Population growth from migration continues at an all time high, with a record net population gain of 72,402 people from migration in the 12 months to the end of July, according to Statistics NZ.

The net gain from migration has increased by nearly 700% over the last four years, steadily rising from 10,569 in the 12 months to July 2013 to 72,402 in the 12 months to July this year.

In the 12 months to July this year it was driven by 132,089 people arriving in this country on a permanent or long term basis, while 59,687 departed permanently or long term, leaving a net gain of 72,402.

Of the 132,089 arrivals, 45,397 were on work visas, 38,740 were New Zealand or Australian citizens (who do not require visas), 24,132 were on student visas and 16,661 were on residency visas.

However many of those who arrive on shot term visas such as work or student visas apply for residency once they are here and become permanent residents.

"The high net migration was mostly driven buy non-New Zealand citizens," Statistics NZ said.

In the 12 months to July there was a net gain of 73,514 non-New Zealand citizens, while there was a net loss of 1112 New Zealand citizens, as more New Zealanders left the country permanently or long term than arrived back from extended stays overseas.

The biggest source countries for new migrants were China with a net gain of 9961 from that country in the 12 months to July, plus another 816 from Hong Kong, followed by India 7444, the UK 6750, South Africa 4862, and the Philippines 4709.

By international region the biggest source of new migrants was Asia with a net gain of 33,212, followed by Europe 17,029, Africa and the Middle East 8130, Oceania 4448, and the Americas 43680.

Auckland remains the biggest destination for new migrants by far, with an estimated net gain to its population of 36,753 in the 12 months to July.

Plus almost 19,000 people did not state where they intended to live when they arrived, which means migration is probably adding a net gain of around 40,000 additional residents to Auckland's population each year, adding to the already substantial pressures on the region's infrastructure, such as housing, transport, schools and health services.

The second most popular destination was Canterbury with a net gain of 12,841 followed Wellington 10,532.