KEY POINTS:
Labour and National have interpreted the latest migration statistics in very different ways.
Figures out today from Statistics New Zealand (SNZ) show the departure of New Zealanders to Australia hit a near two-decade high last year.
The net outflow of permanent and long term migrants to Australia at 28,000 in 2007, compared with 20,700 the previous year.
That was the highest net outflow to Australia for a December year since 1988, when it was 33,400, SNZ said.
Mr Key said the "exodus" should be a wake up call for the Government.
"These numbers are further evidence of the failure of the Labour-led Government to address the core issues of why Kiwis are leaving," Mr Key said.
"Kiwis are tired of waiting for tax cuts and improvements in their basic living conditions. That's why record numbers of them are voting with their feet."
The flow to Australia was a big factor in a slowdown in the impact of migration on the New Zealand population last year.
The overall 5500 net migrant gain for the year ended December was below the annual average of 11,800 recorded for the December years from 1990-2007, SNZ said.
But overall long-term arrivals were down just 200 on the December 2006 year to 82,600, while the 77,100 long-term departures were up 9000.
Miss Clark focused on the continuing overall net positive migration.
"The population grew by about 3 per cent in the first five of six years of this century and that was done by net migration," Miss Clark said.
"The reality is many skilled people come to live in New Zealand from other places. Of course we would love to see Kiwis building their lives and careers here in New Zealand, but there will always be people who want to try their luck somewhere else."
The main source of migrants last year was Britain, which provided 7100 people, although that was down from 10,900 the previous year.
- NZPA
