Net migration beats record

New Zealand’s net migration was a net gain of almost 70,000 in the year to September 30, surpassing the previous record in August. Statistics New Zealand says that the actual gain was 69,954. Economists expected net migration levels to slow down, based on easing monthly figures. However, net migration in September was 6,300, beating the previous record set in November last year. It was also the first time the monthly gain had been above 6,000 for six months. The number of people migrating to New Zealand reached a record high of 125,600 in the year to September 30, compared to 55,700 departures. Jo-Anne Skinner of Statistics NZ said in a statement that the annual net gain reflected high migrant arrivals and fewer migrant departures. “Most of the arrivals are people coming in with work visas, which also includes working holidaymakers.” Strong net migration has been credited with boosting the company’s economic growth, but it has also been criticised for putting pressure on infrastructure.