ACT New Zealand Deputy Leader and Immigration Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today accused the Labour Government’s mis-management of the key immigration portfolio as being responsible for effectively halving New Zealand’s net migration numbers.

“Immigration statistics released today have revealed that there has been a drop of 21,000 in net migration numbers from last year,” Dr Newman said

“This will have a severe impact on our economy – as already shown with last week’s media reports that house prices have stopped growing and are expected to slide – and can be expected to affect the property market to name but one.

“Labour’s knee-jerk reaction to political pressure over the number of immigrants settling in New Zealand is inconsistent with sound economic management.  By taking a stop-start approach, rather than a considered and consistent one, the Government has made a move that will have huge ramifications on New Zealand’s economy,” Dr Newman said.

ENDS