Last year, New Zealand saw nearly 40,000 new citizens, with significant increases from Pacific Islanders and South Africans surpassing Filipinos. India remains the leading source country, while German citizenship rose due to regulatory changes. Demographic expert Paul Spoonley notes increased commitments from new citizens, reflecting both loyalty and practical benefits of citizenship.
Recent immigration statistics reveal significant shifts in New Zealand’s demographics. Last year, nearly 40,000 individuals gained New Zealand citizenship, with a remarkable 67% increase among Pacific Islanders. Indians continue to represent the largest group of new citizens, followed by Britons, as South Africans have now surpassed Filipinos to become the third-largest cohort. Tonga has returned to the top 10 source countries, while Australians have fallen off this list.
The Department of Internal Affairs reported that more than 700 Germans acquired citizenship following changes to dual citizenship rules in Germany. In contrast, the lower numbers of Chinese nationals becoming citizens reflect the requirement to renounce their citizenship. The last two years have seen a notable increase in citizenship applications, attributed to individuals seeking a passport for global mobility, as well as a gesture of loyalty to New Zealand.
Professor Paul Spoonley, a demographer, noted the long-standing migration patterns to New Zealand, which don’t necessitate citizenship for access to services or voting. He remarked on the dual motivations for citizenship: personal loyalty and practical benefits, such as ease of travel. Both South Africans and Filipinos are expected to maintain high migration rates, driven by political and social factors in their home countries, with many South Africans showing long-term commitment to residing in New Zealand.
In summary, New Zealand’s immigration landscape is evolving, with significant contributions from South Africa, the Philippines, and India. The increased rates of citizenship among Pacific Islanders and the notable influx of new citizens from various nations highlight a trend toward permanent settlement and loyalty to New Zealand. These shifts may continue to shape New Zealand’s diverse demographic fabric in the coming years.
Original Source: www.nzherald.co.nz
