Immigration Conference to Address Critical Role of Immigration in New Zealand's Economic Recovery

Strategic Insights -

The New Zealand Association for Migration and Investment (NZAMI) will host the Annual Immigration Conference, featuring a keynote address by Hon Erica Stanford, Minister of Immigration, on October 24, 2025, in Auckland. The conference will bring together government, industry, and policy experts to discuss the intersection of immigration policy, demographic trends, and economic performance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The conference aims to address the critical role of immigration in supporting New Zealand's economic recovery and long-term growth.
  • The country has experienced a dramatic decline in net migration over the past two years, driven by high citizen departures and fewer migrant arrivals.
  • This has contributed to stagnating retail activity and a slowdown in new housing development, resulting in historically low immigration levels.
  • NZAMI members are eager to hear more from Minister Stanford and policy makers about forthcoming changes to key immigration pathways, including the new business investor visa and trades-focused residence pathways.
  • The excessively high English language requirements are undermining the Government's immigration policy objectives, according to NZAMI.

Statistics:

  • Net migration has declined dramatically over the past two years, resulting in stagnating retail activity and a slowdown in new housing development.
  • Historically low levels of immigration are limiting both population-driven economic growth and the ability of businesses to access the skills they urgently need.
  • The new business investor visa and trades-focused residence pathways are expected to be released in 2026.

Sources:

  • New Zealand Association for Migration and Investment (NZAMI)
  • Hon Erica Stanford, Minister of Immigration
  • Labour's spokesperson on immigration, Phil Twyford
  • Senior officials from key government agencies involved in immigration policy and operations
  • MIL OSI New Zealand News (http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/), Copyright 2025 Multimedia Investments Ltd, distributed by Contify.com