Annual population growth from migration has dropped back to its lowest level since 2015.

The latest figures from Statistics NZ show there was a net gain of 63,288 migrants in the 12 months to August, the lowest it has been for that 12 month period since 2015.

That compares with a net gain of 72,072 in the 12 months to August last year.

And the figures suggest the numbers are continuing to fall, with the net gain of 4629 in the month of August the lowest it has been for August since 2013.

In the 12 months to August there were 129,088 permanent or long term arrivals, which was down 2.3% compared to the previous 12 months, and 65,800 permanent and long term departures, which was up 9.5% compared to the previous 12 months.

That provided a net gain of 63,288, which was down 8784 (-12.2%) compared to a year earlier.

There was a net loss of 2430 New Zealand citizens in the year to August, as more New Zealanders left for overseas than arrived back after an extended stay, and a net gain of 65,718 citizens of other countries.

China provided the biggest net gain in the year to August, followed by India, South Africa, the UK and the Philippines.

The biggest two way migration traffic is with Australia, although travel in both directions is fairly well balanced, with 25,449 people leaving this country for Australia in the year to August, while 24,233 arrived here from across the ditch, leaving a net loss 1216 people to Australia in the year to August.

Of the 129,088 people who arrived in this country on a permanent or long term basis in the 12 months to August, 46,836 were on work visas, 38,151 were NZ or Australian citizens (who do not require visas), 23,394 were on student visas and 13,306 were on residency visas.

Auckland remains the main destination for migrants with a net gain of at least 32,095 in the 12 months to August,

That was down compared to Auckland's net gain of 36,796 in the previous 12 months and 32,187 in the 12 months to August 2016.

However many migrants to not state their intended detination when they arrive in this country, which means Auckland's total propulation gain from migration in the 12 months to August 2018 was probably closer to 38,000.