Lifestyle biggest drawcard to NZ

NZ's relaxed lifestyle is the leading reason people migrate here. Photo / Paul Estcourt

New Zealand's relaxed lifestyle is the leading reason people come here to live, according to new statistics.

Statistics New Zealand's longitudinal immigration survey put lifestyle (44 per cent) at the top of the list of reasons people want to live here.

The climate or clean and green environment came in second at 40 per cent, with a desire to provide a better future for children following at 39 per cent.

The survey showed 93 per cent of permanent migrants indicated they were satisfied or very satisfied with life in New Zealand, while almost the same amount said they planned to stay for three years or more.

Statistics showed 95 per cent of skilled migrants were in the labour force and another 2 per cent were seeking work.

A lack of New Zealand work experience was the most commonly reported reason for struggling to find work.

Almost 87 per cent of permanent migrants generally had a high level of English language ability.

- NZPA