According to rttnews, New Zealand's net migration increased in September from a year ago, driven both by more arrivals and fewer departures, figures from Statistics New Zealand showed Friday.

In the year to September 30, the country recorded a net migration of 70,000, surpassing the previous peak of 69,100 in August.

The seasonally adjusted net gain of migrants totaled 6,300 in September, which was above the previous record of 6,200 in November 2015.

Visitor arrivals to the country numbered 245,100 in September, up by 28,100 from a year ago. Overseas trips by New Zealand residents totaled 267,900, up by 32,300 as compared to same month last year.

"Most of the arrivals are people coming in with work visas, which also includes working holidaymakers," population statistics manager, Jo-Anne Skinner, said.