New Zealand immigration rising

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Immigration to New Zealand rose for the first time in six months in August 2011, which suggest that the New Zealand economy is on the up.

Permanent arrivals exceeded departures by 200 in August, according to Statistics New Zealand. In the year ending on 31 August, arrivals topped departures by 2,257, the lowest level since the 12 months ending in October 2001 about ten years ago.

The rise in immigration ends the longest stretch of net departures in a decade; Many people left after the Christchurch earthquake on 22 February 2011.

From March to August, permanent departures from New Zealand rose to 4,900, compared to 3,000 during the same period in the previous year.

Australia is a popular choice for Kiwis; Citizens of New Zealand can easily migrate to Australia; Also Australians can move easily to New Zealand. The number of Kiwis immigrating to Australia rose by 49 percent to 42,573 people in the year ending 31 August 2011 compared to 28,625 in the year ending August 2010.