According to figures released by the Department of Labour (DoL), the number of migrants requiring state benefits in New Zealand has dropped dramatically.

Figures from the DoL show that the number of new migrants requiring benefits from the New Zealand government has fallen from 6.7% in 2001 to 2.3% in 2006, a drop which Immigration Minister David Cunliffe attributes in part to changes that have been made in New Zealand immigration policy.

Mr. Cunliffe said: Some migrants need financial support while they build their new life in New Zealand. However, it is vital skilled people coming here contribute to our workforce straight away. That's why immigration policy has shifted focus to selecting migrants who are more likely to be employable.

Further statistics show that the rate for skilled and business migrants receiving a benefit during their first two years in New Zealand has dropped from 1.3% in 2001 to just 0.4% in 2006. Moreover, 94% of skilled and business migrants who gained residency in 2004 were working for pay or profit in 2007, a figure which Mr. Cunliffe puts down to the New Zealand's strong economy and buoyant labour market.

A further recent change in legislation now allows new migrants a period of nine months to find a job in New Zealand, and additional three months longer than the previous allowance.