Gain in migrants but more cross Tasman

NEW ZEALAND gained a net 500 migrants last month, the highest number since February last year, but record numbers continue to cross the Tasman.

Net migration for the year to June remained strongly negative with a net loss of 3200 migrants, extending a trend that goes back to October and peaked at 4100 in February this year, according to Statistics New Zealand.

A total of 53,800 left for Australia permanently in the year to June, offset by 14,000 arrivals, mostly returning New Zealanders. The net loss of 39,800 matches April as the highest on record.

ASB economist Daniel Smith said the numbers moving to Australia had accelerated this year, but that may change over the next six months as the Australian job market weakens and demand for workers for the Christchurch rebuild grows.

The relative strength of the New Zealand and Australian labour markets could also determine whether the strong flow of people coming here to live permanently in June and May would continue, Smith said.

There were net gains in migrants from most other countries, led by 5600 from Britain and 5200 each from China and India.

Short-term visitor numbers were up 15 per cent in June to 151,100, and 4 per cent up on two years ago.

Population Statistics manager Andrea Blackburn said: ‘‘The number of visitors arriving in