More than 8% more migrants settled in New Zealand in the year to July when compared with the same period to July 2018, according to Statistics NZ estimates.

Stats NZ estimates that in the year to July 2019 there was a net migration gain of 52,722 compared with 48,709 for the 12 months to July 2018.

Migrant arrivals, at over 149,000, were up 7.7% on the previous 12 months to July, while migrant departures at 96,300, were up 6.9%.

Stats NZ said for migrant arrivals in the July 2019 year, New Zealand citizens were the largest group with 35,000 arrivals.

The next largest groups were citizens of: China, with 19,100, India with 12,500, South Africa 9,200, Australia 8,800 and the Philippines 8,100.

For migrant departures in the July 2019 year, New Zealand citizens were the largest group with 48,600 departures.

The next largest groups were citizens of: China 7,800, United Kingdom 6,100, Australia 4,300 and India 4,200.

In the July 2019 month Stats NZ estimated that arrivals were 14,600, up 13%, while departurs were up 5% to 8,600.

The net gain was 6,064 compared with 4,870 in July 2018.