A new PSA survey has revealed deepening fears of a major public service workforce exodus, with more than one in four public sector workers considering leaving New Zealand for better pay overseas.
The figures are even more alarming among younger workers, with nearly half of respondents under the age of 25 saying they are thinking about moving abroad.
The survey has intensified concerns about the long-term sustainability of New Zealand’s public services, particularly across healthcare, corrections, social services and frontline community support.
Public service advocates say rising living costs, stagnant wages, job insecurity and worsening workplace conditions are among the major factors driving workers to consider leaving.
The widening pay gap between New Zealand and Australia continues to be a major issue, especially in sectors already struggling with severe staffing shortages.
Health workers, corrections officers, social workers and home support staff are among those increasingly attracted by higher salaries and better conditions overseas.
The PSA says recent government policies and restructuring across the public service have further damaged morale and increased anxiety among workers already under pressure.
Thousands of public sector jobs have been cut or reviewed in recent months as part of wider Government spending reductions, creating uncertainty across departments and frontline services.
Union leaders say changes affecting pay equity, workers’ rights and employment protections have also contributed to growing frustration within the workforce.
Staffing shortages are already impacting essential services, with concerns mounting over increased workloads, burnout, delays and reduced service capacity.
Healthcare services remain under intense pressure, while corrections, social support and community-based services are also reporting workforce strain.
Critics warn that if the trend continues, New Zealand risks losing a generation of skilled workers trained within the country but ultimately choosing to build careers overseas.
The issue is particularly concerning for rural areas and vulnerable communities that already experience limited access to healthcare and social services.
Public sector representatives say the challenge is no longer simply about recruitment, but about whether New Zealand can remain competitive enough to retain the skilled workforce needed to sustain essential public services into the future.
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