A sociology expert says the inequality is likely contributing to people leaving New Zealand in droves.

New Stats NZ figures show New Zealand had an annual net migration gain of nearly 54,000 people in the year to August.

The 134,000 departures are the highest on record — driven by more than 81,000 Kiwis heading offshore.

Auckland University sociology professor Francis Collins told Francesca Rudkin we need to think about what kind of society we have.

He says it's quite clear inequality has increased over the past few decades - evidenced by issues in the health system and housing unaffordability.

LISTEN ABOVE