Families who were split up by the borders being closed, may now be inflating a surge visa numbers.

Immigration stats show a 73 percent increase in visitors on pre-Covid figures.

Most are either students or tourists.

But, Into NZ Immigration Advisor Katy Armstrong told Kate Hawkesby many will be family members who've recently been able to apply to come into the country.

She says they had to wait till July 31, to apply for their spouses to come via the visitor visa category.

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