Lexi Webster
New Zealanders are migrating to Australia in record numbers, with 53% of New Zealand citizen departures heading to Australia in the year to September 2023. This has been attributed to various factors, including the allure of warmer climates, better economic opportunities, and higher pay. Australia's centre-left Labor government has also made it easier for Kiwis to obtain passports and benefits, increasing the appeal of relocation. Additionally, the recent cost-of-living crisis in New Zealand, coupled with high housing costs and a struggling economy, has prompted many to seek better prospects across the Tasman Sea. This trend, known as a brain drain, has raised concerns in New Zealand about the potential societal impact as more experienced professionals and families join the exodus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Migration period | 2023 to 2025 |
| Percentage of New Zealanders migrating to Australia | 53% |
| Total number of New Zealanders migrating | 130,600 |
| Net migration loss of citizens | 56,500 |
| Total number of New Zealanders in Australia | 620,000 |
| Percentage of New Zealand's population in Australia | 15% |
| Reasons for migration | High living costs, job shortages, higher pay, better working conditions, sunnier climate, rite of passage, similar culture |
| Impact on New Zealand | Brain drain, housing affordability issues, job prospects issues |
| Visa and citizenship | Special category visas, no civic rights, no voting rights, no route to citizenship |
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What You'll Learn
Higher pay and better working conditions
New Zealanders have been migrating to Australia in record numbers. In the year to April, an estimated 81,200 New Zealand citizens left the country, with 53% of those departures being to Australia. This is a 41% increase on the previous year.
One of the main reasons for this is the promise of higher pay and better working conditions. Australian employers have been known to recruit New Zealand workers with offers of higher salaries and improved working environments. For example, the Australian state's police service has advertised "warmer days and higher pays" to New Zealand healthcare workers, along with a $20,000 relocation bonus and 300 days of annual sunshine.
The income gap between the two countries has been growing for decades. Australia's per-person GDP is about a third higher than New Zealand's when adjusted for purchasing power. This means that Australian workers have more spending power and a higher standard of living compared to their New Zealand counterparts.
Additionally, Australia's centre-left Labor government has made it easier for Kiwis to obtain passports and access benefits. This creates an attractive opportunity for New Zealanders seeking better economic prospects and working conditions.
The flow of New Zealanders to Australia is not a new phenomenon. Historically, there have been periods of migration from New Zealand to Australia, such as in the late 1960s and the late 1970s. However, the recent increase in migration may be harder to reverse due to ongoing issues in New Zealand, such as housing affordability and job prospects.
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High living costs and job shortages
New Zealand citizens are leaving the country in record numbers, with 53% of these departures being to Australia. High living costs and ongoing job shortages are the main reasons for this exodus. New Zealanders, especially young professionals and graduates, are attracted by the prospect of higher pay and better working conditions. Australian employers frequently recruit New Zealand workers by offering better salaries and improved working conditions.
The income gap between the two countries has been widening over the years, with Australia's per-person GDP being about a third higher than New Zealand's when adjusted for purchasing power. Australia's centre-left Labor Government has also made it easier for New Zealanders to obtain passports and access benefits. Additionally, the warmer climate, larger population, and similar culture make Australia an attractive destination for New Zealanders seeking a better quality of life.
The outflow of talented individuals from New Zealand to Australia has led to concerns about a "'brain drain.'" This trend could pose problems for New Zealand as its population ages, as it may become increasingly difficult to convince emigrants to return. To address this issue, the New Zealand government needs to focus on improving housing affordability and creating more attractive job prospects.
While the migration flow between the two countries is not new, the recent surge in New Zealanders choosing Australia as their destination highlights the challenges New Zealand faces in retaining its talented citizens. The New Zealand government's efforts to tighten visa rules may help reduce emigration levels, but addressing the underlying economic and labour market conditions will be crucial to stem the tide of departures.
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Warmer climate
Australia's warmer climate has been a significant pull factor for New Zealanders considering migration. The promise of "warmer days" and 300 days of annual sunshine has been a persuasive factor in the decision-making process for many Kiwis, particularly those seeking a change from the colder winters in New Zealand.
New Zealand's climate is generally temperate, with relatively mild, rainy winters. However, the allure of a warmer climate in Australia, specifically in regions like Queensland, has drawn many New Zealanders seeking a more tropical or subtropical climate. The opportunity to "ditch the winter chill" and enjoy a sunnier climate all year round is an attractive prospect for those seeking a change in weather patterns.
Historically, migration patterns between the two countries have fluctuated. In the 1860s, many Australians moved to New Zealand due to the Otago and Westland goldfields, but in the 1880s, as Melbourne prospered and New Zealand faced an economic depression, the migration flow reversed. From the late 1960s onwards, a significant number of New Zealanders migrated to Australia, with a surge in the late 1970s, and this trend has continued, with Australia's climate being one of the attractive factors.
The climate in Australia varies across its vast landscape, offering a range of options for migrants. The northern regions, such as Queensland, boast a tropical climate with hot, humid summers and warm winters. This is in stark contrast to New Zealand's cooler temperatures, particularly during the winter months. The appeal of year-round sunshine and milder winters has been a driving force for many New Zealanders seeking a more comfortable and enjoyable climate.
Additionally, the Australian government has actively promoted its warmer climate through advertising campaigns targeting New Zealanders. These campaigns have enticed New Zealanders, particularly those in specific professions, by highlighting the combination of a warmer climate and higher pay. For example, advertisements targeting New Zealand's healthcare workers and police officers have emphasized the prospect of "policing in paradise" and enjoying "warmer days and higher pays." The relocation bonus of A$20,000 further enhances the appeal of migrating to Australia for those seeking a warmer climate without compromising their careers or incomes.
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Brain drain
The emigration of New Zealanders to Australia has been a topic of concern for policymakers, who worry about a "brain drain" of highly skilled professionals leaving the country. This phenomenon is characterised by the migration of highly skilled or educated individuals from one country to another in search of better opportunities, higher salaries, improved work-life balance, or access to specialised industries that are more developed in the destination country.
New Zealand has a strong historical bond with Australia, sharing economic and cultural ties that have fostered a significant flow of talent between the two nations, particularly among professionals in the legal, accounting, and financial services sectors. The competitive job market in Australia, coupled with higher salaries and better opportunities, makes it challenging for New Zealand firms to retain skilled professionals. This results in recruitment challenges and a skills gap in New Zealand, as these professionals take with them their diverse perspectives, expertise, and experiences.
However, the brain drain is not a one-way street. While New Zealand loses skilled professionals to Australia, it also gains talented individuals from other countries, resulting in a "brain exchange". Additionally, the emigration of New Zealanders can be an opportunity for growth and innovation, as businesses in New Zealand invest in new technologies and training programs to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
To mitigate the brain drain and retain talented professionals, New Zealand can offer competitive salaries and benefits packages, provide opportunities for career progression and professional development, and improve work-life balance. Strengthening the industry infrastructure within the affected sectors can also help close the gap with Australia and make New Zealand a more attractive option for skilled professionals.
While the brain drain is a valid concern, it is important to recognise that emigration is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon influenced by various economic, social, and political factors. Addressing these underlying issues and creating an environment that supports the growth and retention of talented individuals is crucial for New Zealand's future prosperity.
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Rite of passage for young people
Young people in New Zealand and Australia face a unique set of challenges and opportunities that can shape their transition into adulthood. This critical period, often referred to as a "rite of passage", is marked by significant decisions, experiences, and cultural influences that can have lasting impacts on their lives. Here are some aspects that contribute to this pivotal stage of their lives:
- Economic Factors and Opportunities: Economic conditions play a significant role in the decisions of young people to migrate or seek opportunities elsewhere. New Zealand has faced challenges with a struggling economy, rising unemployment, and increasing living costs. In contrast, Australia offers higher wages and better working conditions, attracting young professionals and graduates. This income gap between the two countries has been growing for decades, with Australia's per-person GDP being about a third higher than New Zealand's. As a result, many young New Zealanders view migrating to Australia as a "rite of passage" and an opportunity to gain financial stability and advance their careers.
- Education and Personal Growth: The transition from secondary school to higher education or alternative pathways is a critical phase in the lives of young people. Programs like "The Rite Journey", implemented in various schools across Australia and New Zealand, aim to guide students through this transformative period. This curriculum, consisting of weekly lessons and ceremonies, helps students navigate the complexities of adolescence, develop personal responsibility, and foster cultural change within the school community. It addresses issues such as excessive screen time, family problems, bullying, sexism, racism, and anger management. By encouraging meaningful conversations and challenging students, the program promotes personal growth and a smoother transition into adulthood.
- Social and Cultural Influences: Young people are heavily influenced by their social and cultural environments, which can impact their behaviours and outlook. For example, the behaviour of admired sports stars and musicians can shape the actions and attitudes of youth. Additionally, societal expectations and rituals surrounding significant life transitions, such as the Tikopian superincision rites or the Maori tohi rite in New Zealand, can mark the passage from childhood to adulthood. These rituals reinforce social ties and signify a change in social status through symbolic actions.
- Travel and Exploration: Travelling overseas, particularly to Australia, has been described as a "rite of passage" for many young New Zealanders. The desire for new experiences and exploration beyond their borders is a driving force for migration. This may be especially true for those who have completed their education and seek an "overseas experience" before settling into long-term careers or permanent residences.
- Housing and Job Prospects: The availability of affordable housing and job opportunities are crucial factors influencing young people's decisions to migrate. New Zealand has faced challenges with housing affordability, and the "brain drain" resulting from a lack of job prospects could pose problems for the country as its population ages. In contrast, Australia's centre-left Labor government has implemented policies that make it easier for Kiwis to obtain passports and access benefits, further incentivising migration.
The combination of these economic, social, cultural, and personal factors creates a dynamic and transformative "rite of passage" for young people in New Zealand and Australia, shaping their decisions, experiences, and outlook on life as they transition into adulthood.
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Frequently asked questions
People migrate from New Zealand to Australia for various reasons, including the warmer climate, higher pay, and better working conditions. Australia's economy has also weathered the cost-of-living crisis better than New Zealand's, making it an attractive alternative.
New Zealanders have historically been one of the largest sources of immigration to Australia, with people born in New Zealand accounting for 2.3% of Australia's population as of June 2006. This has contributed to a "'brain drain'" from New Zealand, with skilled professionals leaving the country in search of better opportunities in Australia.
In addition to the economic and climatic factors mentioned above, cultural similarities between the two countries, as well as the ability for New Zealanders to live and work freely in Australia, make it an appealing choice for those considering migration.
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