Country profile : New Zealand : the politicization of immigration

Abstract

Immigration has been a significant driver of population change in New Zealand since the mid-19th century, and in the early years of the 21st century net migration gains (the balance of arrivals over departures) are at the highest levels ever recorded. At the time of the Census of Population and Dwellings in March 2001, just under 20 percent of New Zealand's residents recorded a birthplace overseas. The majority of immigrants approved for residence in New Zealand in recent years have been from countries in Asia (especially China and India)