New Zealand net migration rate down from peak
International migration in the July 2024 year increased New Zealand’s population by 13 more people for every 1,000 already living here, according to provisional estimates from Stats NZ.
The net migration rate of 13 per 1,000 in the July 2024 year was down from a rate of 26 per 1,000 in the October 2023 year.
“New Zealand’s net migration rate is down on last year, but is still relatively high by historical standards,” population indicators manager Tehseen Islam said.
High net migration rates in 2023 and 2024 mainly reflect the large number of migrant arrivals to New Zealand following the relaxation of COVID-19-related travel and border restrictions, both in New Zealand and overseas, from 2022.
“New Zealand’s net migration rate in 2023 was the highest since the late 1870s, when New Zealand’s population was under one million,” said Islam. “The rate was also high in the early 1900s, early 2000s, and mid-2010s.”
International comparisons
New Zealand’s net migration rate of 13 per 1,000 in 2024, while down from 2023, remains high by international standards.
Net migration rates are more sensitive to migration fluctuations in countries with smaller populations, such as New Zealand and Ireland.
Other countries have also seen increased net migration rates since 2022. Reasons include the easing of pandemic-related restrictions to international travel and migration, changes to immigration policies, and increased migrant flows linked to international conflicts.
Net migration rates have been calculated based on migration and population statistics published by each country. For comparability, June years are used, unless otherwise indicated.
Australia’s net migration rate of 20 per 1,000 in 2023 was well above the 14 per 1,000 in 2009 and pre-COVID average of 9 per 1,000 (from 2002 to 2019). Arrivals of temporary visa holders, including students, were a driver of net migration gains (see Record high net overseas migration driven by temporary visa holders in 2022-23).
The United Kingdom’s net migration rate of 11 per 1,000 in 2023 was nearly three times higher than its historical average of 4 per 1,000 (from 2002 to 2019). Main drivers included arrivals of non-European Union citizens on work visas and international students post-COVID (see Long-term international migration, provisional: year ending December 2023).
Ireland, a country with a similar sized population to New Zealand, had a net migration rate of 15 per 1,000 in both 2023 and 2024 (April years), the highest since 24 per 1,000 in 2007. Inflows of non-Irish citizens, including Ukrainian citizens, were drivers of net migration gains (see In the year to April 2024, the population of Ireland saw the largest 12-month increase since 2008).
Latest New Zealand migration estimates
There was a provisional net migration gain of 67,200 in the July 2024 year, made up of 200,800 migrant arrivals and 133,600 migrant departures.
Annual net migration gains have been falling from the provisional peak of 136,700 in the October 2023 year. This reflects fewer annual migrant arrivals (although levels are still high by historical standards) and annual migrant departures climbing to record levels.
The provisional net migration gain of 67,200 in the July 2024 year was made up of a net gain of 123,000 non-New Zealand citizens, which more than offset the provisional record net migration loss of 55,800 New Zealand citizens.
International migration: July 2024 has more information on the latest migration estimates.
Media enquiries
Sandi Reily
021 285 9191
media@stats.govt.nz
