IVA Classifications and Definitions

Last updated: April 2008

International Visitor Arrival data is recorded using particular groupings (classifications) and terms. This page provides a list of those classifications and definitions to aid you in interpreting the data.

Classifications

This section provides information on the groupings or classifications that are used in the International Visitor Arrivals, including:

Geographical classifications

Visitor type classifications
Main purpose of travel classifications
Geographical Classifications
Within the survey there is one main set of classifications relating to the respondents country of origin. Below is a list of the classifications relating to this set.

Visitor Type Classifications

Depending on their intended length of stay in New Zealand or time away from New Zealand respondents are grouped into a different class of visitor type. Below is a list of the different classifications for visitor type used in International Visitor Arrivals.

Short-term overseas visitor arrivals
Short-term overseas visitor departure
Short-term New Zealand resident departures
Short-term New Zealand resident arrivals
Permanent and long-term (PLT) arrivals
Permanent and long-term departures

Within the tourism datasets, information is presented showing Short-term overseas visitor arrivals, and Short-term New Zealand resident departures.

Main Purpose of Travel Classifications

Below is a list of the different classifications used for purpose of travel in the survey.

Holiday / vacation
Visiting friends or relatives
Business
Conference / convention
Education
Other

Definitions

This section defines the key words and concepts used in International Visitor Arrivals data.

Citizenship/Nationality - Country of citizenship as on passport

Class - This divides arrivals and departures into one of three categories:

Short-term NZ residents; Short term visitors; Permanent and long-term.

Country of Last Permanent Residence - The country where a person last lived for a period of 12 months or more

Country of Next Permanent Residence - The country where a person next intends to live for at least 12 months, other than NZ.

Length of Stay/Absence - The intended length of time in NZ, intended and actual length of time absent from NZ

Permanent & Long-Term (PLT) Arrivals - Permanent and long-term arrivals include overseas migrants who arrive in New Zealand intending to stay for a period of 12 months or more (or permanently), plus New Zealand residents returning after an absence of 12 months or more.

Permanent & Long-Term (PLT) Departures - Permanent and long-term departures include New Zealand residents departing for an intended period of 12 months or more (or permanently), plus overseas visitors departing from New Zealand after a stay of 12 months or more.

Port of Embarkation/Disembarkation - The port where the passenger has embarked or disembarked from the flight. It is not necessarily the final destination of the flight.

Purpose of Travel - The intended reason for visiting NZ, or visiting another country.

Short-term Overseas Visitor Arrival - People from overseas who arrive in New Zealand intending to stay for less than one year.

Short-term Overseas Visitor Departure - Overseas residents who depart NZ after a stay of less than one year.

Short-term NZ Resident Departure - NZ residents who depart overseas for a trip of less than one year

Short-term NZ Resident Arrival - NZ residents who arrive from overseas after a trip of less than one year

State of Last Permanent Residence - The state, county, province or prefecture where a person last lived for a period of 12 months or more.

Travel Mode - Mode of travel in/out of New Zealand (i.e. air, sea cruise, sea other).

Source: Statistics New Zealand

ˆ Back to top