22 Nov 2013

Economic growth attracts more migrants

7:00 pm on 22 November 2013

More and more people are being drawn to New Zealand to live here long-term as the expanding economy attracts more people from overseas.

The number of immigrants rose 13% in October, compared to the same period a year ago, while Australia's weak jobs market has slowed the number of New Zealanders heading across the Tasman.

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Photo: RNZ

Official figures show a seasonally-adjusted net gain of 3000 immigrants during October - the highest level in more than a decade.

Statistics New Zealand said on Friday that it is due to fewer people departing for Australia and more arrivals.

On an annual basis, the net gain is 17,500 people - above the average annual net gain of 11,300 over the past 20 years.

Analysts expect that the strengthening recovery will continue to attract more people, which should help alleviate skill shortages, although it is also expected to put more pressure on already heated housing markets in Auckland and earthquake-hit Christchurch.

Meanwhile, official figures shows the number of visitor arrivals is rising.

Statistics New Zealand says 2.7 million people came to the country in the year to October, up 5% on the same period last year.

It says travellers from China increased 22%, compared with 2012. However, arrivals from China for October were down 12% on the same month last year, which coincides with a new law in that country increasing costs for overseas tours.