The latest migration figures show a record number of New Zealanders are leaving the country, a direct result of a government with no plan and no vision.
“Thousands of Kiwis are sadly giving up on a future here in New Zealand,” Labour finance and economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.
“Opportunities at home are drying up, jobs are being lost, and the cost of living keeps climbing. Families can see there’s no future here under National.
“Each month we see a new record of Kiwis leaving, yet the Government still has no plan to create jobs, no plan to bring down the cost of living, and no plan for New Zealand,” Barbara Edmonds said.
The August 2025 figures set two annual records for New Zealanders leaving. There were 73,900 migrant departures, exceeding the previous record of 73,300 in the July 2025 year. There was also net migration loss of 47,900, exceeding the previous record of 47,100 in the July 2025 year.
“This is what happens when a government cancels infrastructure projects, cuts essential services, and tries to hawk off our public assets. They’re actively making the economy worse with their bad decisions.
“New Zealand needs a government willing to invest in our long-term future. We need to start backing ourselves again so that businesses and communities see a future here.
“We can’t afford another three years of National,” Barbara Edmonds said.