New Zealand has recorded its highest-ever number of immigrants over the last year, Radio New Zealand reports.
More than 105,500 immigrants have arrived in the 12 months to September, led by more students, particularly from India, and more New Zealand citizens returning from Australia.
The net loss of 6000 people to Australia was the smallest since 1994.
Taking into account people departing New Zealand, there was a record net gain this year of more than 45,000 people.
Massey University pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Spoonley said that far exceeded Treasury predictions.
“If the current figures continue to go the way they are trending, then it might well go very close to 50,000.”
He said the increase was partly due to the arrival of immigrants who delayed their plans because of the global financial crisis.
