11 Migration Record high net migration appeared to have eased off in recent months; however June saw a monthly lift and another record annual figure of 72,300. For the second time in 18 months it looked like we were seeing a slowdown before things have picked up again. It seems the high net migration picture is set to stay for a while yet, barring a major policy change in the wake of the September election, but even that would be unlikely to be enacted immediately. After recent announcements suggesting a loss of ‘rights’ for Kiwis based in Australia as well as a slightly better economic outlook in NZ, we’re continuing to see positive net gain between the countries, which is historically unusual, but likely to remain for a while yet. While Auckland has seen the greatest annual increase in net migration, the impact is nationwide. In many cases this rate of population growth exceeds the growth in the housing stock. Long Term Migration Monthly Net Migration Between New Zealand and Australia Net Gain Last Year % Change TOTAL ALL AREAS 71,932 6.4% Auckland Region 35,772 14.5% Hamilton City 1,844 21.8% Tauranga City 1,045 -7.2% Wellington 3,472 36.4% Christchurch City 5,726 -1.9% Dunedin City 944 45.7% Main Urban Area (Other) 5,419 4.3% Rural Centres 4,676 16.1% Not applicable/Not stated 13,034 -15.9% Source: Statistics New Zealand