A sociologist isn't worried about net migration inching closer to zero. 

New Stats NZ data shows there was an annual net migration gain of around 32,000 in the year to January, down on December. 

Migrant departures also rose 18% to almost 123,000 in that time, the highest on record for an annual period. 

But Massey University's Paul Spoonley told Mike Hosking we don't know about the skills of those departing. 

He says we also need to ask if we're also seeing unskilled and semi-skilled workers leaving and therefore exporting part of our unemployment rate. 

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