New figures show illegal overstayer numbers are at their lowest in almost 15 years.
Michael Woodhouse Photo: RNZ / Jane Patterson
A ministerial report puts the number of illegal overstayers are in the country just over 12,160 - nearly half of the 21,000 counted here in 2000.
The Immigration Minister, Michael Woodhouse, said the latest figures showed the Government's focus on improved security at the border and decisive action was paying dividends.
Mr Woodhouse said another reason the numbers had dropped was people were being encouraged to leave voluntarily, rather than being deported, so they could come back under other circumstances.