New Zealand Net Immigration Hits 17-Month High

Net immigration in New Zealand reached 17,624 in the 12 months ending June, marking a 17-month high. While this indicates a recovery from a three-year low of 9,504 recorded in August 2025, the volume remains significantly lower than the peak of over 133,700 seen in late 2023. Total arrivals for the year reached 130,680, with foreigners comprising approximately 80% of that total.

The shift follows a period of economic instability, including a slowdown in 2025 and a global fuel shock in early 2026. These factors discouraged domestic hiring and prompted many New Zealand citizens to seek employment opportunities abroad.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is currently facing political pressure regarding a brain drain of citizens relocating to Australia in search of higher wages. This trend of citizen outflow is expected to be a central issue in the upcoming general election scheduled for November 7.