WELLINGTON: New Zealand posted its biggest net migration gains in 11 years in April, official data showed on Wednesday, as fewer New Zealanders moved to Australia while more people settled in the country.

The country posted a seasonally adjusted net gain of 4,080 people for the month, its highest since February 2003, compared with an upwardly revised 3,890 in March.

For the year to April 30, there was a net gain of 34,366 permanent and long-term migrants, the highest annual figure since December 2003.

The number of short-term visitors to New Zealand rose 11.8 percent in April on a year ago, led by visitors from Australia, the United States, and Germany.

The government agency said a major driver of the rise was the Easter holiday, which was entirely in April this year.