For many young New Zealanders, the allure of economic stability has led them to abandon ship for Australia. With record numbers of departures flooding across the Tasman, it's clear that the appeal of higher salaries and a stronger economy is proving too great to resist.
Hayden Fisher, 24, is just one example of this trend. Having moved from Wellington to Sydney last year, he's now reaping the benefits of a more secure financial future – spending around a quarter of what he used to on groceries, and enjoying "a path to economic stability" that was previously unimaginable in New Zealand.
But it's not just about the money. Fisher's move was also motivated by his disillusionment with the government's handling of the country's economy and social issues. "I love New Zealand, I love the people, the culture … but I feel like the National party are mismanaging it," he says, adding that he'd only consider moving back if conditions for students and renters became more "liveable".
Fisher is just one of tens of thousands of New Zealanders who have opted to leave the country in recent years. With a record 73,900 citizens departing in the year to August 2025 – up from the previous record of 73,300 – it's clear that Australia has become the go-to destination for those seeking better economic opportunities.
The data tells the story: Australia boasts higher average weekly incomes ($64,400 compared to New Zealand's $48,000), and its citizens have work and residency rights in the country. The opportunity for growth is simply too great to ignore – as one New Zealander told us, "Wellington is starting to feel quite hollow and a bit spooky".
Of course, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Many of those leaving are highly skilled workers who could be contributing to New Zealand's economy in other ways. But for now, the allure of Australia's economy seems too great to resist.
As Prof Alan Gamlen from the Australian National University puts it, "The flow towards Australia is a vital source of flexible labour" in sectors such as hospitality, construction and healthcare. And with the current high influx of New Zealanders being linked to the economic downturn in New Zealand – which feels global shocks more intensely – it's clear that Australia has become the destination of choice for those seeking a better life.
But will many of these migrants ever return to New Zealand? It seems unlikely, at least in the near term. As one migrant told us, "New Zealand is a beautiful country, but … a bunch of beautiful mountains can't really pay your rent and pay your bills". With Australia's economy offering a more secure financial future, it's clear that many are choosing to stay put – at least for now.
Hayden Fisher, 24, is just one example of this trend. Having moved from Wellington to Sydney last year, he's now reaping the benefits of a more secure financial future – spending around a quarter of what he used to on groceries, and enjoying "a path to economic stability" that was previously unimaginable in New Zealand.
But it's not just about the money. Fisher's move was also motivated by his disillusionment with the government's handling of the country's economy and social issues. "I love New Zealand, I love the people, the culture … but I feel like the National party are mismanaging it," he says, adding that he'd only consider moving back if conditions for students and renters became more "liveable".
Fisher is just one of tens of thousands of New Zealanders who have opted to leave the country in recent years. With a record 73,900 citizens departing in the year to August 2025 – up from the previous record of 73,300 – it's clear that Australia has become the go-to destination for those seeking better economic opportunities.
The data tells the story: Australia boasts higher average weekly incomes ($64,400 compared to New Zealand's $48,000), and its citizens have work and residency rights in the country. The opportunity for growth is simply too great to ignore – as one New Zealander told us, "Wellington is starting to feel quite hollow and a bit spooky".
Of course, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Many of those leaving are highly skilled workers who could be contributing to New Zealand's economy in other ways. But for now, the allure of Australia's economy seems too great to resist.
As Prof Alan Gamlen from the Australian National University puts it, "The flow towards Australia is a vital source of flexible labour" in sectors such as hospitality, construction and healthcare. And with the current high influx of New Zealanders being linked to the economic downturn in New Zealand – which feels global shocks more intensely – it's clear that Australia has become the destination of choice for those seeking a better life.
But will many of these migrants ever return to New Zealand? It seems unlikely, at least in the near term. As one migrant told us, "New Zealand is a beautiful country, but … a bunch of beautiful mountains can't really pay your rent and pay your bills". With Australia's economy offering a more secure financial future, it's clear that many are choosing to stay put – at least for now.
is this really what we've become as a society? Young people leaving their homeland in search of economic stability because the government can't seem to get it right. I love NZ just like Hayden Fisher does, but the lack of investment and planning from our leaders is staggering 
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. It's about the sense of security and future-proofing that Australia offers. I've got mates who've left and they're raking it in, getting paid more for doing less. Meanwhile, we're stuck with stagnant wages and an economy that can't seem to grow 
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Like, I get it, the economy is better in Aus and all that but have you seen the startup scene in Wellington lately? 
It's popping! And with the govt doing stuff to support small businesses and entrepreneurs... 
But at the same time, we have our own unique vibes and culture that Aust will never replicate... 
With so many smart and talented Kiwis moving to Aus, we're basically getting a boost in brainpower and expertise without even having to leave NZ...
. It's like they're chasing a dollar sign and forgetting what really matters – community, culture, and a sense of belonging 
. Is that economic stability worth trading our unique identity for? I don't think so 
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! I'm not surprised to see so many Kiwis making the leap across the Tasman. I mean, who wouldn't want a quarter of their old expenses on groceries? It's like they're getting away with a sweet deal 
. But at what cost? We're losing some top talent here... and it's not just about the money - it seems like people are genuinely fed up with the government's handling of things.
. It's like they're leaving these young Kiwis high and dry 
. I mean, $48,000 average weekly income is just laughable 
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. It's time for some real change in the government and a more sustainable economic plan 
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. The economic stability and job opportunities down under must be really tempting. On one hand, I get it - who wouldn't want a better chance to make ends meet? 
It's a complicated issue, and I'm not sure there are easy answers 
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. And let's be real, who can afford to live in Wellington anymore? 
The whole 'liveable' thing is just a myth at this point 
. Until NZ gets its act together, I think we'll keep seeing a brain drain to the land down under 
. Anyway, it'll be interesting to see how this all plays out 