7. Dr JACKIE BLUE (National) Link to this
to the Minister of Immigration
What recent reports has he seen on net migration to New Zealand?
Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN (Minister of Immigration) Link to this
The latest information from Statistics New Zealand—[ Interruption]
Mr SPEAKERHon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN Link to this
The latest information from Statistics New Zealand shows that in May 2009 net annual inflows of permanent and long-term migrants have reached their highest levels in 2 years, driven by strong growth in the last 6 months. In the year to May 2009 there were 11,200 more permanent and long-term arrivals than departures—a significant increase on the figure of 4,900 a year ago.
Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN Link to this
Overall, arrivals continue to increase, up 5 percent, while departures are declining, down 3 percent. Arrivals of New Zealand citizens from Australia are up 29 percent compared with last year, and arrivals of New Zealand citizens from the UK are up 13 percent. We said in our manifesto that we would retain Kiwis and attract overseas Kiwis home, and we are doing it.
Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN Link to this
Absolutely! Under the previous Labour Government, people were leaving New Zealand in droves. The picture is reversing now, with departures of New Zealand citizens to Australia down 34 percent compared with a year ago, and departures to the UK down 26 percent. Helen Clark and Phil Goff were waving them off. John Key is welcoming them back.