New Zealand’s long-term migration flows slowed sharply in August 2026, with the permanent/long-term migration indicator dropping to 1,530, down from 3,010 in July 2026.
The latest figures, updated on 13 October 2026, indicate that net long-term migration has effectively halved within a single month. While the data does not specify underlying drivers, the magnitude of the month-on-month change highlights a notable shift in New Zealand’s recent migration dynamics during the late winter period.
The August reading will be closely watched by market participants and policymakers, as sustained weakness in long-term migration could have downstream implications for labour supply, housing demand and broader economic momentum heading into the final quarter of 2026.
