A record number of Samoan nationals have registered for a ballot that could fast track them to New Zealand residency.
Immigration to New Zealand. Photo: RNZ
Around 16,500 registrations were entered this year for just 1100 places - more than 2500 people more than last year.
The assistant general manager for Immigration New Zealand, Jeannie Melville, said a strong economy and strong family ties between the two countries is driving the boost in numbers.
The ballot was drawn yesterday but will be announced on 6 July.
Eligible citizens had to be aged between 18 and 45 to register under the ballot.
Immigration New Zealand will contact successful applicants about how to complete and lodge a formal residence visa application.
It said the successful registrants selected from the ballot process will have eight months to lodge their resident visa applications and the principal applicant must also have an acceptable job offer from a New Zealand employer.