Families who were split up by the borders being closed, may now be inflating a surge visa numbers.

Immigration stats show a 73 percent increase in visitors on pre-Covid figures.

Most are either students or tourists.

But, Into NZ Immigration Advisor Katy Armstrong told Kate Hawkesby many will be family members who've recently been able to apply to come into the country.

She says they had to wait till July 31, to apply for their spouses to come via the visitor visa category.

LISTEN ABOVE

Families who were split up by the borders being closed, may now be inflating a surge visa numbers.
Immigration stats show a 73 percent increase in visitors on pre-Covid figures.
Most are either students or tourists.
But, Into NZ Immigration Advisor Katy Armstrong told Kate Hawkesby many will be family members who've recently been able to apply to come into the country.
She says they had to wait till July 31, to apply for their spouses to come via the visitor visa category.
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Katy Armstrong: Immigration advisor on surge in visa application numbers

Satisfaction the vast majority of the country's Corrections workers are good eggs, despite the arrest of 14 Auckland staff.  

A dozen have been charged with accepting bribes, while several are also charged with conspiring to supply a Class A drug —namely methamphetamine— to prisoners. 

They worked at the Mt Eden and Auckland South facilities.  

Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Ryan Bridge it's a small portion of the 11 thousand workforce, and he's satisfied the recruiting process is up to snuff. 

He’s confident low wages aren’t behind the acts, as you can’t buy integrity. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Satisfaction the vast majority of the country's Corrections workers are good eggs, despite the arrest of 14 Auckland staff. &nbsp;
A dozen have been charged with accepting bribes, while several are also charged with conspiring to supply a Class A drug —namely methamphetamine— to prisoners.&nbsp;
They worked at the Mt Eden and Auckland South facilities. &nbsp;
Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Ryan Bridge it's a small portion of the 11 thousand workforce, and he's satisfied the recruiting process is up to snuff.&nbsp;
He’s confident low wages aren’t behind the acts, as you can’t buy integrity.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Mark Mitchell: Police Minister on the arrest of corrections staff for corruption, accepting bribes

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/54557838-b60e-4fa8-a62f-b450014b5073/transcript

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 21 May.

Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 21 May. 
Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Full Show Podcast: 21 May 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/54516910-fd20-487b-b093-b450012acb45/transcript

Retailers are feeling the pinch, with card spending plunging across the board. 

Stats NZ data reveals retail electronic card purchases dropped 1.3% last month. 

Kiwis are spending more overall compared to last year, but on cheaper food and are cutting back on buying items like clothing. 

Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young told Ryan Bridge margins are being squeezed and cash flows is tight. 

She says the cost of things like freight and rubbish collection are up, and retailers are bearing the brunt 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Retailers are feeling the pinch, with card spending plunging across the board.&nbsp;
Stats NZ data reveals retail electronic card purchases dropped 1.3% last month.&nbsp;
Kiwis are spending more overall compared to last year, but on cheaper food and are cutting back on buying items like clothing.&nbsp;
Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young told Ryan Bridge margins are being squeezed and cash flows is tight.&nbsp;
She says the cost of things like freight and rubbish collection are up, and retailers are bearing the brunt&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on card spend data dropping by 1.3% in April

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/d0b4f437-b31d-4cc2-889d-b44f01848f48/transcript

Katy Armstrong: Immigration advisor on surge in visa application numbers

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