New Zealand Faces Record Emigration as 119,800 Leave in 2025

Tens of thousands of residents have departed New Zealand in 2025, as revealed by the latest migration statistics from Stats NZ. A total of 119,800 Kiwis left the country last year, a slight increase from 118,500 in 2024. This trend has contributed to the lowest net migration gain for a calendar year since 2013, excluding the year affected by Covid-19 in 2021.

Stats NZ reported that New Zealand recorded a net migration gain of 14,200 more arrivals than departures in 2025, with 134,000 new residents entering the country. This represents a significant decline from the previous year’s net migration of 23,800. Over the past two decades, the average annual migration gain has been 30,600 individuals.

Migration Trends and Impact on New Zealand

The ongoing emigration of New Zealanders, often referred to as a “brain drain,” continued into 2025, though at a slower pace than in previous years. Bryan Downes, a spokesperson for international migration statistics at Stats NZ, noted that the decline in net migration compared to 2024 was primarily driven by a 6% decrease in migrant arrivals, while departures rose by 1% to set a provisional record for the calendar year.

Downes stated, “Annual net migration fell from a record 135,500 in the October 2023 year to a provisional low of 8,600 in the August 2025 year, before increasing in late 2025.” The data paints a picture of shifting demographic patterns, as many Kiwis seek opportunities abroad while the country grapples with a declining influx of newcomers.

Tourism Recovery Amid Migration Challenges

While emigration figures raise concerns about the nation’s workforce and economic viability, separate data from Stats NZ indicates a recovery in international tourism. Visitor arrivals to New Zealand surpassed 3.5 million in December 2025, marking an increase of 195,600 (or 6%) compared to December 2024. This surge was the first time annual overseas visitor arrivals exceeded 3.5 million since the period ending in March 2020.

The increase in tourism coincided with a 4% rise in flights into New Zealand compared to the previous year. The largest share of visitors came from Australia, with arrivals increasing by 136,500 (or 10%). Visitors from the United States also rose by 15,200 (or 4%), while arrivals from China grew by 13,300 (or 5%).

As New Zealand navigates the complexities of migration and tourism, the data highlights both challenges and opportunities. The trend of emigration will likely continue to shape discussions about the country’s economic future and its ability to retain talent in a competitive global landscape.