Historically low migration figures are telling the story of our labour market

Latest Stats NZ figures show net migration of 12-thousand-400 annually to September, up slightly from the year to May.

More than 46-thousand New Zealand citizens left the country in this period, almost 60-percent of departures were Kiwis moving to Australia.

ASB Senior Economist Jane Turner says our weak labour market is attracting fewer people from overseas.

She says at the same time it's much easier to get a job in Australia, so New Zealanders who are struggling are more likely to cross the ditch.