New migration numbers may be painting a bleak picture of our economy. 

New Zealand saw it's highest net migration loss to Australia in the year to December in more than a decade - with 30 thousand leaving.

Overall net migration for the May 2025 year levelled out at a gain of just under 15 thousand. 

But ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith told Andrew Dickens net migration is normally about a 30 thousand person inflow. 

He says over the past few years, there's been a sharp slowdown in the number of people coming in, and we've also seen record numbers leaving - which reflects the weakness in the economy. 

LISTEN ABOVE

New migration numbers may be painting a bleak picture of our economy.&nbsp;
New Zealand saw it's highest net migration loss to Australia in the year to December in more than a decade - with 30 thousand leaving.
Overall net migration for the May 2025 year levelled out at a gain of just under 15 thousand.&nbsp;
But ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith told Andrew Dickens net migration is normally about a 30 thousand person inflow.&nbsp;
He says over the past few years, there's been a sharp slowdown in the number of people coming in, and we've also seen record numbers leaving - which reflects the weakness in the economy.&nbsp;
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

Mark Smith: ASB Senior Economist on new migration numbers

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/d50fa4f0-0447-4e1c-9288-b316012c8965/transcript

The Reserve Bank's proposal to set up more branches and ATMs has left one expert stunned. 

It's asking for public feedback on requiring banks to provide accessible cash services countrywide, free of charge.  

It includes ensuring those in urban areas can reach a service by walking.  

But Massey University Banking Professor Claire Matthews says the need isn't high enough to warrant banks spending money on this plan, which she says has come out of left field.  

She told Ryan Bridge that while the disaster argument does carry water, this doesn’t seem to be the right solution, as it’s not clear cash has been lacking in most of the one’s we’ve had. 

LISTEN ABOVE  

The Reserve Bank's proposal to set up more branches and ATMs has left one expert stunned.&nbsp;
It's asking for public feedback on requiring banks to provide accessible cash services countrywide, free of charge. &nbsp;
It includes ensuring those in urban areas can reach a service by walking. &nbsp;
But Massey University Banking Professor Claire Matthews says the need isn't high enough to warrant banks spending money on this plan, which she says has come out of left field. &nbsp;
She told Ryan Bridge that while the disaster argument does carry water, this doesn’t seem to be the right solution, as it’s not clear cash has been lacking in most of the one’s we’ve had.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Claire Matthews: Massey University Banking Professor on the Reserve Bank's push to increase cash

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/b2ce4ae4-5d05-4d6b-9e82-b3fc01721cfe/transcript

The last piece of the puzzle for overnight air traffic control, with the Government opening up a new 24/7 alternative runway for commercial airlines.  

Funding's been approved for the round-the-clock service at Ōhakea Air Force base, near Palmerston North.  

Under aviation laws, commercial flights must nominate an alternative runway in case a plane can't land at its destination.  

Board of Airline Representatives Executive Director Cath O'Brien told Ryan Bridge this is important as long-haul aircraft often start running low on fuel.  

She says it's key to have an airport where airlines can divert to if they need, and then get on their way once they refuel. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

The last piece of the puzzle for overnight air traffic control, with the Government opening up a new 24/7 alternative runway for commercial airlines. &nbsp;
Funding's been approved for the round-the-clock service at Ōhakea Air Force base, near Palmerston North. &nbsp;
Under aviation laws, commercial flights must nominate an alternative runway in case a plane can't land at its destination.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Board of Airline Representatives Executive Director Cath O'Brien told Ryan Bridge this is important as long-haul aircraft often start running low on fuel. &nbsp;
She says it's key to have an airport where airlines can divert to if they need, and then get on their way once they refuel.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Cath O'Brien: Board of Airline Representatives Executive Director on the Ōhakea Air Force based being greenlit as an alternative runway for commercial planes

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/6d2b594b-11dc-4812-bc5d-b3fc0169c6d9/transcript

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, Dairy NZ have unveiled their state of the dairy nation report, Federated Farmers Dairy Chair Karl Dean shares his thoughts. 

The Government says the control tower at Ohakea air base will soon operate 24/7, making it the country’s official back-up airport, Board of Airline Representatives of New Zealand Executive Director Cath O'Brien tells Ryan Bridge how big of a difference this will make for airlines. 

The Reserve Bank is asking the public for feedback on a proposal that banks must provide a minimum level of cash services, Professor at Massey University Business School Claire Matthews, shares her thoughts. 

Plus US Correspondent Katie Fisher has the latest on the reaction to Trump's State of the nation speech. 

Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.          

LISTEN ABOVE  

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast 2025, Dairy NZ have unveiled their state of the dairy nation report, Federated Farmers Dairy Chair Karl Dean shares his thoughts.&nbsp;
The Government says the control tower at Ohakea air base will soon operate 24/7, making it the country’s official back-up airport, Board of Airline Representatives of New Zealand Executive Director Cath O'Brien tells Ryan Bridge how big of a difference this will make for airlines.&nbsp;
The Reserve Bank is asking the public for feedback on a proposal that banks must provide a minimum level of cash services, Professor at Massey University Business School Claire Matthews, shares her thoughts.&nbsp;
Plus US Correspondent Katie Fisher has the latest on the reaction to Trump's State of the nation speech.&nbsp;
Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Full Show Podcast: 26 February 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/64f204d9-1a07-4a08-a2b5-b3fc011a92e9/transcript

Mark Smith: ASB Senior Economist on new migration numbers

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