Net migration loss of 22,093

Press, 14 December 1977, Page 3

Net migration loss of 22,093

! New Zealand suffered a [record net migration loss of 122,093 persons for the year , ended October 31. According to the Department of Statistics, the figlire lis a 400 per cent increase on last year’s net loss of 4580. During the seven months I from April 1, there has been . a net migration lass of 126,892, compared with 18,526 [last year. Tn October there was a net migration gain of 10.190, 1388 fewer than last year. The exodus of New Zealanders since January, 1976, represents “a vote of noconfidence in. the Government,” according to the Opposition spokesman on Immigration (Mr T. J. Young) last evening. “Since National took [office, our net losses have [been a staggering 37,468,” Ihe.said. i “That is the equivalent, of ;the entire population of New ; Plymouth or Wanganui selling up. packing their -bags, and leaving our shores. |ln the process we have lost [thousands of skilled and able workers — many of whom [will never return,’’ Mr Young said.

‘.‘l again urge the Government to conduct an inquiry into the losses so that steps lean be taken to correct this deteriorating situation,” he said.