Immigration has become a key election issue with opposition parties promising to reduce new arrivals because of the effect on house prices and pressure on key infrastructure. Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse announced the changes today as part of a package of changes. He said changes announced in October were designed to reduce the number of migrants, those announced today were aimed at increasing the quality of people coming to New Zealand. Record migration, which is underpinning New Zealand's economic growth and putting pressure on infrastructure, has shown no sign of letting up. However, in October Mr Woodhouse announced changes that meant those coming to New Zealand under the skilled migrant category would need 160 points before getting residency, rather than 140.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 18, 2017 23:03 UTC