The Prime Minister believes record immigration's a good problem to have - despite its toll on housing, infrastructure and services.

Statistics New Zealand data shows just over 71 thousand migrants arrived here in the year to January.

That's more than ever before.

Bill English said more New Zealanders are returning than we've seen since the 90s.

He said there's also a major skills shortage - and migrants are filling those gaps.

"This is what it feels like to be in a growing economy with some confidence and some direction and the Government is focused on supporting that growth, not trying to shut it off."