Background
Permanent and long-term (PLT) departures of New Zealand citizens numbered 55,600 in the December 2007 year. This was well above the average of 44,400 experienced between 1979 and 2007, but below the high of 64,100 in 1979. A high level of departures to Australia was the main contributor, with 37,000 departures to Australia in 2007 comparing with previous December year highs of 39,600 in 1979, 40,600 in 1988 and 34,900 in 2000. PLT departures of New Zealand citizens to Australia have since risen to 39,500 in the April 2008 year.
Given that New Zealand’s population in 2007 was one-third higher than in 1979, higher levels of departures could be expected. However, most PLT migration occurs below 40 years of age, whereas most of the population growth since 1979 has occurred above this age. This article aims to answer the question: how do the figures between 1979 and 2007 compare if we adjust for changes in population size and age structure?
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