The influx of migrants into Otago, and especially into coastal Otago, is good news. As Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull said, the immigration is ''very encouraging''.
In the year to the end of February 2015, Otago gained 1507 more people than it lost through overseas migration.
And just in case anyone thought this was mostly because of the rampant growth in Queenstown Lakes, nearly two-third of that total is for Otago's other four districts.
Dunedin's gain was 659, Queenstown Lakes' 536, Waitaki's 125, Central Otago's 112 and Clutha's 75.
While the growth in Queenstown and Wanaka draws mixed reactions - some are all for ''progress'' while others are horrified or cautious - the three eastern districts are all aware of the dangers of depopulation, lost services and downwards spirals.
They each welcome, almost across the board, some increases in numbers. Many small rural towns, in particular, are under strain from ageing and shrinking populations.
It is against this background the increases are especially welcome. While they may or may not compensate for departures to other parts of this country, they help bring new blood and new life.
While the 859, including Dunedin, might be small compared with the national figure of 55,121 (about 1.6%, the 1507 Otago-wide is 2.7%), it is still significant.
The migrants come from many parts of the world.
In Dunedin, the net gain of 97 from China (almost all the Chinese net migration to Otago is to Dunedin) is only one less than the UK influx.
Other Dunedin figures are North Africa and the Middle East, 44, India 43, the Philippines 36, Germany 35, the rest of Asia 165.
The big figures for Queenstown Lakes are Australia 226, Oceania 231 and the UK 113.
How ironic the Government has recently closed the efficient Immigration NZ Dunedin office, with centralisation in Christchurch.
It provided a much-needed personal touch to the difficulties new migrants often face, whether they be refugees or professionals.
What is most extraordinary is the turnaround with Australia.
After decades when departures exceeded arrivals, the net gain across Otago was 280, with much of that to Queenstown Lakes.
The stalling economy and mining's retrenchment across the Tasman have been well-publicised and the respective dollars approaching parity pegs back some of wage differences.
The slowdown in losses (from about 1000 a year over the previous three) to Australia began to be marked in the year ending February 2014, with the turnaround taking place over the past year.
Attitudes in Australia towards this country have been changing.
The long-held dole-bludger stereotype - it's many years since new New Zealanders in Australia have been eligible - is weakening and New Zealand's beauty and its advantages are being recognised.
It is not just Australian tourists but also residents who are choosing to come here.
While New Zealanders should be proud of the attractiveness of our little nation, we should not be at all complacent.
The relative economic success remains fragile with milk prices having soured, with continuing large external account deficits and illusionary wealth on the back of inflated Auckland house prices.
New Zealanders across the Tasman generally have a reputation for being hard-working, helpful and flexible, an attitude we must retain.
The competitive world does not owe us a living, and New Zealanders must be realistic and smart.
Auckland, as the biggest city by far and as the commercial centre, remains the magnet for most migration.
It is home to many of the job opportunities and the growth and popularity feeds on itself. While the extent of this is unhealthy, at least a substantial number of migrants to New Zealand are venturing south.
