Applications for the annual immigration quota for 1,100 Samoan citizens wanting to move to New Zealand have been drawn in a computerised ballot system.
New Zealand's Immigration branch Manager in Apia, Lauano Ati Ilaoa, says 9,605 applications were received this year.
Figures of last year's quota were not made available during the ceremony this morning at the New Zealand's High Commission Office.
But Lauano says the New Zealand government has approved an increase of 25 percent for an overdraw of applications apart from the original 1,100.
The New Zealand High Commissioner in Samoa, John Adank, says the quota scheme is important for the bonds between the two countries.
The result of the draw will be published in local newspapers this weekend.
