Hon Lockwood Smith
National Party Immigration Spokesman

25 September 2007

Kiwis confirmed as lead migrants to Australia

There is now confirmation that Labour has overseen the worst ever exodus of Kiwis to Australia, says National's Immigration spokesman, Lockwood Smith.

"Just-released Australian data shows that New Zealand has overtaken the UK as the largest source country for permanent migrants to Australia for the first time.

"This confirms statistics released last week in New Zealand which showed that the net loss to Australia in just the past 12 months alone has gone up 27%.

"It is hardly a record we can be proud of.

"Disillusioned Kiwis are voting with their feet, seeking greener pastures across the Tasman, and the Labour Government is to blame.

"It has done little to encourage young Kiwis to build their futures in their own country with high tax rates and a 'Government knows best' approach.

"Unfortunately, I can only see this trend continuing."

ENDS

© Scoop Media