March 15, 2026

#national: Migration Numbers Show Net Gain as Arrivals and Departures Ease

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 15, 2026

New Zealand continues to record a net migration gain, although both arrivals and departures have eased slightly compared with previous years.

Provisional figures for the year to January 2026 show there were about 137,500 migrant arrivals, down around one percent compared with the previous year. Over the same period there were 114,200 migrant departures, a drop of about five percent. The difference between arrivals and departures produced an annual net migration gain of roughly 23,300 people.

Migration patterns have shifted significantly since the peak surge seen following the reopening of international borders after the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier figures showed arrivals reaching record levels in 2023 before gradually easing as global travel patterns stabilised and more New Zealanders resumed overseas travel and work.

Statistics New Zealand says international migration data tracks people who enter or leave the country for extended periods, helping provide insight into population growth, labour market trends and demographic change.

While arrivals have softened slightly, the decline in departures has helped maintain a positive migration balance. Net migration gains play a significant role in New Zealand’s population growth and can influence sectors such as housing demand, infrastructure planning and workforce supply.

Migration trends also vary by nationality and visa category, with skilled migrants, international students and returning New Zealand citizens making up significant portions of annual arrivals.

The latest figures suggest that while the extraordinary migration surge seen in recent years has begun to stabilise, New Zealand continues to experience population growth driven in part by international migration.