This report is the sixth in a series produced annually to provide information about trends in temporary and permanent migration to New Zealand. The reports are written in a readily accessible format to make the data useful for informing policy decisions, identifying trends in migration flows, and increasing the public’s understanding of immigration. Trends in this format have been monitored since July 2000 and now constitute a time series, enabling comparisons of recent migration patterns with those identified in previous years. The current report provides data for the 2005/06 financial year.
The nature of migration is changing. Migrants are becoming increasingly mobile in a climate of global competition and opportunities for skilled people. The changes in migrants’ mobility and migration patterns, coupled with increasing security risks worldwide, have necessitated a fundamental shift in the way New Zealand’s immigration system operates.
In 2005/06, the Department of Labour launched a programme of work that will bring about significant changes to New Zealand’s immigration system. The Department’s programme of change is underpinned by three specific elements: legislative reform, a review of key aspects of New Zealand’s immigration policy, and business changes within the Department. The programme of legislative reform comprises a review of the Immigration Act (1987) and the introduction of the Immigration Advisers Licensing Bill.