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March 09, 2026
#national: Rising Cost of Living and Better Pay Overseas Driving Young Kiwis to Leave
Matthew Tukaki
Posted On March 9, 2026
Growing numbers of young New Zealanders are leaving Aotearoa in search of better opportunities overseas, with economic pressures and rising living costs emerging as major factors behind the trend.
A report highlighted by BBC News points to increasing concern about the number of young people choosing to move abroad, particularly to Australia, where wages and job prospects are often seen as more attractive. Many who leave say the difference in pay across the Tasman can be significant, even in entry-level jobs.
Migration data shows that tens of thousands of New Zealand citizens have departed in recent years, with many aged in their twenties and early thirties. Around 40 percent of those leaving are between 18 and 30 years old, raising concerns about the long-term impact on the country’s workforce and economy.
Economists say the trend reflects a combination of pressures, including high housing costs, relatively low wages compared with other developed countries, and limited career opportunities in some sectors. These factors can make it difficult for young people starting their careers to establish financial stability in New Zealand.
Australia continues to be the most common destination for departing New Zealanders. The two countries share close labour market ties, and New Zealand citizens can live and work in Australia without needing a visa, making relocation relatively straightforward.
In addition to economic motivations, some migrants say lifestyle and career prospects also influence their decision to move. Better pay, lower living costs in some regions, and greater job opportunities have been cited as key reasons for relocating across the Tasman.
However, analysts caution that the movement of people between countries is not unusual and can also bring benefits. Some economists view the trend less as a permanent “brain drain” and more as a global exchange of skills, with many New Zealanders eventually returning home with new experience, ideas and capital.
Even so, the scale of the recent departures has sparked debate about how Aotearoa can retain its younger workforce. With an ageing population and ongoing demand for skilled workers, policymakers and economists say creating stronger economic opportunities at home will be critical to ensuring future growth.
The issue has become increasingly visible in public discussion as more young New Zealanders weigh up whether their long-term future lies in Aotearoa or overseas.
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