Migration - Permanent & long-term arrivals by country of residence and visa type (Annual-Dec) 2004–2017

This data is based on migration intentions as stated on the arrival cards and departure cards. This approach has been discontinued due to the removal of departure cards.

Permanent and long-term arrivals: overseas migrants who arrive in New Zealand intending to stay for a period of 12 months or more (or permanently), plus New Zealand residents returning after an absence of 12 months or more.
Country of residence: the country where a person arriving in New Zealand last lived for 12 months or more (country of last permanent residence).
Visa type: The type of immigration visa that a passenger arrived on (eg visitor, work, student, residence). New Zealand citizens do not need a visa. Australian citizens are automatically granted a residence visa - so, together with New Zealand citizens, are published in the "not applicable" visa category.

http://datainfoplus.stats.govt.nz/Item/nz.govt.stats/f705ca38-ea6e-453f-b1d9-a95dc0fcaf59

From August 2016, international travel and migration data started being processed using a new, upgraded processing system. The new system uses improved methodology, which takes greater account of travellers' history in addition to intentions stated on the arrival and departure cards. It also makes greater use of automation in the processing and classification of passenger types. There were no revisions to the historical data with this system and methodology changes.

At URL provided, select 'Tourism', then 'International Travel and Migration', then 'Permanent & long-term arrivals by country of residence and visa type (Annual-Dec)'. Select desired variables, then select desired export format.

International travel and migration statistics count passengers arriving into and departing from New Zealand. Passengers are split into one of three passenger types: overseas visitors, New Zealand-resident travellers, and permanent and long-term migrants.
Arrivals and departures of overseas visitors and New Zealand-resident travellers are key indicators of tourism and travel. Permanent and long-term migration is a component of New Zealand’s population change, along with births and deaths. Migration affects the composition of the population as well as population size.
International travel and migration statistics are based on electronic arrival and departure records for each international passenger, supplied to Stats NZ by the New Zealand Customs Service. These electronic records include flight and passport details, such as date of travel, date of birth, sex, and country of citizenship.