Government statistics reveal that record numbers of people are leaving New Zealand due to rising unemployment, high interest rates, and sluggish economic growth. According to data from Statistics New Zealand released on Tuesday, 131,200 individuals departed the country in the year ending June 2024, marking a provisional record for an annual period. Approximately one-third of these emigrants headed to Australia. Despite high levels of net migration, economists anticipate a decline as fewer foreign nationals seek to move to New Zealand due to its weaker economy. The data indicated that 80,174 of those leaving were citizens, nearly double the pre-pandemic figures.
Merrily Allen, a dental administration professional, is among those planning to relocate, with her partner and 14-year-old daughter, to Hobart, Tasmania, in early 2025. Allen cited abundant opportunities in her field and the superior work prospects and living conditions in Australia as reasons for their move. During the pandemic, many New Zealanders returned home due to the government's effective outbreak management, but some are now disillusioned with the country's economic challenges.
Economists note that high living costs, elevated interest rates, and limited job opportunities are prompting New Zealanders to consider Australia, the UK, and other destinations. New Zealand's economy faces difficulties following the central bank's aggressive rate hikes, with annual growth of just 0.2% in the first quarter, a 4.7% unemployment rate in the second quarter, and persistent inflation at 3.3%. Meanwhile, Australia is actively recruiting skilled workers in sectors like nursing, policing, and teaching, offering relocation incentives to New Zealanders who do not require visas.
