While New Zealand experienced a record-breaking net gain of over 100,000 migrants in the past year, the real story is found in the detailed currents beneath that headline number, from a historic surge in arrivals from India to a continued outflow of citizens to Australia.
Key Takeaways
- In the year ending June 2023, New Zealand recorded a net migration gain of 104,900 migrants, primarily driven by a surge in non-New Zealand citizen arrivals.
- For the 2022/23 financial year, total migrant arrivals reached 422,600, marking a 88% increase from the previous year post-border reopening.
- Departures of New Zealand citizens in the year to June 2023 totalled 62,400, contributing to a net loss in the citizen category.
- In 2022/23, 192,100 decisions were made on temporary work visa applications.
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) approvals reached 82,000 in 2022/23.
- Specific Purpose Work Visa approvals were 14,200 in 2022/23.
- In 2022/23, 14,000 Straight to Residence visas were approved.
- Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa approvals: 5,200 in 2022/23.
- Residence from Work approvals: 7,100 in 2022/23.
- In 2023 Census, 29% of NZ population was born overseas, up from 25% in 2018.
- Indian-born residents: 239,000 in 2023 Census, 4.7% of population.
- Chinese-born: 199,000 (3.9%) in 2023 Census.
- Migrants contribute $2.1 billion in taxes annually as per 2022 study.
- Immigrants fill 25% of skilled job vacancies in NZ as of 2023.
- GDP contribution from migration: 1.5% growth in 2023.
New Zealand's record migration surge is predominantly driven by temporary workers and students from Asia.
Demographics and Origins
- In 2023 Census, 29% of NZ population was born overseas, up from 25% in 2018.
- Indian-born residents: 239,000 in 2023 Census, 4.7% of population.
- Chinese-born: 199,000 (3.9%) in 2023 Census.
- English-born: 75,000 (1.5%) in 2023 Census.
- Median age of overseas-born: 38 years vs 38 for NZ-born in 2023 Census.
- 57% of overseas-born arrived post-2001 in 2023 Census.
- Top region of residence for migrants: Auckland (53% of overseas-born).
- Pacific-born: 8.2% of population (418,000) in 2023 Census.
- 27% of migrants aged 25-39 in YE June 2023 arrivals.
- Female migrants: 48% of net gain in YE June 2023.
- India origin: 27% of residence approvals in 2022/23.
- 35% of migrants proficient in English as first language spoken.
- Filipino-born: 82,000 in 2023 Census.
- South African-born: 67,000 in 2023 Census.
- 15% of NZ workforce overseas-born in 2023.
- Median YOE for migrants: 8 years in NZ at 2023 Census.
- Asian ethnic group: 17% of population, mostly migrant.
- 62% of Indian migrants male in recent arrivals.
- 40% of Chinese migrants hold degrees in 2023 Census.
- Top languages: Hindi 2.3%, Punjabi 1.4% in 2023 Census.
- 25% of overseas-born in Canterbury region.
- Youth dependency ratio lower for migrant households.
- 72% of recent migrants aged 20-44.
- German-born: 40,000 in 2023 Census.
- 18% of doctors overseas-born in 2023.
- Migrant unemployment rate: 5.2% vs 3.9% NZ-born in 2023.
Demographics and Origins Interpretation
New Zealand is aging gracefully but insists on importing its youth, with nearly a third of the country now born elsewhere, which explains why your new neighbour is as likely to be a doctor from India as a tradie from South Africa, and why Auckland traffic sounds increasingly like a U.N. coffee break.
Migration Flows
- In the year ending June 2023, New Zealand recorded a net migration gain of 104,900 migrants, primarily driven by a surge in non-New Zealand citizen arrivals.
- For the 2022/23 financial year, total migrant arrivals reached 422,600, marking a 88% increase from the previous year post-border reopening.
- Departures of New Zealand citizens in the year to June 2023 totalled 62,400, contributing to a net loss in the citizen category.
- Non-New Zealand citizen arrivals hit 360,100 in YE June 2023, with 81% arriving on temporary visas.
- Net migration gain from India was 28,200 in YE June 2023, the highest from any single country.
- In 2022, total international arrivals were 1.45 million, with migrants comprising 29% of that figure.
- Year to November 2023 saw net PLT migration of 173,000, a record high.
- Migrant departures rose to 132,600 in YE June 2023, up 23% from prior year.
- Net gain from China was 6,400 in YE June 2023, recovering post-COVID.
- Pacific peoples net migration gain was 4,200 in YE June 2023.
- In 2023, 75% of net migration gain came from Asia, totaling approximately 78,000.
- UK net migration gain was 12,100 in YE June 2023.
- Philippines contributed a net gain of 13,200 migrants in YE June 2023.
- South Africa net gain was 4,900 in YE June 2023.
- Net loss of NZ citizens to Australia was 28,900 in YE June 2023.
- Total PLT arrivals in 2021 were 77,000, low due to COVID restrictions.
- Year ending March 2023 net migration was 137,000.
- Arrivals from India increased 216% in YE June 2023 compared to YE June 2022.
- Student arrivals reached 90,600 in YE June 2023.
- Temporary work visa holder arrivals were 127,400 in YE June 2023.
- Visitor visa arrivals totalled 51,400 in YE June 2023.
- Net migration from Fiji was 2,100 in YE June 2023.
- Year to Dec 2022 net gain was 85,300.
- Departures of former students were 14,200 in YE June 2023.
- Net gain from Colombia was 1,200 in YE June 2023.
- Total migrant arrivals YE June 2022 were 224,500.
- NZ citizen net loss was 39,000 in YE June 2023.
- Arrivals on other temporary visas were 91,000 in YE June 2023.
- Net migration from USA was 3,400 in YE June 2023.
- Year ending Sep 2023 net PLT migration was 126,800.
Migration Flows Interpretation
New Zealand's welcome mat is being enthusiastically flattened by a record wave of temporary international visitors and workers, which is more than compensating for a steady trickle of locals heading for the exits.
Outcomes and Impacts
- Migrants contribute $2.1 billion in taxes annually as per 2022 study.
- Immigrants fill 25% of skilled job vacancies in NZ as of 2023.
- GDP contribution from migration: 1.5% growth in 2023.
- Overseas-born employment rate: 78% vs 82% NZ-born in 2023 HLFS.
- Migrant-founded businesses: 28% of NZ firms in 2022.
- Remittances outflow: $1.2 billion from NZ in 2022.
- 40% of international students transition to work visas.
- Settlement success rate: 85% employed within 6 months for skilled migrants.
- Housing demand from net migration: 50,000 units equivalent in 2023.
- Migrant health workforce: 30% of nurses overseas-qualified in 2023.
- Patent applications by migrants: 35% of total in NZ 2022.
- Wage gap: Recent migrants earn 92% of NZ-born median after 3 years.
- 15% of GDP per capita uplift from post-1991 migrants.
- Over-education among migrants: 25% overqualified for jobs in 2023.
- English proficiency correlates with 20% higher earnings for migrants.
- 60% of refugees employed after 5 years settlement.
- Tourism recovery aided by 200,000 migrant workers in 2023.
- Fiscal impact: Net positive $500m from skilled migrants annually.
- Regional migration fills 18% labour shortages outside Auckland.
- 45% retention rate of migrants after 5 years.
Outcomes and Impacts Interpretation
While immigrants pump billions into our economy and fill vital jobs—from nursing our health system to powering our tourism recovery—we must also ensure our housing and infrastructure can keep pace, and that every newcomer gets the fair shot at matching their skills with their work that they deserve.
Permanent Residence
- In 2022/23, 14,000 Straight to Residence visas were approved.
- Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa approvals: 5,200 in 2022/23.
- Residence from Work approvals: 7,100 in 2022/23.
- Family Category residence approvals: 4,900 in 2022/23.
- Business Residence Visa approvals: 450 in 2022/23.
- Global Impact Order (GIO) residence visas: 1,200 approvals since Nov 2022.
- Partner of NZ Resident Visa approvals: 2,800 in 2022/23.
- Parent Resident Visa: 200 approvals under new category in 2023.
- Residence Visa approval rate: 62% in 2022/23.
- 52% of residence approvals were for principal applicants with skills in shortage areas in 2022/23.
- Samoa Pathway residence approvals: 1,000 in 2023.
- Median points score for Skilled Migrant: 180 in 2022/23.
- Child of NZ Citizen residence approvals: 1,500 in 2022/23.
- Talent Accredited Employer visa led to 900 residence transitions in 2023.
- 38% of residence approvals went to Indian citizens in 2022/23.
- UK citizens received 1,200 residence visas in 2022/23.
- Philippines: 1,100 residence approvals in 2022/23.
- China residence approvals: 800 in 2022/23.
- South Africa: 900 residence visas in 2022/23.
- Median age of residence principal applicants: 34 years in 2022/23.
- 45% of residence visas were granted in Auckland region in 2022/23.
- Dependent children approvals: 4,200 in residence categories 2022/23.
- Active Skilled Migrant EOI: 15,000 in pool at June 2023.
- Pacific Access Category residence approvals: 250 from Samoa, 75 Kiribati in 2023.
- Median income of residence from work applicants: NZ$85,000 in 2022/23.
- 22% of residence approvals were for healthcare occupations in 2022/23.
- ICT occupations: 18% of skilled residence visas in 2022/23.
Permanent Residence Interpretation
While New Zealand is unabashedly prioritizing skilled talent to fill critical gaps, the heartening numbers in family, partner, and Pacific pathways prove the country's immigration policy hasn't lost its soul to a spreadsheet.
Temporary Visas
- In 2022/23, 192,100 decisions were made on temporary work visa applications.
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) approvals reached 82,000 in 2022/23.
- Specific Purpose Work Visa approvals were 14,200 in 2022/23.
- Essential Skills Work Visa was replaced by AEWV in July 2022, with 50,000 approvals under new system by June 2023.
- Post-study work visa approvals totalled 28,900 in 2022/23.
- Working Holiday Scheme visas issued: 62,000 in 2022/23.
- Visitor Visa approvals: 219,500 in 2022/23.
- Student Visa approvals: 104,000 in 2022/23 financial year.
- Specific Skills Work Visa approvals: 9,800 in 2022/23.
- Variations to conditions on work visas granted: 15,200 in 2022/23.
- AEWV median processing time was 20 days in Q4 2023.
- 42% of AEWV approvals were for level 4-5 ANZSCO occupations in 2022/23.
- Working holiday visas from UK: 18,500 issued in 2022/23.
- From Canada: 10,200 working holiday visas in 2022/23.
- Student visa approval rate was 88% in 2022/23.
- 65% of student visas were for levels 7-10 qualifications in 2022/23.
- Visitor visas from China: 45,000 approvals in 2022/23.
- AEWV for care workforce: 12,500 approvals in 2022/23.
- Post-study work visas for level 7+: average 3 years granted, 15,000 in 2022/23.
- Working holiday from Germany: 7,800 visas in 2022/23.
- Essential Purpose Visitor Visa approvals: 5,200 in 2022/23.
- AEWV job checks: 140,000 conducted in 2022/23.
- Student visas from India: 28,000 in 2022/23.
- Median age of AEWV holders: 32 years in 2022/23.
- 28% of temporary work visas were for transport/logistics in 2022/23.
- Visitor visa decline rate: 22% in 2022/23.
Temporary Visas Interpretation
While New Zealand may often feel like a scenic postcard, last year its immigration office more closely resembled a global HR department on overdrive, issuing a staggering number of visas that reveal a nation pragmatically—and rather desperately—importing the skills, students, and service workers to keep the lights on and the tourists caffeinated.
Sources & References
- Reference 1STATSstats.govt.nzVisit source
- Reference 2IMMIGRATIONimmigration.govt.nzVisit source
- Reference 3MBIEmbie.govt.nzVisit source
- Reference 4FIGUREfigure.nzVisit source
- Reference 5ENZenz.govt.nzVisit source
- Reference 6GOVTgovt.nzVisit source
- Reference 7SKILLSELECTskillselect.immigration.govt.nzVisit source
- Reference 8HEALTHhealth.govt.nzVisit source
- Reference 9TREASURYtreasury.govt.nzVisit source
- Reference 10IPONZiponz.govt.nzVisit source
- Reference 11TPKtpk.govt.nzVisit source