Young New Zealanders Flee to Australia in Record Numbers

Recent data from Stats NZ reveals a significant trend: more young New Zealanders are leaving the country than returning. In the past year, nearly 73,000 New Zealanders departed, while only 26,000 came back. Among those who left, individuals aged 18 to 30 accounted for 38 percent of the departures, with many heading to Australia.

One notable example is Sean Collier, a 27-year-old lawyer and stand-up comedian from Whangārei. He relocated to Melbourne two years ago, citing the economic opportunities and proximity to home as key factors in his decision. “It was a no brainer,” Collier stated. “It was just a large economy and a relatively short distance away from home.”

Collier noted that, in the past year, numerous friends from his university days have also made the move to Melbourne. “It makes me wonder who’s left at home sometimes,” he reflected. He described his job search in Australia as relatively straightforward, with a salary nearly double what he earned back in New Zealand.

Living costs have been comparable, but Collier pointed out that grocery prices are significantly lower in Australia. “I’d say across the board cost of living decreased, wages massively increased,” he explained. “To be honest, it was a pretty painfully easy decision, and a lot of my generation have that view.”

Despite his initial reluctance to leave, Collier emphasized that economic necessity drove his choice. “I would like to raise my kids in New Zealand one day, but at present, frankly, it’s economically inconceivable for most people,” he said. During his time in New Zealand, Collier described living “pay cheque to pay cheque,” which was challenging even without children.

He expressed concern for young families struggling to make ends meet. “I can’t even imagine what it’s like for people with a young child to feed over there at the moment, working just a normal job. It’s just not realistic for a lot of people.”

Collier believes a serious discussion is needed in New Zealand about what the country can offer to its youth. In an increasingly globalized environment, he noted that New Zealand workers are in demand, and the expectation that they would remain in the country is unrealistic.

A significant factor contributing to the youth exodus is the perceived hopelessness regarding home ownership in New Zealand. Collier criticized the government’s decision to scrap the First Home Grants scheme, which was aimed at helping first-time buyers. This move, he argued, sends a negative message to his generation, suggesting that property ownership is unattainable. Last year, the government announced it would eliminate the scheme, aiming to save $245 million over four years.

Collier proposed that a student loan forgiveness scheme could encourage young people to return. “There’s a lot of people that really would like to return, but it’s just like why would you take a pay cut like that without some sort of economic benefit to you?” he questioned.

He pointed out that owning a home is more feasible in Australia, where there are more government-backed first home buyer schemes. “Just on top of that, you can earn more money here,” he said, noting that even café workers in Australia often earn more than tradespeople in New Zealand. “It’s outrageous.”

As the trend continues of young Kiwis moving across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand faces tough questions about its economic landscape and what it can do to retain its youth. The experiences of individuals like Sean Collier highlight a growing urgency for change in policies that affect housing, wages, and opportunities for the next generation.