Pre-pandemic rates of immigration are unsustainable

The Productivity Commission says there's no single immigration strategy. Commission chair Ganesh Nana pictured. (Image: Supplied)

Rebecca Howard

Mon, 08 Nov 2021

New Zealand’s inability or unwillingness to build the infrastructure needed to support and settle people in the community suggests pre-pandemic rates of immigration are unsustainable, the Productivity Commission said in a draft report. Data from Stats NZ shows that net migration peaked at around 14,000 people a quarter prior to the onset of covid-19. “New Zealand has struggled for a long time to absorb and accommodate more people well. Infrastructure and housing supply have not kept up with population growth, creating pres...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

CEO Index Free

Richard Taylor is BusinessDesk’s CEO of the year

Four top business leaders were awarded this evening.

Staff reporters 18 Nov 2025

CEO Index Free Private Company Winner

Richard Taylor projecting NZ's creative culture out to the world

The Wētā Workshop leader is hailed for his "deep impact" on NZ Inc.

Gill South 18 Nov 2025

Richard Taylor projecting NZ's creative culture out to the world

CEO Index Free Startup Winner

The zombie apocalypse is where NZ games maker PikPok thrives

Mario Wynands employs a team of 180 in Wellington and 55 in Medellin, Colombia.

Gill South 18 Nov 2025

The zombie apocalypse is where NZ games maker PikPok thrives

Sponsored

Cybersecurity skills gap leaving Kiwi businesses at risk - report

A cybersecurity skills shortage is creating additional cyber risks, according to a new global report.

Fortinet

Sponsored

Spark’s partner strategy sets the bar for innovation

Spark

More Economy

Economy

No obstacles to RBNZ rate cut next week

The RBNZ is expected to cut the OCR to 2.25% and leave the door open for more.

Rebecca Howard 18 Nov 2025

Economy

Food prices lift 4.7% in 12 months to October

Food prices increased by 4.7% in the 12 months to October, although they fell for the second consecutive month, down 0.3% due to lower vegetable prices.Higher prices for the grocery food group were the largest contributor, up 4.9% on an annual basis, while meat, poultry and fish...

Staff reporters 17 Nov 2025