April 07, 2026

#finance: MONEY MOVES: MĀORI COACH WARNS BIGGER PAY OVERSEAS WON’T FIX BAD HABITS

Dale Husband Posted On April 7, 2026

Dale Husband #finance: MONEY MOVES: MĀORI COACH WARNS BIGGER PAY OVERSEAS WON’T FIX BAD HABITS

As more New Zealanders look across the Tasman for better pay, Māori entrepreneur Te Kahukura Boynton is urging whānau to rethink their approach to money before making the move, warning that higher income alone does not guarantee financial security.

Boynton, a mindset and business coach and host of the Māori Millionaire podcast, says many people heading to Australia are unprepared for the financial and emotional realities that come with the decision. While wages may be higher, so too are living costs, and without a clear plan, the opportunity to build wealth can quickly disappear.

She says one of the biggest challenges is the assumption that more money will automatically solve financial stress. In reality, poor habits often follow people across borders, meaning increased earnings can be offset by higher spending, lack of savings and limited long-term planning.

Preparation, she argues, is key.

Before leaving Aotearoa, individuals should have a clear understanding of their current financial position, including debt, savings and regular expenses. Establishing a realistic budget, building an emergency fund and setting clear financial goals are essential steps to ensure that any increase in income leads to real progress rather than short-term gains.

Tax obligations and financial structures also need careful consideration, particularly for those planning to send money home or invest while living overseas. Without a strategy, Boynton says, many find themselves earning more but still feeling financially stuck.

Beyond the practical, there are also cultural and emotional barriers to address.

Boynton highlights that many Māori are reluctant to openly discuss money, often due to whakamā, historical disadvantage and a lack of access to financial education. This silence can make it harder for whānau to share knowledge, plan collectively or support each other in building wealth.

She advocates for culturally grounded approaches that centre trust, collective wellbeing and open kōrero, encouraging whānau to normalise conversations about money in a way that aligns with their values and lived experiences.

The focus, she says, should not just be on individual success, but on lifting whānau together.

For those considering a move overseas, Boynton is calling for immediate, practical action. She recommends starting with three key steps: gaining clarity on current finances, creating a simple and consistent savings plan, and setting clear intentions for how increased income will be used to build long-term security.

She also encourages whānau to begin conversations now, rather than waiting until financial pressure forces the issue.

As more New Zealanders weigh up opportunities abroad, Boynton’s message is clear: the move itself is not the solution. Without the right mindset and strategy, higher pay can quickly be absorbed by the same patterns that existed at home.

For those who prepare well, however, the opportunity remains significant – not just to earn more, but to create lasting financial change for themselves and their whānau.