More people emigrating to New Zealand

The most recent immigration figures from Statistics New Zealand show that the country recorded its highest growth figures for almost five years during December, leading to hopes that increased demand for property and higher consumer spending might lead to a quicker-than-expected recovery from recession.

There were almost 22,000 more arrivals than departures among permanent migrants during 2011, the healthiest figures of net growth since 2004 and a significant increase on 2010′s figure of just over 20,000. Alan Bollard, Reserve Bank Governor, said that he felt the positive immigration figures would be sure to give the economy the boost it needs, along with rising house prices and increasing consumer confidence, and that he expected to be reporting an rise in gross domestic product during 2012.

The net immigration growth was assisted by the fact that fewer New Zealanders were leaving the country for any reason, with only around 40,000 Kiwis departing during 2011 – the lowest figure since 2003. Permanent departures fell by a huge 22% last year, which when combined with a 1% fall in permanent arrivals, goes some way to explaining the impressive immigration figures.

December also saw an increase in the number of tourists arriving in New Zealand, many visiting friends and family members now living in the country for the holidays.