3. PETER BROWN (Deputy Leader—NZ First) Link to this
to the Minister of Immigration
What was the number of permanent and long-term departures of New Zealanders to Australia in the year to July 2007, and what was the number of permanent and long-term arrivals to New Zealand in the same period?
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE (Associate Minister of Immigration) Link to this
I am advised that the Minister has no portfolio responsibility for the departure of New Zealanders to Australia. I am, however, able to advise the member that figures from the Statistics New Zealand website show that the net permanent long-term outflow to Australia of New Zealand citizens departing for 12 months or more was 25,500 in July 2007, and that in the year ended July 2007 there were 82,500 permanent long-term arrivals, up 1,800, or 2 percent, from the July 2006 year.
Is the Minister satisfied that 25,500 Kiwis—roughly 500 per week—are departing for Australia, and is he aware that that is about 5,000 more than last year; and does he share the concern that those departing to Australia are being replaced by a mishmash of migrants, some of whom make little or no commitment to this country?
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE Link to this
I can confirm the figures I have just stated from the Statistics New Zealand website. We all know that there is a global exchange of skills. Kiwis have travelled for many, many years, and many come back to New Zealand. I also remind the member that since the New Zealand Residence Programme has been in place, 60 percent of migrants approved have been skilled. This policy requires a number of factors, including the establishment of considerable specialist, technical, or management skills, and work experience or recognised qualifications, to name just some of the criteria.
Noting that answer, does the Minister agree that rather than operating an immigration policy, his Government and previous Governments have operated what is more like a replacement policy, replacing our best and brightest with whomever we can find; if not, how would he describe the current policy?
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE Link to this
No. The Government has operated a policy that is aimed at attracting skilled migrants, as I have said, to New Zealand. I repeat for the member’s benefit that since the New Zealand Residence Programme was put in place, 60 percent of migrants approved have been skilled. I say for the benefit of the member that the other criteria are a relevant job offer that requires the use of those skills and qualifications, a good level of English, an acceptable standard of health, and a good character. In addition, I note for the member’s benefit that our top source of migrants wanting to settle in New Zealand is the United Kingdom.
Rt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
What number of the 25,500 going from New Zealand to Australia, as at the last count, were short-term residency holders from abroad who had come to New Zealand and have now relocated to Australia; and if the Minister does not know, why on earth would the department not be collecting those figures?
Hon CLAYTON COSGROVE Link to this
I do not have those figures in front of me at this point, but I will endeavour to get them for the member.