Brain Drain: Kiwi departures remain high but numbers leaving have stabilised

The annual rate of net migration gain has stabilised at 32,900 for the year to February. That compares with a gain of 32,500 in the year to January but follows a big slump as departures soared and arrivals fell last year. Annual net migration peaked in the year ending October 2023, with a gain of 135,500.

The annual net migration gain in the year to February 2024 was 113,700. Compared with the February 2024 year, the latest data showed migrant arrivals were 154,300, down 30%..