Record exodus to Australia

The exodus to Australia hit record levels in May, partly due to Christchurch residents fleeing the city following February’s fatal earthquake.

The net loss of 3300 people in the month was higher than the previous record of 2900 set in 1979.

Nationally, net migration has been negative since March this year with more people leaving the country permanently than arriving, after the quake.

Departures of Christchurch people remained high in May, at 800, up from 500 departures in May last year.

Since the earthquake on February 22, the city has seen 1300 more departures and 400 fewer arrivals than in the same period of 2010.

Nationally, on a seasonally adjusted basis, there was an overall net outflow of 400 in May.

New Zealand had a net migration gain of 4600 in the year ended May, down from 18,000 the previous year.

The average annual net migration gain was 12,000 over the last 20 years.

The decrease in annual net migration compared with 2010 was mainly due to an increase in departures to Australia.

Article: http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/5171563/Record-exodus-to-Australia