Migration continues to play a vital role in New Zealand's social and economic development. The 2025 Migrant Perceptions Survey — Eastern Bridge's largest to date, with 18,000 respondents across 20 regions — reveals a community under growing pressure. While migrants continue to value life in New Zealand, the findings point to a clear need for action on cost of living, healthcare access, and mental health support.
Introduction
Migration continues to play a vital role in New Zealand's social and economic development. Migrants contribute to the workforce, establish businesses, and strengthen international connections that benefit the country's economy and global engagement. Asian migrants remain one of the fastest-growing population groups in New Zealand — currently representing around 15% of the population, a proportion expected to increase significantly in the coming decades.
Despite their growing importance, there remains relatively limited local-level data about how migrants experience life in New Zealand communities. The Migrant Perceptions Survey was established by Eastern Bridge in 2017 to address this gap — collecting direct feedback from migrants about quality of life, access to services, employment, community integration, safety, and future intentions.
The 2025 survey represents the largest iteration to date, with 18,000 respondents from across New Zealand. While migrants continue to value many aspects of life here, the results reveal growing pressures — particularly relating to cost of living, housing, healthcare, and mental health.
"The 2025 results do not suggest migrants are abandoning New Zealand. They suggest that New Zealand needs to work harder to retain the people it has attracted." — Eastern Bridge, Migrant Perceptions Survey 2025
Survey Methodology
The survey is conducted annually using an online questionnaire distributed through migrant media networks, community organisations, and social media platforms. New Zealand is divided into 20 regions and sub-regions for analytical purposes. The 2025 survey was available in Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, and English.
Respondent Growth (2021–2025)
Respondent Profile — Nationality / Language Background
| Language / Nationality | % of Respondents | Estimated NZ Population |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese | 45% | ~220,000 |
| Korean | 22% | ~50,000 |
| Japanese | 10% | ~35,000 |
| Indian | 8% | ~240,000 |
| Filipino | 6% | ~100,000 |
| Vietnamese | 4% | ~20,000 |
| Thai | 2% | ~10,000 |
| Other | 3% | — |
Overall Perception — The Welcoming Index
The survey produces an annual "Welcoming Index" reflecting how migrants perceive New Zealand overall. At 69% in 2025, the index is at its lowest since 2021, driven primarily by economic pressures and declining service accessibility.
Key Satisfaction Indicators — 2022 vs 2025
Respondents rated satisfaction across ten key areas. The comparison below highlights where conditions have improved and where they have deteriorated.
| Indicator | 2022 Score | 2025 Score | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcoming community | 7.4 | 7.2 | ▼ −0.2 |
| Employment opportunities | 6.8 | 6.1 | ▼ −0.7 |
| Safety | 5.8 | 6.2 | ▲ +0.4 |
| Healthcare access | 5.6 | 4.9 | ▼ −0.7 |
| Education quality | 6.1 | 5.4 | ▼ −0.7 |
| Housing affordability | 5.0 | 5.3 | ▲ +0.3 |
| Transport | 5.7 | 5.5 | ▼ −0.2 |
| Cost of living | 4.6 | 4.1 | ▼ −0.5 |
| Government services | 5.4 | 5.0 | ▼ −0.4 |
| Lifestyle / livability | 7.2 | 6.5 | ▼ −0.7 |
Safety perceptions have improved slightly since 2022, and housing affordability has stabilised. However, healthcare access and cost of living show the largest declines — reflecting broader national trends affecting all New Zealanders, not just migrants.
Migrants and the Economy
Migrants continue to play an important role in the New Zealand economy, with many possessing higher education qualifications and professional experience. However, survey respondents report increasing economic pressures across the board.
Top Economic Concerns
Migrant Business Ownership
Among the 18,000 respondents, a significant proportion are business owners. Common sectors include hospitality, retail, technology, construction, and professional services.
| Business Status | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Started their own business | 67% |
| Purchased existing business | 16% |
| Family business | 11% |
| Other | 6% |
Top Concerns for Migrant Business Owners
Housing and Affordability
Housing remains one of the most frequently discussed issues among migrants. While house prices have stabilised somewhat in recent years, affordability remains a major challenge — particularly for the 61% of respondents who are renting.
Healthcare Access
Healthcare access is one of the most concerning findings in the 2025 survey, with the indicator dropping from 5.6 to 4.9 — the largest single decline of any measured area. Respondents reported long waiting times and difficulty accessing specialist care, with migrants in smaller regional communities particularly affected.
Education
Education remains highly important to migrant communities — many choose New Zealand partly because of its education system. However, concerns have increased significantly in recent years, with parents citing declining academic performance standards and reduced classroom resources.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Mental health concerns have increased significantly since the previous survey. Many migrants reported experiencing stress related to financial pressure, immigration uncertainty, family separation, and social isolation.
The finding that 27% of respondents are considering leaving New Zealand is a significant signal for regional workforce and community planners. These are not new arrivals — they are established migrants with skills, businesses, and community ties who are reassessing their long-term future in New Zealand.
Regional Trends
Regional New Zealand is becoming more attractive to migrants due to lifestyle and affordability advantages. However, migrants also report limited economic opportunities outside major cities — a tension that regional economic development agencies need to address.
| Region | Approval Score |
|---|---|
| Auckland | 72% |
| Wellington | 70% |
| Bay of Plenty | 69% |
| Waikato | 68% |
| Hawke's Bay | 67% |
Key Findings Summary
Declining Overall Satisfaction
The Welcoming Index has fallen to 69% — its lowest since 2021 — driven by economic pressures and service accessibility concerns, not a rejection of New Zealand as a destination.
Cost of Living is the Primary Pressure
78% cite cost of living as a major concern. Rising food prices, rent, and transportation costs are affecting migrants' ability to build financial security.
Healthcare Access is Deteriorating
The largest single indicator decline since 2022. GP availability and specialist wait times are the primary concerns, particularly in regional communities.
Mental Health Pressures Rising
49% report high stress levels. The combination of financial pressure, immigration uncertainty, and social isolation is creating a mental health challenge that communities need to address.
Migrant Entrepreneurship Remains Strong
Migrants continue to play a major role in business creation — but face significant headwinds from staff shortages, regulatory complexity, and immigration policy uncertainty.
Regional NZ Growing in Attractiveness
Lifestyle and affordability are drawing migrants to regional centres. However, limited employment opportunities remain a barrier to long-term settlement outside major cities.
Recommendations for Communities
Improve Access to Information
Local governments should prioritise translation of information relating to healthcare, employment, housing, and business regulations. Clear information reduces misinformation and improves integration outcomes.
Support Language & Employment Training
Expanded ESOL and workplace training programmes help migrants improve employment outcomes, access higher-skill jobs, and integrate more effectively into communities.
Promote Migrant Entrepreneurship
Local economic development agencies should support migrant business networks, promote international trade opportunities, and encourage investment partnerships.
Strengthen Community Engagement
Communities should support multicultural events, migrant community organisations, and international exchange programmes — reducing isolation and strengthening social cohesion.
"Migration remains an essential part of New Zealand's future. By listening to migrant voices and implementing practical solutions, New Zealand can ensure it remains a welcoming and prosperous destination for migrants in the years ahead." — Eastern Bridge, Migrant Perceptions Survey 2025 Conclusion
- Eastern Bridge Limited. Migrant Perceptions Survey 2025. 18,021 respondents, 20 regions, 2025.
- Statistics New Zealand. 2023 Census — Ethnic Group Profiles. stats.govt.nz.
- Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Migration Trends 2024. Wellington, 2024.
- New Zealand Treasury. Economic Outlook 2025. Wellington, 2025.
- Health New Zealand. Primary Care Access Report 2024. Wellington, 2024.