Immigration to be key election issue

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http://www.3news.co.nz/Immigration-to-be-key-election-issue/tabid/423/articleID/344673/Default.aspx

With population growth expected to accelerate this year, immigration is shaping up as a key election issue.

And where there's talk of immigration, there's Winston Peters.

Labour says capping new arrivals could help ease house prices, but the Government has ruled that out.
There is one thing they agree on, though - Mr Peters has it wrong.

The country's population could increase by more than 40,000 people this year, putting pressure on infrastructure and raising house prices.

Mr Peters' answer is to restrict immigration and send new arrivals to the regions for five years.

But Bill English says National are not keen on that sort of deal, and David Cunliffe agrees.

"We believe people are communities not commodities. So you can't just force someone to go live somewhere," says Mr Cunliffe.

Where Labour and National are divided is on whether to restrict the number of people allowed to enter New Zealand.

The Government says the population boom is due to kiwis not leaving, and there is no need to cap arrivals.

"A steady inflow allows us to get the skills we need," says Mr English. "Also bring[ing] close family members for people who are already here has been a steady successful policy for New Zealand. It [has] helped grow our economy."

Mr Cunliffe says Labour, when last in government, targeted net migration of between 5,000 and 15,000.

It is now expected to be around 38,000 and Labour says it would want to cut that back.

"The easiest way to do it is to look at the numbers that are able to come in under different categories and just to manage the points system, so you take the very best and most suitable for the skill gaps."

Whether either party will be able to follow through on those policies will depend on September's election and any coalition negotiations.

"It's no surprise that Winston Peters brings up migration on the eve of an election," says Mr English. "It's a bit of an old sore."

However, it is an old sore that could become a new headache for either Labour or National.

As population grows along with interest rates voters will be looking for answers.

And they might look for those from Winston.