Americas were climbing.

‘‘As yet, departures to Australia have yet to conclusively strengthen, despite the strengthening Australian labour market and higher wages on offer across the Tasman,’’ he said.

However, Infometrics economist Mieke Welvaert noted net migration between Australia and New Zealand had switched directions in January; the number of people leaving for Australia exceeded the number coming from Australia.

‘‘We’ll be watching these figures carefully as more New Zealanders moving overseas, usually to Australia, can quickly reduce net migration,’’ she said.

Six years ago the net outflow from New Zealand to Australia almost hit 40,000 people, Ms Welvaert said.