Population growth from migration is picking up again, with a net population gain from migration of 69,119 in the 12 months to August.
That was a new record for any 12 month period ending August and equalled the previous record for any 12 month period.
This suggests that migration numbers may be yet to peak and could have started a new upward curve, which will put further strain on already stretched resources such as transport, housing, health and education, particularly in Auckland where the pressures from migration-fuelled population growth are most severe.
One of the biggest changes occurring in the mix of new migrants coming to this country is a decline in the number of migrants coming from India and ongoing growth in those coming from China.
China and Hong Kong have now overtaken India as the biggest source of migrants, with a net gain of 10,817 in the 12 months to August (up from 9102 in the 12 months to August 2015), while the net gain from India has dropped from 12,676 in the 12 months to August 2015 to 10,631 in the 12 months to August this year.
They were followed by a net gain of 4907 from the Philippines, 4588 from the UK, and 3415 from South Africa.
There was a net loss of 2588 New Zealand citizens in the 12 months to August and a net gain of 71,707 citizens of other countries.
There have also been changes in the types of visas being issued to people coming in this country on a permanent or long term basis.
There has been a decline in the number of people arriving on student visas, particularly from India, with student arrivals from India declining by 22.7% in the 12 months to August compared with the same period a last year and down a whopping 66.4% in the month of August compared with August last year.
That suggests a very substantial decline in student numbers from India, most likely as a result of publicity around the poor quality of courses provided by some private training institutions and the difficulties students have obtaining employment at the end of their studies.
However migrants coming here on residency visas are up strongly, particularly from China with those arriving from that country on residency visas up 28.6% in the 12 months to August compared to the previous 12 months and up 35% in the month of August compared with August last year.
This suggest very strong growth in migrant numbers form China.
The UK tops the list of source countries for those arriving on work visas, followed by France, Germany, Australia, US, and the Philippines.
However in a First Impressions newsletter on the latest figures, Westpac senior economist Satish Ranchhod said the bank expect annual net migration to gradually slow from the current record levels.
"Foreigners who have arrived on temporary work or student visas over the past three years will start to depart," he said.
"In addition, an improving Australian economy is expected to entice New Zealanders across the Tasman.
"However this will take time, meaning annual net migration will remain at elevated levels for some time."
We welcome your comments below. If you are not already registered, please register to comment
Remember we welcome robust, respectful and insightful debate. We don't welcome abusive or defamatory comments and will de-register those repeatedly making such comments. Our current comment policy is here.