The grass isn't greener: More Kiwis sticking to this side of the Ditch

Photo / Doug Sherring

The allure of the lucky country is fading, as fewer Kiwis leave for Australia and more return - a brain gain forecast to continue this year.

Figures released in Statistics New Zealand's latest International Travel and Migration survey recorded a net migration gain of 53,797 new migrants in the year to January 2015, more than double the 25,700 that arrived in the year to January 2014.

The total number of immigrants arriving on a permanent and long-term basis was 111,522 in the year to January, while 57,725 people left on a permanent or long-term basis, leaving a net population gain of 53,797.

The country lost a net total of 2888 people to Australia in the year to January, a decrease from the net losses of 17,100 in the January 2014 year and 37,900 in the January 2013 year. This is smallest net loss to Australia since the June 1992 year, when 2800 people crossed the ditch.

ASB senior economist Chris Tennent-Brown said the trend of fewer people leaving for Australia was likely to continue this year.

"If you look at the labour market as an indicator [for migration], the New Zealand labour market is really going from strength to strength at the moment, and the Australian labour market could still get worse over the year ahead," he said.

He said the work opportunities in New Zealand were more attractive than those in Australia.

Most new migrants came from Australia, but the biggest net gain of migrants in the year to January came from India, followed by China, the UK, and the Philippines.

Most of the new migrants settled in Auckland, followed by Canterbury and Wellington.

• 10,776 net migrants from India.
• 7588 net migrants from China.
• 5072 net migrants from the UK.
• 111,522 long term or permanent residents arrived in New Zealand.
• 57,725 New Zealand residents departed.