The loss of New Zealanders across the Tasman has slowed and more Australians are moving to this country.
The monthly net loss of population to Australia fell to its lowest in nearly two years in November.
Last month 2900 more New Zealand citizens left for Australia than arrived from across the Tasman, once seasonal factors are accounted for, Statistics New Zealand figures show.
That compares to October's net loss of 3200 and the monthly average of 3300 since March 2011.
The number of New Zealanders leaving for Australia has slowed from a peak of 4300 in July to 3800 last month, while the number moving back permanently increased steadily through the year, to 920 in November.
The trend has helped boost net immigration to 600 in November, the highest monthly gain since December 2010.
In total, nearly 40,000 residents moved to Australia in the year ending November, but this loss was partly offset by the arrival of immigrants mostly from the UK, China and India.
More tourists from China
Meanwhile, China has overtaken the UK to become second largest source of visitors to New Zealand.
Australia accounts for 45% of all visitors to New Zealand and China 8%.
Numbers of Chinese visitors have increased 38% in the last year, while numbers of British visitors have been falling for the last five years.
