11 Migration Record high net migration appears to have eased off in recent months. This is being driven by a small but gradual increase in departures and a recent drop in arrivals. After an extended period of net gain from Australia, this has swung back to zero and would appear to be once again heading for a net loss of Kiwis across the Tasman. The recent announcement of massively increased university fees for Kiwis studying in Australia has gained attention as another reason for Australia being a less attractive home for Kiwis. This may mean that the loss to Australia, if and when it does occur, is less than in previous cycles. 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 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) 5,419 104.3% Rural Centres 4,676 116.1% Not applicable/Not stated 13,034 84.1% Source: Statistics New Zealand