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...

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