PM Week’s Column
Last week I was pleased to hear that our migrant numbers are increasing. Wherever I travel in New Zealand I talk about how our ethnic diversity makes New Zealand a better place. Whether I am at lantern festivals, Chinese New Year events, KapaHaka competitions, or Pasifika; as I was this weekend, I’m reminded that we are a country of migrants, and so much better for it. So I was very pleased to see Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse announce that net migration is continuing to increase……..as fewer people leave while increasing numbers decide to make New Zealand home.
The 13th Annual Migration Trends and Outlook Report confirms that 7,900 more people moved to New Zealand in 2012/13 than moved overseas. This Government has worked hard to ensure New Zealand is a great place to live and work. We should all welcome our new arrivals and embrace the cultures they enrich us with.
Lastly, I must acknowledge the terrible storm that hit Canterbury last week. I visited the region on Thursday with Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee and I am so sorry that once again, Christchurch must pick itself up from circumstances beyond its control. You’re strong, Christchurch, but we know this was the last thing you needed. We remain committed to you and continue to ensure you have what you need to become New Zealand’s city of the future.
