Because of Covid, and maybe because of the war, the fact this country went backwards in numbers last week, as in population, sort of got passed by.

Too much of what is happening in this country that will affect us long after the virus has been dealt to has been passing us by.

This country lost 7,500 people in the last year. More people left than arrived.

Now, with the borders closed and freedom of movement curtailed, is that a surprise? I think it is, because all we have heard about for two years are the army of ex-pats that can't wait to get home, and presuming, even with the limitations of MIQ, that a decent chunk of them did.

Why did even more leave? And now that the border is basically set to go, many more are going to follow.

What restriction provides is a false economy. The more you limit people, the more artificial it becomes. Now, that movement is becoming freer, or more normal choice is expanded

That's why recruiters are sending out warning signs about a brain drain. Yes, those who haven't gone on their OE will leave. That's no big deal because they always have, and generally they will be back in later life.

But what Covid put into real contrast is that there are a massive number of New Zealanders who don’t live here, about one million. You have to ask yourself, why? They are not all backpackers on a Contiki tour. You also have to ask yourself, and maybe even worry, that what this country has gone through these past two years has cemented in the minds of many that this isn't a country for them. And given the chance they are off.

What do they take with them? Experience and skills. And who replaces them?

The statistics show we are losing. Growth is as a result of migration, of more people coming than leaving.

A country, especially one this small can't afford to lose skills, talent, and young people. Especially if they are not replaced.

We are starting to look like the Pacific Islands, a place to leave. Nice for a holiday, but you wouldn't want to live there.

A person leaving for good is an indictment on what the country offers, and when more leave than arrive, surely the alarm bells have to ring.