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
1In 2023 Census, 29% of NZ population was born overseas, up from 25% in 2018.
Verified2Indian-born residents: 239,000 in 2023 Census, 4.7% of population.
Verified3Chinese-born: 199,000 (3.9%) in 2023 Census.
Verified4English-born: 75,000 (1.5%) in 2023 Census.
Directional5Median age of overseas-born: 38 years vs 38 for NZ-born in 2023 Census.
Single source657% of overseas-born arrived post-2001 in 2023 Census.
Verified7Top region of residence for migrants: Auckland (53% of overseas-born).
Verified8Pacific-born: 8.2% of population (418,000) in 2023 Census.
Verified927% of migrants aged 25-39 in YE June 2023 arrivals.
Directional10Female migrants: 48% of net gain in YE June 2023.
Single source11India origin: 27% of residence approvals in 2022/23.
Verified1235% of migrants proficient in English as first language spoken.
Verified13Filipino-born: 82,000 in 2023 Census.
Verified14South African-born: 67,000 in 2023 Census.
Directional1515% of NZ workforce overseas-born in 2023.
Single source16Median YOE for migrants: 8 years in NZ at 2023 Census.
Verified17Asian ethnic group: 17% of population, mostly migrant.
Verified1862% of Indian migrants male in recent arrivals.
Verified1940% of Chinese migrants hold degrees in 2023 Census.
Directional20Top languages: Hindi 2.3%, Punjabi 1.4% in 2023 Census.
Single source2125% of overseas-born in Canterbury region.
Verified22Youth dependency ratio lower for migrant households.
Verified2372% of recent migrants aged 20-44.
Verified24German-born: 40,000 in 2023 Census.
Directional2518% of doctors overseas-born in 2023.
Single source26Migrant unemployment rate: 5.2% vs 3.9% NZ-born in 2023.
VerifiedDemographics 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
1In 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.
Verified2For the 2022/23 financial year, total migrant arrivals reached 422,600, marking a 88% increase from the previous year post-border reopening.
Verified3Departures of New Zealand citizens in the year to June 2023 totalled 62,400, contributing to a net loss in the citizen category.
Verified4Non-New Zealand citizen arrivals hit 360,100 in YE June 2023, with 81% arriving on temporary visas.
Directional5Net migration gain from India was 28,200 in YE June 2023, the highest from any single country.
Single source6In 2022, total international arrivals were 1.45 million, with migrants comprising 29% of that figure.
Verified7Year to November 2023 saw net PLT migration of 173,000, a record high.
Verified8Migrant departures rose to 132,600 in YE June 2023, up 23% from prior year.
Verified9Net gain from China was 6,400 in YE June 2023, recovering post-COVID.
Directional10Pacific peoples net migration gain was 4,200 in YE June 2023.
Single source11In 2023, 75% of net migration gain came from Asia, totaling approximately 78,000.
Verified12UK net migration gain was 12,100 in YE June 2023.
Verified13Philippines contributed a net gain of 13,200 migrants in YE June 2023.
Verified14South Africa net gain was 4,900 in YE June 2023.
Directional15Net loss of NZ citizens to Australia was 28,900 in YE June 2023.
Single source16Total PLT arrivals in 2021 were 77,000, low due to COVID restrictions.
Verified17Year ending March 2023 net migration was 137,000.
Verified18Arrivals from India increased 216% in YE June 2023 compared to YE June 2022.
Verified19Student arrivals reached 90,600 in YE June 2023.
Directional20Temporary work visa holder arrivals were 127,400 in YE June 2023.
Single source21Visitor visa arrivals totalled 51,400 in YE June 2023.
Verified22Net migration from Fiji was 2,100 in YE June 2023.
Verified23Year to Dec 2022 net gain was 85,300.
Verified24Departures of former students were 14,200 in YE June 2023.
Directional25Net gain from Colombia was 1,200 in YE June 2023.
Single source26Total migrant arrivals YE June 2022 were 224,500.
Verified27NZ citizen net loss was 39,000 in YE June 2023.
Verified28Arrivals on other temporary visas were 91,000 in YE June 2023.
Verified29Net migration from USA was 3,400 in YE June 2023.
Directional30Year ending Sep 2023 net PLT migration was 126,800.
Single sourceMigration 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
1Migrants contribute $2.1 billion in taxes annually as per 2022 study.
Verified2Immigrants fill 25% of skilled job vacancies in NZ as of 2023.
Verified3GDP contribution from migration: 1.5% growth in 2023.
Verified4Overseas-born employment rate: 78% vs 82% NZ-born in 2023 HLFS.
Directional5Migrant-founded businesses: 28% of NZ firms in 2022.
Single source6Remittances outflow: $1.2 billion from NZ in 2022.
Verified740% of international students transition to work visas.
Verified8Settlement success rate: 85% employed within 6 months for skilled migrants.
Verified9Housing demand from net migration: 50,000 units equivalent in 2023.
Directional10Migrant health workforce: 30% of nurses overseas-qualified in 2023.
Single source11Patent applications by migrants: 35% of total in NZ 2022.
Verified12Wage gap: Recent migrants earn 92% of NZ-born median after 3 years.
Verified1315% of GDP per capita uplift from post-1991 migrants.
Verified14Over-education among migrants: 25% overqualified for jobs in 2023.
Directional15English proficiency correlates with 20% higher earnings for migrants.
Single source1660% of refugees employed after 5 years settlement.
Verified17Tourism recovery aided by 200,000 migrant workers in 2023.
Verified18Fiscal impact: Net positive $500m from skilled migrants annually.
Verified19Regional migration fills 18% labour shortages outside Auckland.
Directional2045% retention rate of migrants after 5 years.
Single sourceOutcomes 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
1In 2022/23, 14,000 Straight to Residence visas were approved.
Verified2Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa approvals: 5,200 in 2022/23.
Verified3Residence from Work approvals: 7,100 in 2022/23.
Verified4Family Category residence approvals: 4,900 in 2022/23.
Directional5Business Residence Visa approvals: 450 in 2022/23.
Single source6Global Impact Order (GIO) residence visas: 1,200 approvals since Nov 2022.
Verified7Partner of NZ Resident Visa approvals: 2,800 in 2022/23.
Verified8Parent Resident Visa: 200 approvals under new category in 2023.
Verified9Residence Visa approval rate: 62% in 2022/23.
Directional1052% of residence approvals were for principal applicants with skills in shortage areas in 2022/23.
Single source11Samoa Pathway residence approvals: 1,000 in 2023.
Verified12Median points score for Skilled Migrant: 180 in 2022/23.
Verified13Child of NZ Citizen residence approvals: 1,500 in 2022/23.
Verified14Talent Accredited Employer visa led to 900 residence transitions in 2023.
Directional1538% of residence approvals went to Indian citizens in 2022/23.
Single source16UK citizens received 1,200 residence visas in 2022/23.
Verified17Philippines: 1,100 residence approvals in 2022/23.
Verified18China residence approvals: 800 in 2022/23.
Verified19South Africa: 900 residence visas in 2022/23.
Directional20Median age of residence principal applicants: 34 years in 2022/23.
Single source2145% of residence visas were granted in Auckland region in 2022/23.
Verified22Dependent children approvals: 4,200 in residence categories 2022/23.
Verified23Active Skilled Migrant EOI: 15,000 in pool at June 2023.
Verified24Pacific Access Category residence approvals: 250 from Samoa, 75 Kiribati in 2023.
Directional25Median income of residence from work applicants: NZ$85,000 in 2022/23.
Single source2622% of residence approvals were for healthcare occupations in 2022/23.
Verified27ICT occupations: 18% of skilled residence visas in 2022/23.
VerifiedPermanent 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
1In 2022/23, 192,100 decisions were made on temporary work visa applications.
Verified2Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) approvals reached 82,000 in 2022/23.
Verified3Specific Purpose Work Visa approvals were 14,200 in 2022/23.
Verified4Essential Skills Work Visa was replaced by AEWV in July 2022, with 50,000 approvals under new system by June 2023.
Directional5Post-study work visa approvals totalled 28,900 in 2022/23.
Single source6Working Holiday Scheme visas issued: 62,000 in 2022/23.
Verified7Visitor Visa approvals: 219,500 in 2022/23.
Verified8Student Visa approvals: 104,000 in 2022/23 financial year.
Verified9Specific Skills Work Visa approvals: 9,800 in 2022/23.
Directional10Variations to conditions on work visas granted: 15,200 in 2022/23.
Single source11AEWV median processing time was 20 days in Q4 2023.
Verified1242% of AEWV approvals were for level 4-5 ANZSCO occupations in 2022/23.
Verified13Working holiday visas from UK: 18,500 issued in 2022/23.
Verified14From Canada: 10,200 working holiday visas in 2022/23.
Directional15Student visa approval rate was 88% in 2022/23.
Single source1665% of student visas were for levels 7-10 qualifications in 2022/23.
Verified17Visitor visas from China: 45,000 approvals in 2022/23.
Verified18AEWV for care workforce: 12,500 approvals in 2022/23.
Verified19Post-study work visas for level 7+: average 3 years granted, 15,000 in 2022/23.
Directional20Working holiday from Germany: 7,800 visas in 2022/23.
Single source21Essential Purpose Visitor Visa approvals: 5,200 in 2022/23.
Verified22AEWV job checks: 140,000 conducted in 2022/23.
Verified23Student visas from India: 28,000 in 2022/23.
Verified24Median age of AEWV holders: 32 years in 2022/23.
Directional2528% of temporary work visas were for transport/logistics in 2022/23.
Single source26Visitor visa decline rate: 22% in 2022/23.
VerifiedTemporary 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