New Zealand population and migration figures

The story so far

Population growth slowed to 0.7 per cent for the year ending June 2025, following a significant drop in net inward migration.^{11 Nov 2025} Stats NZ data showed a record 72,700 New Zealanders left the country in the year ended September, and the net migration gain fell to its lowest level since 2013.^{13 Nov 2025} Over the same period, Australian visitor arrivals rose to 1.48 million.^{13 Nov 2025} More New Zealanders were moving to Australia than returning home, with nearly 73,000 leaving in the past year and only 26,000 returning.^{14 Nov 2025} The slowdown in population growth is also being seen in regions such as Wairarapa.^{11 Nov 2025}

Latest

The most recent report says more New Zealanders are moving to Australia than returning home, with a 27-year-old from Whangārei citing higher wages and a lower cost of living as reasons for the move.^{14 Nov 2025}

Key moments

1. 11 Nov 2025Population growth falls to 0.7 per cent after drop in net inward migration.
2. 13 Nov 2025Record 72,700 New Zealanders leave; net migration gain lowest since 2013.
3. 14 Nov 2025Departures outnumber returns, with more New Zealanders moving to Australia.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.