Net migration is expected to stay low, with global affairs keeping many people where they are.  

Stats NZ data shows there was a net migration gain of only 26 thousand in the year to March, down from more than 100 thousand the year before. 

It says the fall is mainly due to fewer migrant couples arriving, with a slight increase in departures.  

Massey University Sociologist Paul Spoonley told Mike Hosking a big question mark hovers around the migration figures. 

He says he’s unsure whether the numbers will keep, or if it’s going to keep dropping and New Zealand will see something similar to the net loss seen during the global financial crisis. 

LISTEN ABOVE