The report examines recent migration trends and finds that while the net outflow New Zealand citizens in the year to May 2024 is significant, it is  offset by a near-record inflow of migrants who are more highly qualified than the average New Zealander. 

The record net migration outflow of 60,100 New Zealand citizens in the year to May 2024 raised concerns about a potential ‘brain drain’ and loss of confidence in the country’s future. This report examines what can be said currently about the degree to which these concerns are justified and to which recent migration trends look untoward from a historical perspective.  It also draws on existing published research that assesses the contribution of past migration flows to New Zealand’s skills, workforce and economy. 

Key findings

• Despite the record net outflow of New Zealand citizens, there was a very significant net migration inflow of 82,800 migrants, 1.6% of the resident population. The net inflow of 142,900 non-New Zealand citizens was primarily from Asia.
• The net migration outflow of New Zealanders has a long history, occurring in 64 out of 69 years from 1950 to 2018.
• Immigrants to New Zealand tend to have higher educational qualifications on average than do New Zealanders. Immigration policy has a skill focus.
• Studies have found little evidence of significant negative impacts on employment or wages for native-born New Zealanders due to immigration.
• The recent age distribution of emigrants remains consistent with long-term trends, not showing a disproportionate exodus of young working-age people.