New data shows a record number of New Zealand citizens leaving the country, with a large number going to Australia.
Statistics New Zealand’s temporary international migration data shows an estimated 130,000 migrants left in the year to April, the highest annual level on record.
Of those leaving the country long-term, an estimated 81,200 were New Zealand citizens, a 41 per cent increase on the previous year. This number increased from the previous record of 72,400 departures set in 2012.
During this period, 24,800 New Zealand citizens arrived, taking the net citizen migration loss to 56,500, exceeding the 2012 record of 44,400.
Overall, annual net migration increased by 98,500, with 154,900 non-New Zealand citizens entering the country. Immigrants from India are the largest group, followed by the Philippines and China.
On Wednesday, Statistics New Zealand also released provisional data on Australian immigration. The report shows that in the year to September 2023, 53% of New Zealand citizens traveled to Australia.
In recent years, New Zealanders – particularly young professionals and graduates – have reported leaving the country due to the high cost of living and ongoing job shortages. It is also considered a rite of passage for many young New Zealanders heading overseas after completing their studies or higher education.
Statistics New Zealand does not collect specific data from New Zealanders on why they are leaving, but says overall trends can be studied.
Tehseen Islam, demographic indicators manager at Statistics New Zealand, said: “Historically, changes in immigration have often been the result of a combination of factors, including relative economic and labor market conditions between New Zealand and the rest of the world. “
Brad Olsen, chief economist at Infometrics, said there are two main factors driving overseas migration.
“There will be young New Zealanders traveling overseas seeking overseas experience, or delaying overseas experience because there has been significant disruption in that area over the past few years,” he said.
But he said half of New Zealanders were migrating to Australia, suggesting more people and families were looking for opportunities and making more permanent moves.
Australian employers often try to recruit New Zealand workers with higher wages and better working conditions.
Olson said while it was normal for New Zealanders to leave the country, it would be harder to convince people to return if housing affordability and job prospects persisted.
Olson said that as the population ages, “brain drain” could cause problems for society.
“We need as many young people as possible who are still part of the economy… who are constantly innovating and bringing new thinking into the game so that we can be more productive,” he said.
“If we lose young talent and can’t attract them back, then it all becomes meaningless. [that] too difficult.
