It seems Treasury warned the Government months ago that record levels of immigration could push New Zealanders out of low skilled jobs, depress wages and increase housing pressures.

The advice was given to Finance Minister Bill English in December.

It was in papers forming the basis for immigration policy discussions with ministerial colleagues.

Immigration lawyer Mark Williams told Mike Hosking it's to do with students coming here who have the right to work part time and working towards gaining higher skilled positions to qualify for residency.

"One of the things the report touched on was the fact that it looked at potentially depressing wages, but we're seeing no difference between what migrants are getting paid and Kiwis are getting paid."

LISTEN TO MARK WILLIAMS SPEAK TO MIKE HOSKING ABOVE