An economist says net migration could flip in the near future - with more leaving the country than arriving

Stats NZ says New Zealand had an annual net migration gain of nearly 54-thousand people in the year to August - against 110-thousand people the year before.

The 134-thousand departures are the highest on record - driven by more than 81-thousand Kiwis heading offshore.

ASB senior economist Kim Mundy says we could see net outflows if things continue.

She says New Zealand's allure has substantially faded - and there's a risk that people coming may not be able to get a job.