Migrants and tourists are continuing to come to New Zealand at record levels, despite falling student arrivals.
Auckland Airport arrivals Photo: 123RF
In the 12 months to the end of April there was a gain of 71,900 new migrants, and the number of tourists surged to 3.6 million, according to the latest Stats NZ figures.
The figures show 129,800 migrants arrived in the past year - a new annual record - while migrant departures were 57,900.
The annual net migration to April remained at the same level as in March.
The number of student migrants arriving fell 3800, down 14 percent on the previous year, to a drop in student arrivals from India.
Overall, more than 52,000 people arrived in New Zealand on student visas, of which nearly 24,000 were intending to stay for a year or more.
Stats NZ spokesperson Peter Dolan said student arrivals from Asia contributed to almost three-quarters of the total student migrants.
The number of tourists arriving in the country in the past year totalled 3.6 million - a new annual record.
Visitor arrivals numbered 311,900 in April up 21 percent from April 2016, although the Easter holidays were in April this year, and in March in 2016.
Stats NZ said New Zealanders took a record 2.7 million overseas trips in the year ending April, up 11 percent from the 2016 year.