A mass exodus is underway in New Zealand, with record numbers of Kiwis choosing to leave their homeland. But where are they going, and why? The answer might surprise you.
The Great Kiwi Migration
Hayden Fisher, a 24-year-old from Wellington, made the move to Sydney a year ago, and his financial situation transformed almost instantly. In New Zealand, Fisher was relying on buy-now-pay-later services just to afford groceries, often spending half his wages on weekly shopping. But in Australia, he's spending a fraction of that, and he's not alone.
Fisher is one of tens of thousands of New Zealanders making the same choice. Provisional data from Stats NZ shows a staggering 73,900 Kiwis departed in the year to August 2025, a new record. More than half of these individuals chose Australia as their new home, drawn by higher incomes and the work and residency rights afforded to New Zealanders there.
But here's where it gets controversial...
The Economic Pull
Prof Alan Gamlen, director of the Migration Hub at the Australian National University (ANU), suggests this mass migration is partly due to New Zealand's weak economy. He points to the wage gap between the two countries, with Australia's GDP per capita at around $64,400 compared to New Zealand's $48,000. This disparity is a significant draw for many, especially those seeking economic stability.
Genevieve Fulton, a recent arrival in Melbourne, echoes this sentiment. She moved in January and has seen her earnings more than double, allowing her to work fewer hours in hospitality and pursue her dream career in illustration. Fulton's brother, a welder, made the same move two years prior, citing the 'insane' money and opportunities available in Australia.
A Changing Homeland
For some, the decision to leave New Zealand is not just about economics. Tyla Vaeau, a master of traditional Samoan tattooing, felt a profound shift in her homeland. She moved to the Gold Coast in January, drawn by the changing landscape of Auckland and the desire to be closer to her family who had already relocated. Vaeau's story is not unique; many New Zealanders are choosing to stay in Australia, citing the unaffordability of returning home due to the current cost of living and housing crisis.
Andy Fechney, who moved to Sydney for a graduate program, agrees. He sees Australia as offering more opportunities for his career. Analysis by the ANU Migration Hub supports this, finding that 80% of the New Zealand diaspora lives in major Australian cities, with Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, and Sydney being the most popular destinations.
A Vital Source of Labour
Gamlen describes the influx of New Zealanders as a "vital source of flexible labour" for Australia, particularly in sectors like hospitality, construction, and healthcare. He argues that New Zealanders are "net-positive contributors" to the Australian economy, paying more in taxes than they consume.
While New Zealand may worry about "brain drain," Gamlen suggests this flow of people should be seen as a "brain exchange." Having a large, skilled diaspora is a significant advantage, allowing New Zealand to have a stronger political and diplomatic presence through its expatriates.
For many New Zealanders in Australia, a return to their homeland seems unlikely in the near future. The economic and social benefits of staying in Australia are too great to ignore.
And this is the part most people miss...
The decision to leave New Zealand is complex, driven by a combination of economic factors, personal circumstances, and a changing social landscape. It's a story of opportunity, growth, and the search for a better life, and it's one that's playing out across the Tasman Sea.
What do you think? Is the grass truly greener across the ditch? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
