New Zealand Exodus: Why More Kiwis Are Leaving Than Ever Before
May 8 , 2025
New Zealand is facing an unprecedented wave of emigration, as thousands of citizens flee a struggling economy, skyrocketing living costs, and limited job prospects. For families like the Bakers, leaving behind a familiar life in Dunedin was not an easy decision—but one they felt they had no choice but to make.
Harriet and Cameron Baker recently sold their South Island home and moved with their young son to Western Australia. “The cost of living just kept climbing, and we were barely making ends meet,” Harriet explained. Cameron now works in the mining sector, while Harriet has taken on caregiving responsibilities.
The Bakers are not alone. A record-breaking 69,100 New Zealanders left the country in the year leading up to February 2025. While new migrants continue to arrive, the net loss of native-born citizens in 2024 was the highest on record, with 56% relocating to Australia—drawn by its 26% higher average wage.
A Shifting Demographic Landscape
The emigration wave is affecting all age groups. While young adults have traditionally sought adventure overseas, increasing numbers of 30–39-year-olds and retirees are now joining them. Sociologists warn this could shift the “center of gravity” for families, making it harder for future generations to return home.
“We’re witnessing a hollowing out of the mid-career workforce,” said economist Shamubeel Eaqub. “These are the people who drive productivity. Their absence puts enormous strain on our labour market.”
Small Towns in Crisis
The effects are most visible in small towns like Ohakune, where shop closures and ‘For Sale’ signs have become commonplace. The local iwi, Ngāti Rangi, is working to retain residents through community training and urging businesses to hire locals. Still, with two major mills shutting down in 2024, the town lost 220 jobs, sending many families abroad.
“We’ve had workers who just bought homes now forced to mow lawns to pay mortgages,” said Jude Sinai, a community liaison. “When populations shrink, public services vanish—schools close, healthcare declines, and opportunities dry up.”
Government Response and Debate
New Zealand’s center-right government plans to cut spending by NZ$1 billion to curb debt, but critics argue this may worsen the outflow. Labour leader Chris Hipkins labeled the budget cuts as a direct push factor for young New Zealanders.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis pushed back, stating the country must grow its economy to retain talent. “We need to show New Zealanders that they have a promising future here,” she said. But for those already abroad, that promise remains distant.
A Better Life Abroad?
For many, the move has already paid off. Former Te Kuiti social worker Waikauri Hirini now lives in Perth with three generations of her family. “I wanted to serve my community back home, but the workload and low pay broke me,” she said.
Surveyor Daniel Reed, who moved to Townsville, echoed that sentiment. “We’re saving over $1,000 every two weeks, and our kids are thriving,” he said. “They’ll always be Kiwis—but they know the Australian anthem better now.”
As the trend continues, experts worry about the long-term sustainability of New Zealand’s towns, workforce, and identity. For now, the country faces a pressing question: how do you bring people back when they’ve already built a better life elsewhere?