Paul Spoonley: Massey University Sociologist on net migration falling to 10,600 for August

An expert believes there's still a number of Kiwis returning to New Zealand, despite a falling net migration rate. 

It's fallen to 10,600 for the year to August 2025. 

Overall, Stats NZ figures show migrant arrivals dropped 16% to more than 138 thousand, while departures increased 13% to just under 128 thousand. 

Massey University sociologist Paul Spoonley told Mike Hosking it's still a major net loss, but Kiwis are coming back, even from Australia. 

He says there's always been Kiwis leaving and returning on the traditional OE. 

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