Migration, (or residential mobility), together with births and deaths are significant components of population change in New Zealand. The movement of people into, and out of an area directly influences the characteristics of the population, and the community's aspirations. Demand for services and facilities in an area will also be influenced by the characteristics of people moving in and out, and their family status (eg. with young children).

The main types of migration in New Zealand are migration to and from overseas, and migration within New Zealand. The most common form of migration is within New Zealand, and this largely involves moves between neighbouring and existing urban areas where moves are often short.

Understanding where current residents have moved from helps in predicting future mobility patterns and demographic change. Understanding where your residents are moving to indicates areas of population growth and possible strategies councils can use to retain and attract residents.

Generally, areas of new housing growth attract residents from established areas, especially young couples and families, coastal communities attract retirees and people seeking a lifestyle change, while inner city areas, and areas near universities attract young adults. These are broad general trends, while local demographic patterns also have a major impact on population movement.

The data below provides a summary of where current residents lived five years prior to the last Census.