How many people New Zealand lets in, and on what terms, shapes the labour market and housing demand.
Net migration reached record highs after the borders reopened, then fell sharply. Parties disagree on whether high migration helps the economy or strains housing and infrastructure.
ACT wants tighter conditions, such as welfare stand-downs and replacing permanent residence, but has not proposed a lower number of residence visas. Source
The Greens want to widen residence pathways, including for long-term migrants and people whose visas have expired, rather than reduce residence numbers. Source
Labour would set immigration goals based on housing and infrastructure capacity and lengthen the wait for permanent residence, but has set no target to cut numbers. Source
National's government opened new skilled residence pathways in 2025 and has not proposed cutting residence numbers, though Luxon promises careful immigration policy. Source
NZ First wants to substantially reduce non-essential immigration and hold a referendum on a legislated cap of 20,000 resident visas a year. Source
UnconfirmedNo 2026 Te Pāti Māori policy on residence visa numbers was found. Source
UnconfirmedNo specific position on residence numbers was found; the party has called for a long-term population policy linking migration to infrastructure. Source
Several visa categories already offer quicker residency for in-demand roles such as nurses and engineers. Some want these lists widened; others want them narrowed.
UnconfirmedACT wants skilled visa categories to expire yearly unless employers show current demand, but has not proposed faster residency for shortage workers. Source
The Greens want fair and achievable residency pathways for all migrant workers, not only those in shortage sectors. Source
Labour has not proposed faster pathways for shortage workers; its 2026 policy doubles the wait for permanent residence from two to four years. Source
National's government created new residence pathways for experienced skilled and trades workers, saying it was too hard for some skilled migrants to gain residence. Source
NZ First opposed the government's new skilled residence pathways and wants longer qualifying periods, though it supports a shortage-led work visa. Source
UnconfirmedNo 2026 Te Pāti Māori policy on skilled migrant residency was found. Source
UnconfirmedNo specific policy was found; the party has spoken generally about attracting and keeping skilled people within a planned population policy. Source