Migration after Covid-19: New Zealand closed the border to prioritise the wellbeing of everyone here, and when we reopen it, we should have the same goal in mind

Abstract

New Zealand has put up a ‘no entry’ sign. As well as stopping international tourism, we have turned off historically high rates of inward economic migration, forgoing what has been at best a small positive impact on GDP per capita. With pause pressed on inflows, immigration is presently all stock, with no meaningful flow across the border.