Current:Home > FinanceNew Zealand immigration hits an all-time high as movement surges following pandemic lull -TrueNorth Capital Hub
New Zealand immigration hits an all-time high as movement surges following pandemic lull
View
Date:2025-04-15 07:28:15
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand’s immigration numbers have hit an all-time high, enabling employers to fill jobs but also putting pressure on the housing market, according to economists.
The net number of immigrants was 110,000 in the year ending August, beating the previous high of 103,000 set a month earlier, according to figures released Wednesday by Statistics New Zealand. The numbers represent a big turnaround after more people left New Zealand than arrived during much of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are talking very, very big numbers for a small economy like ours,” said Jarrod Kerr, chief economist at Kiwibank.
Kerr said the surge likely reflected pent-up demand that had built during the pandemic. He said it had come as a relief to employers, who last year were having great difficulty finding skilled workers to fill vacant roles.
New Zealand’s unemployment rate remains at a relatively low 3.6%.
But Kerr also cautioned the migrants would need a lot of resources, including tens of thousands of homes — something that remained in short supply.
The figures show the greatest number of immigrants came from India, followed by Philippines and China. The total number of immigrants reached a record 225,000 during the year while the number of New Zealanders leaving also neared record levels, at 115,000.
The figures included a net loss of nearly 43,000 New Zealand citizens, many of whom were lured to Australia with offers of better pay. Under a reciprocal arrangement, New Zealanders and Australians can live and work in either country.
“Unfortunately, we lose trained, smart individuals,” Kerr said. “That is something that worries us.”
The figures were released three days before New Zealand holds a general election, although immigration hasn’t been a major campaign issue. Both main parties have focused on the soaring cost-of-living, tax cuts and crime.
___
Follow AP’s global migration coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
veryGood! (9924)
Related
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- Scott Peterson Breaks Silence on “Horrible” Affair Before Wife Laci Peterson’s Murder
- Inflation is easing but Americans still aren't feeling it
- New metal detectors delay students’ first day of school in one South Florida district
- Alex Murdaugh’s murder appeal cites biased clerk and prejudicial evidence
- 2024 Olympics: USA Gymnastics' Appeal for Jordan Chiles' Medal Rejected
- Los Angeles earthquake follows cluster of California temblors: 'Almost don't believe it'
- Montana State University President Waded Cruzado announces retirement
- Moving abroad can be expensive: These 5 countries will 'pay' you to move there
- Grant Ellis named the new Bachelor following his elimination from 'The Bachelorette'
Ranking
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- How Kate Middleton’s Ring Is a Nod to Early Years of Prince William Romance
- Geomagnetic storm fuels more auroras, warnings of potential disruptions
- US wholesale inflation cooled in July in sign that price pressures are continuing to ease
- Moving abroad can be expensive: These 5 countries will 'pay' you to move there
- NFL preseason winners, losers: Caleb Williams, rookie QBs sizzle in debuts
- 2024 Olympics: USA Gymnastics' Appeal for Jordan Chiles' Medal Rejected
- Aaron Rodgers says he regrets making comment about being 'immunized'
Recommendation
The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
Will the attacks on Walz’s military service stick like they did to Kerry 20 years ago?
Vince Vaughn makes rare appearance with children at Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony
All-Star Dearica Hamby sues WNBA, Aces alleging discrimination, retaliation for being pregnant
Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
Aaron Rodgers says he regrets making comment about being 'immunized'
Maryland extends the contract of athletic director Damon Evans through June 2029
Dancing With the Stars Season 33 Premiere Date Revealed—And It’s Sooner Than You Think