FX.co ★ New Zealand’s Long‑Term Migration Nearly Doubles in December, Signalling Strong Influx of New Residents

New Zealand recorded a sharp rise in permanent and long-term migration in December 2025, with net arrivals (or the relevant migration indicator) reaching 2,870, up from 1,560 in November 2025. The latest figures, updated on 12 February 2026, point to a significant month-on-month increase in long-term migrant numbers entering the country.

The jump of 1,310 between November and December suggests a marked acceleration in longer-term settlement or residency-related movements at the end of 2025. While the underlying drivers are not detailed in the release, the scale of the increase underscores a potentially important shift in New Zealand’s migration dynamics heading into 2026, with likely implications for labour markets, housing demand and broader economic planning.

Analysts and policymakers will be watching subsequent monthly data closely to determine whether December’s surge represents a one-off spike or the start of a sustained trend in higher permanent and long-term migration flows to New Zealand.