The changes include new income thresholds.

New Zealand has announced it is introducing tougher requirements for skilled overseas workers, mostly Indians, as it tries to control immigration numbers that have reached a record high.

New Zealand's immigration minister Michael Woodhouse said in a speech the government was unapologetic that industries relying on overseas workers are finding it harder to recruit people from abroad. "We are absolutely committed to the principle of Kiwis first," he said.

The changes include new income thresholds. To qualify as skilled, immigrants will need to get a job in which they earn at least the median income.

To qualify as highly skilled, they will need to earn at least 150 per cent of the median income.