Record arrivals fuel row over New Zealand immigration policy

Immigration into New Zealand hit a new record in the year to October, stoking criticism of the government's immigration policies.

The annual net gain of migrants (more arrivals than departures) hit a high of 70,300 for the year to October, surpassing the previous record of 70,000 for the year to September, the government's Statistics New Zealand agency said Tuesday.

"The record annual net gain in migration was driven by the increase in migrant arrivals," population statistics manager Jo-Anne Skinner said in a statement.

"At the same time migrant departures decreased, adding to the high net gain."

Migrant arrivals numbered 126,100 in the October year, setting a new annual record, while departures were 55,800.

The opposition New Zealand First party said the government was continuing to allow immigration "to run amok."

"We have tens of thousands of young New Zealanders who can't get a job, congested roads, a housing crisis, over-burdened hospitals and schools and yet the government persists with a madcap policy that is not working in the best interests of all New Zealanders," New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said in a statement.

"The high level of low-skilled workers coming to New Zealand, including international students, has undermined working conditions and put a lid on wages."

Last month, the government cut the overall number of residence approvals for the next two years from 90,000-100,000 down to 85,000-95,000, amid an ongoing debate over whether the country's infrastructure and public services were coping with the record arrivals. Endit