New Zealand immigration rates are at their highest levels since January 2011.
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23 April 2013
New Zealand immigration rates rise
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The latest New Zealand immigration statistics show a record positive monthly net rate since January 2010.
Following the earthquake in Christchurch in 2011 and the ongoing resources boom in Australia, New Zealand immigration rates showed net population losses as more and more people left to find work elsewhere.
However, with the rebuild operation in Christchurch beginning to gain momentum, immigration rates are beginning to improve with six of the last seven months showing net inflows - the highest since before the earthquake.
"Annual net migration remains below average but has already seen a remarkable turnaround from the net outflows we were seeing a year ago," said Westpac senior economist Felix Delbruck.
Mr Delbruck said the improving conditions in New Zealand combined with the stabilising economy in Australia would soon make New Zealand a better prospect for migrants and Kiwis than Australia.
"We expect the trend to continue strengthening over the next couple of years as labour shortages associated with the Canterbury rebuild become more acute."
Felicity Ryan of Ryan Recruitment agreed and said her company was having no trouble placing skilled workers in positions across the country, not just in Christchurch.
"It's no surprise, that increase [in immigration], with what's going on in Canterbury and it's going to continue."
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